A Four-Step Journey to Uncover Your Authentic Self

By Emilie McGrath

Life can be a bit of a puzzle, can't it? We often find ourselves juggling roles, trying to meet expectations, and wondering who we really are underneath it all. But here's the thing: true happiness, genuine connections, and a life that truly feels like your own begin with embracing your authentic self.

Let's dive into the exciting journey of self-discovery! There are several ways to help you truly connect with your authentic self. Today, I'm excited to share four fantastic methods with you: identifying your core values, uncovering your unique talents, exploring your Ikigai, and understanding your personal preferences. These approaches will guide you on a path toward a more genuine and fulfilled version of yourself.

Step 1: Identifying Your Values

Values are the compass that guides your decisions and actions in life. Start your journey to self-awareness by identifying your core values. What principles and beliefs matter most to you? Reflect on your life experiences and the moments when you felt most fulfilled. These are often indicators of your values. Once you've identified them, use them as a guiding light to make choices aligned with your authentic self.

Here's an engaging activity designed to assist you in pinpointing your values: Reflect on what stirs strong emotions in you. What provokes your frustration or annoyance? For instance, you might discover that consistent tardiness in meetings or inadequate communication triggers you. Translate those triggers into values, and one such value might be "respect."

Step 2: Discovering Your Talents with the StrengthsFinder

Understanding your strengths is comparable to uncovering the superpowers in you. It's about finding those activities that light you up from within and create a sense of joy. Plus, when you're aware of your strengths, you become a more valuable member of teams, making a positive difference while feeling genuinely content.

Are you familiar with the StrengthsFinder assessment? This incredible tool enables you to uncover your distinct strengths, fostering awareness of your talents and offering strategies for their cultivation, ultimately propelling you toward your maximum potential. It provides insight into how you can make a meaningful impact and where your true brilliance lies. Imagine waking up each day and having the opportunity to engage in what brings you joy—now, that's truly remarkable.

Step 3: Finding Your Purpose with the Ikigai

Ikigai, a Japanese concept, represents the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It's the sweet spot where passion, vocation, profession, and mission converge. Take time to explore each of these elements in your life. By doing so, you'll uncover a sense of purpose that fuels your journey toward self-discovery.

Consider these four questions:

1. What activities ignite your passion and feel effortless, as if you're not working at all?

2. What are your areas of expertise, and where do your strengths and skills shine?

3. Where can you make a meaningful impact in alignment with what the world requires?

4. In what endeavors can you generate income?

Step 4: Revealing Your Personality with the MBTI

Understanding your personality type through tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can provide valuable insights into your preferences, behaviors, and how you relate to others. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, a thinker or feeler, this knowledge helps you navigate relationships, communication, and decision-making with greater self-awareness.

Allow me to provide a glimpse into MBTI with these four questions:

1. After a night out at a bustling social event, do you find yourself drained or recharged?

2. When collecting information, do you lean towards dissecting the particulars or relying on your intuition?

3. When making decisions, do you tend to follow your logical reasoning or your emotions?

4. Are you more inclined to enjoy a well-planned weekend or to simply go with the flow?

Self-awareness is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It's about peeling back the layers, embracing your uniqueness, and living authentically. You'll embark on a transformative path toward unlocking your authentic self by following these four steps—identifying your values, discovering your talents, finding your purpose, and understanding your personality. Remember, the most rewarding journey you can ever take is the one that leads you back to yourself.

Interested in delving deeper into self-discovery? Feel free to connect with me to embark on the journey of uncovering your authentic self. As a certified coach and MBTI practitioner with hands-on experience in utilizing the StrengthsFinder, I'm here to assist you on this path.