Re-discover your True Authentic Self
Let’s do this
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with our reflective exercise. By delving into your past experiences, you can uncover the essence of your true self, understanding your passions, values, and defining moments. This exercise serves as a powerful tool to align your life with your authentic desires.
Discovering who you truly are can be likened to peeling layers off an onion, especially if you’ve spent a lifetime conforming to others’ expectations and losing touch with your authentic self and what truly matters to you. It’s a process of shedding societal pressures, personal insecurities, and the masks you wear to fit in. As you reflect, you’ll begin to unravel the complexities of your identity and eventually reach the beautiful inner core of your being — your authentic self.
Embracing your true identity empowers you to live a life aligned with your passions, values, and genuine aspirations, discovering profound fulfillment in embracing your authentic essence. Let’s start peeling back the layers and uncovering the richness within.
Instructions
You can complete this exercise individually or with the support of a coach or friend. We will explore two facets of your life—School/Work and activities outside of School/Work—at each stage of your life, starting with childhood.
FOR EACH STAGE, BEGINNING WITH CHILDHOOD:
1) Work/School (Left Side of the Worksheet):
Start with the inner left grey area designated for work/school. List what you enjoyed and found interesting during this stage. Recall activities that captivated your interest, where you lost track of time. Now, document these activities in the provided space.
Move to the outer blue area, labeled “Why’s” on the left, and reflect on why you enjoyed those experiences. Was it the sheer joy of the activity, the people involved, or something else? Consider if it was an adventure or the exercise that brought enjoyment.
If you underwent changes or transitions, delve into the reasons behind your decisions and the factors influencing your choices. If a pivotal moment occurred, mark it with a capital D.
2) Outside Work or School (Right Side of the Worksheet):
Extend the same process to activities outside work or school during the same life stage. Contemplate what brought you joy and fulfillment in your leisure time and the reasons behind your enjoyment.
3) Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for Every Significant Life Stage:
Continue this reflective process for each significant stage in your life, tracing your journey through various experiences.
4) Review and Identify Patterns:
At the conclusion of this reflection, review your notes. Are there discernible patterns or recurring themes regarding what motivates you or what holds importance for you?
5) Compile Your Lists:
Based on your reflections, create the lists below. This comprehensive exercise aims to provide valuable insights into your preferences and significant life events, laying the groundwork for understanding your authentic self. Refer to the information on lists below the exercise.
CLICK THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THE EXERCISE.
Lists
Interests: Activities, hobbies or subjects that you find enjoyable, engaging, and meaningful (Examples are, reading, writing, sports, hiking, environmental, spiritual, community building, entrepreneurial, health and wellness)
Values: Standards or Morals that feel right for you. These encompass core values constant throughout life and aspirational values that are important for the future. (Examples are, Integrity, compassion, courage, health, learning, connection, resilience, courage)
Optional list might require additional work. Talents/Abilities: Natural skills, aptitudes, or capacities that you have, enabling you to perform specific tasks exceptionally well. These are your superpowers. (Examples are, problem-solving, communication, leadership, creativity, teamwork, public speaking, attention to detail)
Finally reflect on your Purpose: Your unique calling or what you were uniquely designed to do. This is your personal “why.” It goes beyond mere goals or desires; it is an intrinsic calling deeply rooted in one’s identity. Your purpose is a guiding star, illuminating your path even in the face of challenges, offering motivation and resilience. It becomes a driving force, empowering you to persevere and make a meaningful impact in the world
Here are some examples of personal purpose:
Environmental Advocacy: To protect the environment, raise awareness about climate change, and promote sustainable living.
Mental Health Support: To help others struggling with mental health issues, providing support, resources, and understanding.
Educational Equity: To ensure equal access to education for all, especially in underserved communities, bridging educational gaps.
Creative Expression: To create art, music, literature, or other forms of creative expression, enriching lives through artistic endeavors.
Community Building: To foster a sense of belonging and community, creating spaces where people can connect and support one another.
Entrepreneurial Innovation: To innovate and create solutions for societal problems, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations: To champion the rights of vulnerable groups, such as refugees, immigrants, or the homeless, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Global Humanitarianism: To engage in international humanitarian work, providing aid and support to communities in crisis around the world.