Inner Compass To Your Most Authentic Self

Who told you that you couldn’t succeed?

All of what you believe is possible are merely the limitations you’ve set for yourself. Maybe it was another a person who set these limitations, these obstacles, in your path. Maybe it was you who blocked the path long ago with all the branches and brambles of your past. It is simply in our nature to fear the unfamiliar trail of personal growth and success.

We are often consumed by life’s daily demands and sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the thought of even stepping off the familiar path we’ve come to know. Putting in more efforts elsewhere, like self-care or goal-setting, can feel like an impossible challenge. But the truth is, it should. In order to grow, it’s important to recognize challenges and redefine our limits.

When we allow these branches to remain on our path, they only serve to block us from finding better trails, shortcuts, uphill strength, downhill relief, and the possibility of achieving true happiness.

Are your limitations affecting your mental health?

If you’re nodding your head or saying “yep!” out loud, you may be recognizing the need to start changing those limitations. This means something is also lacking in your life and you are ready to face those challenges!

Now you may also be thinking, “No, I’m not really afraid to face challenges, it’s just nothing ever changes!” This may have to do with not knowing where to start, feeling a lack of motivation in pushing through, or just total frustration in the amount of effort it takes to maintain thinking or feeling differently. You are not alone. We all have good days and bad days. We all struggle with motivation, and truthfully, it’s tempting to slip back into old ways of thinking, pulling out that same old compass and map. In many ways, it feels easier for you to follow in the same circular footsteps you’ve been walking for years. The good news is, you don’t have to keep walking in circles. You are in control of your life and with a little practice, you can build better coping and motivation skills that will help you on your journey.

So where should you start?

Start where you are, by reflecting on the right now. Yeah, it sounds a little woo-wooy for some. But this just means taking time to be mindful of the present moment.

Take a moment to ask yourself these questions:

• What are you prioritizing in your life right now over yourself?

• What does your most desired authentic self look like?

• What outcome would you like to see at the end of this new path?

Once you’ve really answered these questions, a few significant things should be considered: You have limitless possibilities ahead. You are capable of overcoming obstacles. And most importantly, you deserve to prioritize yourself and your mental health, right now.

So, let’s pull out a new compass for this journey. This one is different; this one doesn’t show you a tried-and-false path of where you’ve been. This is your inner compass; it starts where you are now, leading you past all the old obstacles, down new unfamiliar trails and towards your most authentic self. In order to fully understand this type of compass, it is important to understand the truths about your environment, identify goals, and take small steps towards achieving those goals.

Here are 5 important ways to start this new journey:

1. Nurture healthy relationships with others

Nurturing relationships work both ways. If you are currently surrounded by people who maintain the branches and bramble in your path, it will remain difficult for you to start a new journey, work on goals or become more closely aligned with where you want to be. Finding and maintaining healthy relationships promotes a sense of belonging and support.

*TIP* Being transparent with others will help you identify and maintain healthy relationships with those who are likeminded and supportive. If you find that your transparency causes only conflict with those around you, you will likely feel that your authentic self will not be accepted by others. It then makes it more likely that you’ll continue to use that old compass.

But you don’t have to accept that reality. You don’t have to accept those type of relationships. They don’t need to follow you down your new path. You also will find healthy relationships with others along the way as long as you are staying true to your authentic self.

Reflect on the relationships around you.

• Are they supporting your most authentic self or are they only supporting the version of you that has been walking in circles?

• Is this version of you benefiting them somehow?

• Is this version of you helpful or unhelpful to you?

• Are there other people in your life that support your true goals, your true authentic self, and your journey?

In the coming weeks, trim back the weeds that tangle you. Find healthy relationships with those who will listen, encourage, and motivate you. Nurture these relationships; they are the waters of your growth and potential.

2. Stay grounded

Unfamiliar trails are only unfamiliar because you can’t foresee the uneven ground, the sudden uphills, and moments where you may feel like turning back. What we forget is that we also have the possibility of encountering beautiful shaded resting areas, downhill relief, and the exhilarating feeling of triumph after an uphill stretch.

We as human beings seem to only focus on potential problems to be solved. This is where we become consumed and preoccupied by worry, anxiety and stress. These feelings are normal but they do not have to be permanent.

Staying grounded means practicing mindfulness and taking moments to rest, breathe, and participate in activities that promote self-care and happiness. Letting go of potential problems can be achieved by also remembering to take just as much consideration for potential victories. Remember, your journey does not require you to run toward your destination. It only requires you to keep striving towards your goals one step at a time.

3. Get moving (literally!)

You can’t change your life by sitting in an office chair. And no, this does not mean you have to get up right now and follow the wise and ancient ways of Forest Gump. However, there is some wisdom and science between physical exercise and improving your mindset.

Studies show the results of heightened dopamine and endorphin levels in the body as well as significant neuroactivity in the brain simply from the practice of maintaining consistent physical exercise. Dopamine is the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness while endorphins act as natural antidepressants in the body. What’s more interesting is the fact that physical exercise also creates new neurons in the hippocampus which is the center for memory and learning!

This can be looked at from a more meaningful angle as well. Exercising itself actually helps the brain create new levels of support in the body that serve to soothe your worries, motivate you, encourage you, and overall build the inner strength required to overcome challenges. Remember, this is just about creating and maintaining a habit. Just 15 – 20 min a day of physical exercise can give you access to all those benefits!

4. Be Patient

Patience is key. We’ve always heard that, right?

Patience is the hardest thing to accomplish because it involves time, effort, and practice before seeing results. Your journey does not have a time limit, keep pushing onward.

No matter where you are now, you can find better paths and you can achieve your goals. Plus, your destination may actually be closer than you think. So, don’t give up. We are always learning and always growing. Be patient with yourself.

5. Keep track of your footsteps

This may mean keeping a journal, writing poetry, painting, monthly talks with a friend (or coach!), or even maintaining progress on social media. Whatever personally helps you track your steps and accomplishments. This serves to create new maps to follow; highlighting beautiful views, the uphills, the downhills, and all the winding roads you’ve braved along the way. It's important to recognize where you've come from and reflect on the efforts you’ve put in towards achieving our goals.

To sum everything up! Start slow. Clear the branches and bramble. Find your support persons! Be transparent. Stay grounded in the present moment. Get moving! Be patient with yourself. And ultimately, be proud of the progress you’ve made by choosing to follow your inner compass to your most authentic self.

Who told you that you couldn’t succeed?

You got this!

References

Zhang, Z., Chen, W. A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Happiness. J Happiness Stud 20, 1305–1322 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9976-0