Have you ever spent time thinking about the most ideal version of yourself?
The version of yourself that is fit.
The version of yourself that is wealthy.
The version of yourself that is well-traveled.
The version of yourself that has everything you want in life.
That version of you exists. It's real.
However, most people go through their lives thinking it's unachievable – a distant fairytale. Today, we're shattering that narrative. We will break down the steps required to align you with the highest version of yourself, closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
Understanding Your Ideal Self
Many people have a vague understanding of the person they aspire to be, but they struggle with the specific behaviors and choices that will help them get there. Without knowing the necessary actions, they may revert to old habits – widening the gap between their current self and their ideal self.
To create your ideal self, you need to be clear on the daily actions and habits to complete. Think of it as entering a raffle – the more tickets you buy, the higher your chances are of winning the grand prize. The more actions you take toward becoming your ideal future self, the greater the likelihood of becoming them. Remember, small changes compound into bigger results over time.
(Photo from Atomic Habits - James Clear)
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
It's easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, thinking that you haven't achieved enough or that you're not progressing fast enough. This mindset kills your progress and demotivates you. Instead, extend the goalposts and focus on playing the game instead of winning it. This shift in mindset will keep you motivated to continue.
Steps to Becoming Your Ideal Self
Imagine waking up every day feeling energized, fulfilled, and confident in your ability to achieve your goals. By following these steps, you'll create that reality and become your ideal self:
Step 1: Start with the End in Mind
A common roadblock people face is the desire to change everything in their life all at once.
This approach splits your energy, leading to minimal growth. Instead, choose one aspect of your life you'd like to change – be it physical, mental, financial, or vocational.
Pick something that has been nagging at you and feels like it's missing from your life. When you narrow your focus and energy on a singular area of your life, it becomes easier to achieve monumental growth.
Step 2: Audit Your Life
Take an honest look at your current habits and behaviors. Assess whether they help your progress toward the person you want to be or hold you back.
Be truthful with yourself – if you're not, the only person you're cheating is your future self.
Make a list of every behavior you engage in, identifying if it's a net positive (gives you energy and high ROI) or net negative (drains your energy and low ROI).
Drop negative habits in your life and replace them with positive ones.
Step 3: Seek Out Role Models
Find people who embody the qualities you desire.
These individuals could be friends, family, athletes, or business owners. Create a list of 10 people you admire. Write down every quality you respect about them.
Remember, success leaves clues. Study and learn the traits of the people you admire. They are not special or different from you – they are simply executing and taking action on tasks that move the needle.
Step 4: Set Your Systems
As James Clear says, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
Here's how to create a bulletproof system to propel you toward your ideal self:
a) Identify the specific behaviors you want to adopt
Make a list of the habits or actions that will bring you closer to your ideal self. Be specific and realistic in your expectations.
For example, instead of saying "I want to be healthier," you could say "I will start by walking for 30 minutes every day."
b) Rank your list
Determine which habits or actions are most important to tackle first. Focus on one or two changes at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
c) Set realistic goals
For each habit or action, establish a clear, measurable goal. For example, if you want to start exercising more, you might set a goal to work out for 30 minutes, three times per week.
d) Schedule your habits into your daily routine
Allocate specific times in your day to practice these new behaviors. Consistency is key, so make sure you choose a time that works best for you and stick to it.
e) Track your progress
Keep a journal or use an app to monitor your progress over time. This will help you stay motivated and make adjustments if needed.
Closing Thoughts
Becoming your ideal self is a journey that requires dedication, persistence, and patience. By following these steps and focusing on the right habits and systems, you can transform your life and bring your ideal self into reality. Remember, it's not about comparing yourself to others or striving for perfection. It's about consistently working towards becoming the best version of yourself, one step at a time.
~ Stefan Barbas
P.S. If you want help in being able to create the most ideal version of yourself then check out the Life By Design Program.
A guided process of self-improvement to help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively.
Check it out: https://www.stefanbarbas.com/course
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