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Today, you are not who you were five years ago. You may not be who you were one year ago, or even six months ago. As human beings, we are ever-changing and constantly evolving. As we progress on the journey of self-development and become more in-tune with our inner selves, it’s only natural that we change.
However, many of us get caught up on who we were before. Harping on mistakes of the past, words we wish we could take back, and what we may have done to others when we were our “old selves.” As we move through the levels of self-development, we must learn to let go of the past and embrace our new selves.
How to Let Go
To shift the focus to your new self, you must let go of who you were. This doesn’t mean that you forget the past. Rather, you acknowledge it, accept it, and recognize that you are no longer that person. Once you do so, you can begin to move forward and embrace who you are today.
Learn what things you need to let go of and what to keep close to your heart. Once you know how to unlearn toxic behaviors, you can begin to develop a new, healthy set of skills. You may already be on this journey. But you must forgive yourself for old transgressions and banish the negative thoughts that come with them.
How to Move Forward
While the step of letting go of negative experiences is often the most challenging, learning how to move forward can be equally as difficult. Moving forward means taking actionable steps towards a goal. Learn how to plan your goals and break them down into baby steps. Congratulate yourself for milestones along the way. There are small victories that should always be celebrated.
You may also have to let go of and forgive toxic people. If you’re not sure of who these people are, learn the signs that someone may be toxic to your current state of self and part ways with them. You will notice that your negative thoughts begin to diminish once toxic individuals are no longer in your life.
Block Out External Negativity
Our self-image can be influenced by external factors, such as the way others speak to us or a constant comparison to other people. You are not other people. You are you. When you focus on your new self it’s essential to acknowledge that fact and find the things you now love about your personality.
Find your strengths and capitalize on them while still admitting your weaknesses and continuing to work on them daily. Other’s perceptions of you does not matter. It is your perception of yourself and the progress you’re making that is most important.
Keep Going No Matter What
Letting go of the past and setting goals is not the end-all-be-all of focusing on the new you. The new you is always changing. You may have an experience today that changes who you are tomorrow. Recognizing this fluid concept of self is essential.
As you continue to evolve, set new self-development goals. Motivate yourself with positive affirmations and remind yourself of the person you are today. If you’re looking for some guidance, take this quiz to learn what affirmations you need most.
Get In Touch with Your Inner Self
Focusing on the new you takes lots of reflection, and you may need to set aside some extra you-time to get in-tune with your spirit. Whether you journal your thoughts and feelings or find the right meditation practice to clear your mind, take the time to get to know the new you.
It’s only when you know who the new you is that you can begin to focus on yourself more deeply. Take an inventory of your self-image and begin working from there.
GR8NESS Believes in You
Everyone needs words of reassurance from time to time, and here at GR8NESS, we believe in you. Letting go of the past and focusing on the here and now, while also making plans for the future, is no small feat. If you’re taking steps to better yourself and embrace who you are at this very moment, you’re already doing GR8.
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