As difficult as it might be, taking the time to dig into your thoughts and feelings is vital if you want to make informed decisions about your life and future. If you want to be your own best advocate you must first understand who you are and what you want. Plus you need to know where you want to take your life.  

Here are five ways to help you get closer to discovering who you really are:

Experiment and Practice Your Skills and Weaknesses

Take the time to explore and practice various skills, potential career paths, or hobbies. Don’t make decisions because of trying something one time or thinking you are not “good enough” at it. Practice, try new things, and eventually you will find what works best for you. More often than not, practicing is what it takes for people to finally understand their personal capabilities.

Develop A Relationship with Yourself 

Sit down and ask yourself questions such as “What do I like to do?”, “What am I passionate about?”, and “What excites me enough to want to wake up in the morning?” These are all important questions that enable you to further understand your likes, dislikes, and interests. After you answer these questions and become accustomed to them, take some time out of your day to do something that makes you feel peaceful or happy. It might be simple as taking a bath, writing in a journal, or walking in the garden, but it is important to find what works best for you and makes you feel most connected to yourself. 

Be Honest with Your Thoughts and Emotions

Pay attention to how certain events affect you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Your mind is a judgment-free zone and you don’t need to justify it. Instead, you need to understand them. Learn to recognize each emotion and what is causing them. It’s important to be conscious of your feelings and how you respond in different situations, as this reveals things about yourself that you didn’t previously know. For example, if a situation brings up strong emotions for you, it may indicate that the event is touching on an area of your life that needs more attention or growth.

Challenge Your Beliefs

Another way to understand your identity is to challenge the beliefs you have held since childhood. Question why you hold certain opinions, attitudes, and values. Ask yourself if they still make sense in the present moment and how you can change them if necessary. You may realize that some values you grew up with no longer resonate with you, or that you need to modify them to make decisions and choices based on what you truly believe.

Explore Your Uniqueness

Your identity is also shaped by your unique traits, talents, and gifts. Find out what you stand out for in the crowd and explore it further. Spend time getting to know yourself better. Get to know who you are as a person, what makes you tick, where your passions lie. Take up activities that allow you to express yourself, such as painting, photography, or writing. Find out what interests you and commit to it to discover more about yourself and make sure that you remain true to who you are.

Discovering who you are is not an easy journey, but it’s worth taking if you want to be your own best advocate. Truly knowing yourself means the decisions you make each day are rooted in your core beliefs and values.