You know you want to change.
You’re tired of living life in the same old way – the way that’s become an unconscious habit for you.
Who wants to be just like everyone else? Certainly not you – right?
It’s time to take charge and focus on living your life outside the lines.
So how do you get started? The key is to start being intentional in what you do. Living life on your terms isn’t something that just happens one day. You must act and do something different.
Ready for your marching orders? Start with these three tips.
Tip # 1: Be Brave Enough to Be Real
If you want to be yourself authentically, you must be prepared for the rest of the world to see you exactly as you are. It’s hard to be this vulnerable. That’s why we’re more comfortable hiding behind masks (not the COVID kind) and pretending to be just like everyone else.
On the other hand, it’s really compelling if you can manage to open yourself up and let the world see who you are. You won’t have to keep up pretenses anymore, meaning you can put all your energy where it counts: on your own goals and ambitions.
Afraid you might lose friends in the transition? It might be time to question just how many of these people were your friends in the first place. Besides, why would you want to hang out with people who like the fake you better than the real thing?
Tip #2: Choose How You’re Going to Fight Back
This entire process isn’t something that happens quickly. Things are going to get hard. People are going to push back. They’re used to the old you, so they’re going to prefer the old you.
How are you going to deal with this? Start with your attitude.
Rather than let yourself become overwhelmed, decide early on that you’re going to maintain a positive attitude no matter what. This will help see you through more than anything else.
Tip #3: Be You All the Time
The last step is consistency. Don’t fall into the trap of replacing one mask with another. The person you are at the end of this process is the person whom you’ve always been deep inside.
This might seem daunting at first, and it might be easier to go back to your old ways. You might be tempted to create a persona that can handle the daily challenges of life better.
While this might work in the short term, you’re only going to harm yourself in the end. Therefore, you should start to develop a practice of constant authenticity – right now. Being your true, authentic self is so important – and you can start today.
Affirmations for Living Life Outside the Lines
If you already have an affirmation practice, consider switching out one of your ‘comfortable’ affirmation statements with one of these. Say them aloud – and notice what you’re feeling. Do you feel resistance? Do you reject the affirmation as “impossible” as soon as you say it out loud?
Once you’ve said each affirmation aloud, choose one to work on and add to (or establish) your practice. Start your day with the affirmation, and visualize what it looks like for you. Feel the emotion connected to the affirmation, and sit with it for a while.
Initially, say the affirmation as often as you can – upon arising in the morning, during a morning break, at lunchtime, in the mid-afternoon to avoid the daily “slump,” and then before you go to sleep.
Give yourself the next 30 days (at least) to focus on the affirmation and what it means to you. You deserve at least that much time to manifest the positive changes you want in your life.
Empowerment Booster:
Write your chosen affirmation in your journal, and then describe how it makes you feel. What areas of your life are you implementing the affirmation in? What’s changing? How do you feel about the changes you’ve created?
I let go of my fears and pursue my goals with confidence.
I set goals to achieve my deepest desires.
I have full faith in myself.
I have the power to reach my highest potential.
I am fully confident in my abilities.
My intentions align with my goals.
