5 Killer Signs You’re Nailing Your Self-Growth – How often do we hear about the Red and Green Flags in relationships? What about the ones we spot in ourselves? While we tend to be our harshest critics, it’s also crucial to growth to recognize the progress we’ve already made.
By celebrating every positive step in your desired direction, you’re more likely to keep on keeping ON! (You put your running shoes on? Yay! Did you step out the door to go run/walk/jog? Yay!)
Here are five of my favorite signs you’re on the path to becoming your favorite version of yourself (the same ones I use with my private consulting clients):
Boundaries in Action: You Draw Your Line
Setting boundaries starts with knowing YOURSELF and what works best for you. Stepping outside of that too often leads to feeling drained, anxious, and overwhelmed. Imagine confidently knowing what you WANT/DON’T WANT and asking for it—like turning down extra work when you’re already swamped or skipping a family dinner to focus on self-care. Yes, that’s a thing! One of the reasons I’m a specialist in boundaries – most of us don’t know HOW boundaries work and what they are.
When you prioritize your well-being, boundaries aren’t just about saying no; they’re about knowing and respecting your limits. They protect your peace so you can be at your best. Boundaries are a superpower, helping you build healthier relationships with yourself and others by reflecting on your needs and communicating them. Boundaries are a superpower, keeping you safe, sane, sacred, and yourself. They help you build healthier relationships with yourself and others by reflecting on your needs and communicating them. Whether it’s setting a safe word in a relationship, taking alone time when needed, or declining extra work, you’re building a foundation for respect and self-worth. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but sticking to your boundaries makes you a better friend, partner, and professional, helping you feel safe, valued, and respected.
You Feel All the Feels
Imagine being brave enough to feel your emotions without letting them control you. They don’t define you and you don’t get stuck inside of them. In my first book, I wrote, “A feeling job is to be felt; it’s in its name.” Yep, feelings are to be felt.
Instead of avoiding sadness, anxiety, or anger, you face them head-on. You name, accept, and process your feelings healthily—whether by journaling, talking to a friend, or working with a coach. You recognize that all emotions are valid, valuable, and essential for growth. You learn to see how you process feelings and where they show up in your body.
Even at your best, there are times you might feel sad or stressed, but now you understand and honor every emotion as part of your journey, deepening your relationship with yourself and others.
Shushing the Inner Critic
We all have those nagging negative thoughts telling us we aren’t good enough. “I’m not pretty enough,” “I won’t get that job,” or “I’ll never find the right partner.” These limiting beliefs stem from past experiences, fears, and insecurities, and DON’T HELP US!
Think of your inner critic as a pesky little gremlin (thinking it’s helpful) stuck in a loop in your head. You’ve learned to recognize the voices and shush them like you’re in a library and they’re talking too loudly. By journaling and reframing negative thoughts, you can transform “I can’t” into “I can.” With declarations like “I’ve got this” and “I can do hard things,” you silence those gremlins and embrace your most powerful self.
You’ve taken the time to identify these beliefs through journaling, questioning their validity, and reframing them into positive statements instead. You figured out how you can shift your mindset.
You Can (and) Do Hard Things
Think of stepping out of your comfort zone as a dance with you moving back and forth. You embrace new experiences, even if they make you a bit uncomfortable. Whether it’s trying a new workout, dining solo, networking, or speaking up at work, you push your limits. This willingness to face discomfort head-on leads to personal, professional, and romantic growth.
Stepping your toes out of your comfort zone might not bring instant gratification, and it often comes with risks of failure or rejection. But you face these challenges because you’ve CHOSEN them and next time life throws you a curveball, you know you can move out of its way!
You Are Your Own BFF
Picture your future self having a sidekick/BFF ready to tackle any challenge with you. You ARE that sidekick! You’ve worked hard on personal growth and trust yourself.
While you still strive for improvement, you no longer obsess over it. You know setbacks are growth opportunities, and you trust yourself to handle them with a positive mindset. You’re becoming your favorite self without it being the only thing on your mind.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and growth looks different for each person. Keep recognizing and celebrating your progress, and continue striving to be your best self.
If you need support or guidance, reach out to me or a trusted professional to help you tackle the next steps on your path.
You’ve got this!
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