Before you can become the best version of yourself, you need to identify the values and beliefs that define your purpose and place in the world. Previously, we spoke about finding your purpose by identifying your strengths, weaknesses and values. In this episode, we will go deeper into what it means to find your purpose and become the best version of you.

First, try sitting in front of a mirror and asking yourself these basic but difficult questions:

• What activities do I enjoy?

• Who do I enjoy being around?

• What impact do I want to have on the world?

• What is my happiest memory?

  
  

Be sincere and honest when answering these questions.

This was challenging. I had to think long and hard about some of my answers. In doing this exercise you will realize that your interests and goals have changed over time. Activities that you use to love no longer interest you and your circle have changed. In the past, I enjoyed hanging out with people who partied and drank a lot. Today I spend more time with people who are passionate about studying the word of God. I also realize that I love being at home, watching a good movie, or going to dinner with the ones in my circle.

So how can you become the best version of yourself? According to Tony Robins, authentic self-discovery isn’t easy. It takes courage and tenacity. To approach your essential self, you must turn away from distracting false beliefs that cloud or distort your self-perception. You need to reveal what drives you – not superficial things like money or power, but what drives you. Your ultimate purpose in life.

So here’s what you can do;

• Let go of limiting beliefs. You know who you are, but do you know who you could be?
  

Most of us are held back by limiting beliefs: untrue thoughts we have about ourselves. By learning to recognize and let go of whatever limiting beliefs are keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself, you’re able to push forward and find the person you really are.

• Amplify your strengths

  
  

Building on your strengths is crucial as this can help you manoeuvre difficult situations. When you spend time honing your skills you gained the confidence to face every obstacle and you are not afraid to sit in the discomfort of the decisions you’ve made.

• Develop a growth mindset
  

We are not perfect, and we are not good at everything. There are things we lack and it is important to acknowledge that if you want to be the best version of yourself. Most successful people see imperfection and failures as opportunities to grow and learn. These people have a growth mindset (a growth mindset means you enjoy taking on new challenges. You’re willing to put in the work to gain new abilities or increase your intelligence.). They see their weaknesses as opportunities for improvement.

• Identity expectations

Our values and beliefs shape our personal view of the world, however some of our values and beliefs are imposed and impressed upon us. Some aspects of our identity is unconsciously influenced by expectations set by society, family, friends and our environment. Once we are able to pinpoint those expectations we can move towards learning how to be the best version of ourselves.

• Getting rid of the old, embracing the new

Trying to be the best version of yourself means shedding parts of your identity that no longer aligns with your current goals or serves any positive purpose for the future. Its easy to get comfortable or seek out familiar situations because unfamiliarity signals uncertainty. No one likes uncertainty because it means having little to no control over a situation, place, people and things. But in order to be the best version of yourself embracing change and shedding the old for the new is crucial.

To be continued.