7 signs you’re becoming the person you were meant to be, according to psychology

Do you know what it means to become the person you are meant to be? 

It’s a healthy question to ask. After all, we’re constantly evolving and changing. 

Yet, with no internal sense of direction, we feel lost and not authentic. 

I think many of us spend our lives wondering if we are on the right track. But there are signs you are.

Here are a few of them, along with quotes from psychologists to shed some light on why these signs are significant:

1) You evaluate your emotions and behaviour

When you become more self-aware, you notice the signs your emotions and behaviour send you.

You cannot step onto the path of personal growth without becoming attuned to your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour—afterall, that is what growth is all about! 

This liberating process of self-discovery helps you make choices that are true to yourself and your desires.

“Self-awareness is the ability to take an honest look at your life without any attachment to it being right or wrong, good or bad,” said personal development author Debbie Ford in her best-selling book, The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.

In short, without it is difficult to find direction and purpose in life.

You can develop self-awareness by journaling, meditating, talking to others, and reflecting on your behaviour.

2) You feel more comfortable in your skin

As you become conscious of self-awareness, you start to embrace your imperfections

Instead of viewing flaws as obstacles, you see them as unique aspects contributing to your individuality.

You realise you’re not afraid to be yourself, even if it means being different from others. You don’t feel the need to apologise for who you are.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change,” said Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology. 

When you stop denying aspects of yourself, you create a foundation for personal evolution

Some ways to become comfortable in your skin (that will simultaneously encourage growth) are to celebrate your achievements, set clear goals, and prioritise self-care.

3) You’re friends are positive people

Psychologists tell us that the quality of our relationships says a lot about our inner growth.

Surround yourself with positive people; you’re likely to experience personal growth.

That’s because the right people support and encourage you to be your best self.

If they are not, consider spending time with people who uplift and inspire you.

Jim Rohn, renowned personal development speaker, once said, ‘You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’

In short, your social circle significantly influences your overall well-being and fulfilment. Choose carefully!

4) You follow your passions 

Similar to picking positive people, consciously choose your activities wisely.

The path to growth is to spend less time doing things that emotionally and physically drain you. Instead, you fearlessly follow your passions. 

After all, do you want to spend your life feeling apathetic? 

Perhaps that’s why Oprah Winfrey, the influential talk show host, said, ‘Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.’

Step into this energy and do things you love, even when challenging or scary. You’re not afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.

5) You feel a sense of purpose in your life

Learn as you go 7 signs you’re becoming the person you were meant to be, according to psychology

Follow passion because another wonderful side effect is you find meaning

Finding meaning goes beyond the day-to-day routines and activities. It encompasses a deeper understanding of why you do what you do and what you hope to contribute to the world. 

In short, you understand the broader impact of your actions and feel your existence contributes to something larger than yourself.

‘The purpose of life is not to be happy,’ says 18th-century philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’

Manifest this in both personal and professional aspects of your life. 

Crucially, contribute to the world and work towards your goals. 

Now that feels right. 

6) You handle setbacks better and forgive easily 

Even when living with purpose, life will inevitably present challenges. 

However, psychology teaches us resilience is vital to overcome them. 

As you evolve into your authentic self, you may notice an increased ability to bounce back from setbacks, demonstrating emotional intelligence and adaptability.

You understand everyone makes mistakes, and you forgive yourself and others for their shortcomings.

American philosopher Lewis Smedes said, ‘To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realise that the prisoner was you.’

Forgiveness allows you to let go of resentment, gain greater control over your responses to life’s challenges, and move on. 

What a force!

7) You’re more grateful for what you have 

Becoming the person you are to be leads to a heightened sense of gratitude for the good things in your life. 

Gratitude, as researched in positive psychology, has transformative effects on well-being. You become tuned in to the present moment and appreciate even the smaller joys.

It shifts your focus from what may be lacking to what is abundant. 

In the words of Melody Beattie, an American author, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

As you cultivate gratitude, you acknowledge the interconnectedness of your journey with others and the world. You’ll foster a sense of contentment that transcends the pursuit of external achievements.

And once you see the world like that, without a doubt, you’re becoming the person you are to be. Well done!

Picture of Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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