How Do I Listen To Myself In A Deeper Way And Act More Authentically?

Many of us are constantly asking others for what they think. Many of us are scared to do what we truly want to do because of what people will think of us.

Why don't more people ride unicycles up the road while dressed in purple? I don't know. It may be a silly question but it can get us thinking about why so many group cultures can seem so uniform.

If you desire to find the you that is unique and courageous and the you that stands out from the crowd then it's likely you'll need to start listening to yourself and observing yourself all the time. Pretty soon it will become a habit and you will do it while you are doing all of the others things that you do.

Also, maybe you already naturally act authentically pretty much all of the time and that's awesome! You're one of those great people that just says it like you see it and always do things your own way.

However, if you struggle gaining the courage to stand out from the crowd, clearly stating your own opinions, developing personal boundaries, or doing things with your own personal flavor then here's a few tips for listening to yourself in a deeper way and acting authentically:

1. Spend more time alone and enjoy that time. You don't necessarily have to have your legs crossed in meditation. Even just doing things you enjoy (coloring, reading, listening to peaceful music, stretching, etc.) will put you in a state of peace and comfort and you'll be more likely to act authentically more often;

2. Every time you feel stressed, notice it and take 15 seconds to breathe in and out deeply. Even 15 seconds can save your day and bring you closer to your authentic self;

3. When people tell you something and they act as if that something is an absolute truth then say to yourself "It doesn't have to be that way but it will be that way if it resonates with me."

4. Notice what you notice. What stands out to you as you walk through the world? Do you notice animals more than other people do? Are colors more impactful on you than they seem to be on others? Do you learn best through tough and through feeling through things physically or through building and construction? The more you notice what YOU notice the more you will know how to take your most authentic path.

5. Notice patterns in your life especially with your relationships. Do you continually attract a certain type of person into your life who seems to be presenting you with the same challenges? Consider what it is about you that might be attracting that person and how you could attract someone else into your life who would be easier or more pleasant for you to work with.