From Dreaming Big to Reality: How to Close the Gap?

a girl dreaming big

Have you ever noticed that people who dream big can actually accomplish big milestones in their lives? However, others who set themselves for little have difficulty getting anywhere. It is because it’s all about mindset. In this blog post, we’ll explore how dreaming big can help us achieve our goals in life.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

This quote encourages us to recognize how powerful our mindset is. It ultimately represents the title of this blog post – From Dreaming Big to Reality.

If only we can allow ourselves to dream big, then:

  • the whole world will be open to us
  • we’ll be free of constraints and limiting beliefs
  • we’ll get to know ourselves better
  • our lives will become more meaningful and we can truly pursue something that truly inspires us
  • we can discover new fields within ourselves or even outside. Just as the wheel wouldn’t have been invented without dreaming big, our own capacity for exploration can lead to remarkable discoveries.
  • we’ll set ourselves up for success and motivate ourselves to pursue our dreams
  • we become explorers instead of victims of our own lives, and we can finally start living instead of surviving.

Yes, that’s how powerful dreaming big is.

The bridge between dreaming big and reality

The first step to achieving your goals is to dream big. In other words, dreaming big is the first step in your journey toward achieving your goal and reality is the last. Everything in between is hard work.

I want to talk about the “hard work” part because this will make the difference whether your dreams will become reality or not.

You can’t get anywhere without taking action. Now, dreaming big is the first action that you can do in order to get where you want but you need to put in hard work in order actually to get there.

You’ve seen those movies where there’s a character with a grand dream, but every time life throws obstacles their way, leading to moments of despair. Then, suddenly, after some kind of motivational speech from another person, there’s a beautifully edited montage with uplifting music, and in just a few minutes, they do all the hard work, looking ecstatically happy. And then, just after a few minutes, they achieve their big dream.

Well, guess what? It’s not that easy. In reality, that three-minute, polished sequence represents the entire journey it takes to get to your dream.

It can be that those kinds of movies make us think that hard work is not necessary for achieving great things. But it is.

Dreaming big is not only about the destination but also the journey

I’ve noticed that when I have a goal that I want to accomplish, I tend to overlook the obstacles along the way. And that’s when we get to the crossroads of whether we will get to our destination or not.

I’ve been listening to a podcast with the artist and songwriter Mike Posner. If you know him, then you know that he has walked across the U.S. In the Know Thyself podcast, he shares that he didn’t dream only about achieving his dream of walking across the U.S., but also about the obstacles along the way, and that is what kept him going.

He had been bitten by a rattlesnake and was taken by ambulance to the hospital, which was the perfect opportunity for him to quit (it was a hard and painful journey so quitting has crossed his mind). However, because he also thought about the challenges and not only about the destination, he continued his journey, even though it was a painful one.

What I wanted to emphasize with this is that challenges will come along the way to getting your big dream to become a reality. However, if you prepare for it, as you prepare for the big dream, you will be in the right mindset to keep going.

Allow yourself to dream big

Some of us, if not most of us, tend to live in the shadow, so to speak both in our lives and also when it comes to dreaming big. That’s when life is stagnant, or even regressive.

Because dreaming big and working toward achieving that dream is what makes us grow. That’s what makes us become better, evolve as human beings, and just become the person we want to be. That’s what makes successful people the way they are: they allow themselves to dream big.

Dreaming big vs manifesting

When people say the word “manifestation”, it implies that magic is happening when we start manifesting something. However, when talking about dreaming big, we don’t assume that there is any magic. We just assume that it is a step that is necessary to take if we want to achieve a goal.

With that being said, I believe that these two worlds are synonyms simply because manifestation inspires us to achieve our goals and we start working towards achieving them. In other words, both dreaming big and manifesting are important parts of the mindset needed to make our dreams come true.

And, maybe, there is some magic working in between. We are all here because we have been created by something bigger than ourselves. This means that the creation may extend towards our thoughts, patterns, and desires.

The deeper layer of manifesting and dreaming big

Often when people talk about manifestation, they forget to mention all the work that comes along with it. Therefore, it feels like there is real magic in there. You just sit and manifest and then suddenly you get a million dollars and a house of your dreams.

But manifestation is more nuanced than that. When constantly desiring something (or manifesting something), we rewire our brains. We change the neuropathways from one belief to another. From thinking that we are not enough to knowing that we do the best we can in this life. From not trusting ourselves to fully surrender to our intuition and heart. And from not having any motivation to do something to actually stand up and start progressing.

Practical tips on how to dream big and have the life you want

1. Realize that what is holding you back is your mindset

Do you want something but keep doing the opposite? I feel you. That’s the power of unconscious beliefs.

Your beliefs are at the core of your mindset. They’re like the lenses through which you see the world. If you keep nurturing negative beliefs about your abilities or self-worth, they can become your reality. For example, if you believe you’re not good enough to succeed in a particular area, you might not put in the effort required, leading to failure.

Therefore, I challenge you to challenge your beliefs. Realize what is that barrier that keeps you away from your dreams. Usually, it is low self-worth, lots of negative thoughts toward ourselves, or past failures. But it’s all just thoughts. You are capable of challenging your thoughts that might not even make sense. And that’s what will make you keep going.

Only by challenging ourselves, we can achieve something in this life. Otherwise, we are just floating on the water expecting to get to the shore. Without swimming.

Read a more comprehensive article here: How self-worth stops you from reaching your dreams?

2. Involve all of your senses when dreaming big

How does it feel to achieve your goal? Can you hear the noises in your dream life? Is it silence and peace? It is children running around your house? What about smell? It is the smell of a bakery that you go to every day? Is it the smell of the ocean? Or simply the smell of the coffee that you drink every morning before going to your dream job? And what can you feel? Touch of the person that makes you smile? A hug from a friend? Warmth, or chill. And most importantly, what do you see? Your dream house? What does it look like? Where is it located? Or you can see yourself running a business? Or volunteering on the other side of the globe?

Whatever it is, be as specific as possible. By doing so, you will let your mind know that you are there. Your mind doesn’t know the difference between imagining and being. Therefore, take advantage of this. By doing it regularly, you will reprogram your mind to think differently and forget the pattern of thoughts that ruminated on you for so long.

3. Live like you already achieved your dreams

I always used to tell myself that when I got to my dream life, I would finally start doing my morning routine which would consist of no phone in the morning, meditation, yoga, a healthy breakfast, and some breathing exercises. It’s like now I am a complete mess but then suddenly life is gonna flip around and I will have the life I always want.

Well, nope.

I realized that I can incorporate some small rituals in my life right now that will take me a step closer to my dream life. It’s by doing the small things that will make you achieve your big dreams. It will make your dream more realistic, and more achievable.

I have a good example here. Let’s say you want to move to a farm and pursue a more simple life. I feel like so many of us have this dream nowadays. Well, why not start today by simply making your own bread? Or fermenting some sourkraut? Or simply light up the candles instead of turning on the light in the evening? It sounds so simple but I bet it will make your everyday life more meaningful and fulfilling. On top of that, it will get you closer to your dream. You can’t really move to a farm without knowing how to bake your own bread, can you?

4. Failure is a growth sign

Do not be afraid to fail. Live your life from the curiosity perspective rather than out of fear of failure. It’s normal to fail, that’s what makes us stronger and makes us realize the mistakes we made.

Life gives us challenges (otherwise we will get too bored!). It’s life’s way of testing how resilient we are and how much we want to get to our dreams. So it’s essential not to give up. Or even worse, not even try.

There have been studies showing that we need 10.000 hours to achieve a skill. In the meantime, we fail, learn, and start again. But we can achieve any skill we want if we put effort into it. And I know, 10.000 hours sounds like a lot. But it’s something that you dream of, so enjoy the journey.

Related: How to Believe in Yourself (6 Simple yet Powerful Ways)

Final thoughts

I’m here to wake you up from your vicious dream and set you on a more beautiful, fulfilling, and joyful dream. A dream that will come true one day because you dared to dream big and took the steps to get there.

Do not let the thoughts of excitement that you experienced while reading this blog post pass away. I encourage you to sit in silence now and think: what do you want? Write it somewhere and come back to it again and again. Take the daily small steps that will serve as a bridge between your present circumstances and the future that you dream of.

Dream big. And change your reality.

With warmth,
Diana

How to Believe in Yourself (6 Simple yet Powerful Ways)

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you picture yourself accomplishing something challenging? You can see yourself landing that dream job, conquering a towering mountain, or even bringing a new life into the world. But when the moment arrives to actually take that first step, you just don’t believe in yourself. It’s as if you freeze or even take a step back. If this scenario feels all too familiar, you might be facing a lack of self-belief.

If you find that self-doubt holds you back more often than you’d like, the journey to believing in yourself might be worth exploring. While it’s simple to suggest and tough to accomplish, there are practical tips that can guide you toward cultivating self-belief. These strategies below aim to bridge the gap between imagining your achievements and confidently taking those crucial first steps towards making them a reality.

What does it mean to believe in yourself?

Believing in yourself means knowing you can do something and not giving up, even when things get tough. It’s about staying confident that even if something seems hard now, it will get easier with time. Instead of feeling like a helpless victim, you feel like you’re in control and can overcome challenges. And when you make mistakes, you use them to learn and get better.

Believing in yourself can make a positive change in the outcome of the situation simply because you have the victory mindset instead of feeling like a victim. This mindset can lead to success and fulfillment in many different areas of life, such as:
– Career
– Relationships
– Personal goals
– Creative pursuits
– Health, both physical and mental
– Parenting
– Social interaction
– Emotional intelligence
– Financial situation
– Enterpreneurship and many more.

The idea of believing in yourself might sound overused, but we often don’t realize just how powerful it can be.

I like to think that believing in yourself is like having a cheerleader inside your mind, telling you that you can do anything you set your mind to. You know that feeling when a friend believes in you? Well, imagine being that supportive friend for yourself! It’s like having a strong foundation that helps you stand tall, no matter what life throws your way.

Is believing in yourself a choice?

Believing in yourself is indeed a choice, and it’s a choice that holds incredible power. It’s like having a set of keys that can open up a special room within you, a room filled with confidence, determination, and the belief that you can achieve great things.

Just like you have the key to your front door that allows you to enter your home, you have the key to self-belief. It’s within you but it can be hard to find it because sometimes, it is hidden under the trauma or any unpleasant experienced that we faced.

Sometimes, this key might be a small thought that says, “I can do this!” Other times, it could be a past success that reminds you of your capabilities. It’s about finding these keys, these moments or thoughts that unlock the door to your own belief in yourself.

Luckily, some tools can help you discover the keys. But as I always say, it’s you that has to do the hard work and start to implement these strategies. And again, you can use the “5-second rule” for this, invented by Mel Robbins. When you know you are low in self-confidence, count from 5 to 1 and start again. You have the choice to start again.

Why is it important to believe in yourself?

Transformational Power. Believing in yourself can completely change your life. When you truly believe in your abilities and what you can do, it changes the way you think and act. You start to see challenges and chances in a new way. You feel like you can do things you couldn’t before. This change doesn’t just affect your goals, but also how you feel about yourself and how you get along with others.

Positive Journey. When you believe in yourself, your journey toward your goals becomes better. Instead of being scared of failing, you feel excited to try new things. Each step you take feels like an adventure where you can learn and get better. You see problems as things you can get past, not things that stop you. This way of thinking makes you want to do your best and enjoy the ride.

Resilience and Perseverance. Believing in yourself helps you handle tough times. Instead of giving up when things are hard, you keep going. You know that problems won’t last forever, and you can find ways to get through them.

Ways how to start believing in yourself

1. Imagine your life without believing in yourself

Let’s start with the easiest exercise you all. This is a method that you can do right now and it might shift something within you.

So, just dedicate 5 minutes to imagine your life without believing in yourself. Without being there for yourself. And without trusting in your own abilities and worth. Picture a life where every challenge feels like an obstacle, where your dreams seem distant and unreachable. Imagine constantly doubting yourself, and feeling anxious about taking even small steps towards your goals. Without self-belief, your journey becomes a path full of fear and self-criticism.

In this imagined life, setbacks aren’t just temporary roadblocks; they become sources of despair. Instead of facing challenges with determination, you might find yourself avoiding them altogether, afraid of failure and rejection. In this life, you don’t reach your full potential, it just remains hidden behind a curtain of self-doubt.


As you spend these 5 minutes, you may feel a sense of heaviness and frustration. It’s as if you’re carrying an invisible weight, holding you back from truly embracing life’s opportunities. This exercise highlights the importance of self-belief and how it shapes every aspect of your existence. It’s a reminder that nurturing self-belief is crucial for living a fulfilling and empowered life.

This method helps me a lot when I think about it. It feels like I just speed up my life and see what is going to happen if I don’t believe in myself. It pumps me up and makes me want to try stuff. Right now.

2. Switch your mindset from negativity to positivity

The lack of self-belief often follows a familiar pattern. It begins with that tiny voice of doubt, questioning our capabilities and whispering that we might not be good enough. This simple thought can have a profound impact, causing us to hesitate, second-guess, and hold back. It’s like an invisible force that keeps us in our comfort zone, preventing us from venturing into the unknown and chasing after our aspirations.

However, the remarkable thing is that patterns can be broken. When we consciously decide to believe in ourselves, the entire landscape shifts. Suddenly, we find ourselves equipped with the bravery to step outside our comfort zones, tackle challenges head-on, and conquer the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. The dreams that felt distant start to feel attainable goals. Even setbacks transform into stepping stones that lead us closer to where we want to be.

The most vital thing with this method is that we start paying more attention to our success than to our failures which leads to higher self-belief and one less barrier towards your goal.

Just try it. Tonny Robbins says you need three to four weeks to reprogram your mind. And in the same article, he explains how to do that exactly. Hopefully, after three to four weeks you can be completely free from attaching yourself to your self-doubt.

3. Love yourself

Can you truly love yourself if you lack belief in your abilities? I doubt it.

Embracing self-love has the potential to initiate a shift toward self-belief. Often, we’re our harshest critics, subjecting ourselves to tasks we dislike and setting high expectations. We seek validation from others while doubting our worth. This inner conflict destroys our confidence, making it difficult to truly believe in ourselves.

However, when we choose to practice self-love, we extend compassion to our own hearts. This self-compassion counteracts negativity, allowing us to acknowledge our strengths and achievements. As we nurture a positive relationship with ourselves, the seeds of self-belief begin to sprout. We recognize that we’re worthy of pursuing our goals and embracing our aspirations.

I have a whole blog post about self-love being key to achieving great success but here are the main takeaways:

  • Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when needed and protect your time and energy from things that drain you.
  • Accept everything that comes your way: Just accept without judging and resisting. You are enough, your mind is enough, and you are doing the best you can considering your past and present moment.
  • Embrace Imperfections: Understand that nobody is perfect. Embrace your flaws and recognize that they make you unique.
  • Mindfulness and Gratitude: Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciate the moment. Express gratitude for the good in your life.
  • Self-Reflection: Spend time understanding your desires, values, and passions. Align your actions with your authentic self.

Related: Unlocking Personal Transformation: The Power of Self-Love

4. Embrace Life’s Experiences (Do not avoid!)

Dr. Luana is the expert on avoidance. According to her, steering clear of certain actions can hinder our progress toward achieving our goals. This is because avoiding situations or challenges prevents us from gaining valuable insights and learning opportunities. When we shy away from unfamiliar or uncomfortable experiences, we deny ourselves the chance to grow and develop the skills necessary for success. We just stay in our anxiousness cacoon and don’t get out of it because we avoid stepping face-to-face with our fear.

Challenges are like stepping stones on the path to our aspirations. They provide us with opportunities to learn, adapt, and overcome obstacles. By avoiding these challenges, we inadvertently halt our personal and professional growth. It’s like choosing to remain in a comfort zone that ultimately restricts our potential.

So it’s vital to lean into life’s experiences. Embrace challenges as opportunities to expand your horizons and enhance your skills. Remember that discomfort often accompanies growth, and the journey toward your goals requires facing challenges head-on. By doing so, you’ll not only build resilience but also move closer to the fulfillment of your dreams.

I’ve seen this myself. Recently, I’ve started going into cold water, even though the Baltic Sea nearby is pretty chilly, even in summer. What’s cool is that by not avoiding the cold water, I’ve actually started believing in myself more.

It’s amazing how facing things that make me uncomfortable has made me feel better about myself. It’s like a lesson that helps me in other parts of life too. When I push myself to do something that’s a bit tough, like getting into cold water, I feel stronger inside. It’s like I’m proving to myself that I can handle challenges.

This whole experience has taught me that when I step out of my comfort zone, even doing something simple like going into cold water, it can make me better in other parts of my life.

It’s a reminder that growing often comes from facing things that might be a bit scary at first.

5. Create a routine

I could write a whole book about it and it seems that creating a routine is important in any life circumstances. But still, I can’t emphasize enough how essential it is to simply do the same healthy thing every day: get outside every day, move your body, have a healthy breakfast, meditate, and breathe intentionally for a few minutes.

Mental Health America explains that having a healthy daily routine can majorly improve mental health and people with a routine have generally much lower stress levels.

When we make these actions part of our daily routine, we build a strong structure that helps our mind and body. Think of it as creating a solid base that keeps us steady, even when things are unsure. Just like how an anchor keeps a boat from drifting away, our routines keep us grounded.

In essence, creating a routine is a tangible way to show yourself that you can make a difference in your life. It’s a process that nurtures your belief in your own capacity to take control and make positive changes. On top of that, the routine makes you even more productive to pursue your dream. Because now, your mental health allows you to do that.

It’s beautiful how it’s all linked together and it all comes down to simply having a healthy routine. Life is so simple and most of our problems will resolve themselves only by eating healthy, meditating, going outside, and moving our bodies. But we believe that the answer is way more complex.

6. Accept yourself

I am a huge believer that acceptance is key to living a happy life.

Life keeps throwing challenges our way. We always have stuff we want to change, worries that dance around, and things we think could be better. But when we fully embrace everything exactly as it is—without trying to fix or tweak a thing—something incredible unfolds.

The magic lies in not constantly pursuing impossible ideals or perfection. Instead, it’s about greeting life’s experiences with open arms, knowing they’re temporary. When we resist the inevitable, we only distance ourselves from both life and our true selves.

This outlook brings a liberating shift. No longer trapped in a cycle of endless self-improvement, we find newfound freedom. We stop pushing against the tide and start flowing with it. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on growth or change; it means embracing ourselves as we are while working on what’s meaningful to us. It means believing in yourself. It means believing in what life brings and takes away.

This acceptance encompasses our inner landscape too. By ceasing the battle with ourselves, we build a bridge to self-compassion. We replace self-criticism with self-love and self-judgment with self-understanding.

Related: Embracing Impermanence: The Power of Acceptance and Letting Go

Inspiring quotes about believing in yourself

  • “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
  • “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • “You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Brian Tracy
  • “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson
  • “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Carter Crocker, Disney’s Pooh’s Grand Adventure The Search for Christopher Robin
  • “Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself. Believe in yourself, your abilities and your own potential. Never let self-doubt hold you captive. You are worthy of all that you dream of and hope for.” – Roy T. Bennett
  • “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there.” – Venus Williams

Final encouragements

I want you to remember this: believing in yourself is the ignition for remarkable possibilities. When doubts creep in, stand firm. Your uniqueness and potential are like beacons guiding you forward.

Trust your abilities, embrace challenges, and celebrate successes.

With self-belief, you’re the author of your story, crafting chapters of growth and resilience.

So, take that leap, chase those dreams, and let your unwavering self-belief be the driving force that propels you to new heights. You’ve got this!

With love,
Diana

3 Proven Ways on How to Reinvent Yourself

It happens sometimes that we feel stuck in life. And at one point, you start having this need to reinvent yourself but it seems impossible. It feels like you get in your own way and can’t take any further steps. It feels like it’s you against the ocean. And it makes you even more stuck than before. Luckily, you can get out of the rut, but you need the tools to do so. And that’s what we are going to talk about today.

A synonym for reinventing yourself is changing your life. It’s when you feel unsatisfied with your life right now and you need a reset.

Changing your life is not merely a cosmetic makeover; it’s a profound and courageous step toward aligning your reality with your aspirations. It’s recognizing that the current landscape no longer resonates with your true self and choosing to rewrite the script of your journey.

This transformative process involves peeling back the layers, confronting the discomfort, and embracing the unknown.

Just think of it like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly – shedding the old to make way for the new.

When you’re changing your life, it shows how strong you are and how much you believe in growing and finding happiness. Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads, feeling unhappy with where you are but wanting something better. This is the start of an amazing journey, like an adventure, where you’ll learn more about yourself, become better, and truly be who you are meant to be.

Why bother reinventing yourself?

Think about it: why do you want to reinvent yourself? You probably have a good reason already but try to put it into words. It will motivate you to keep going and to know what you are missing out on when you don’t take any steps toward your dreams. Here are a few things that might motivate you to reinvent yourself:

  1. Unleashing Your Full Potential: Reinventing yourself propels you beyond limitations, allowing you to tap into your untapped capabilities. Think of yourself as a superhero who’s about to discover amazing new powers. When you decide to reinvent yourself, you’re like that superhero unlocking your hidden talents and strengths. Change becomes your fuel in this adventure, helping you climb higher and reach your dreams.
  2. Living Authentically: Reinventing yourself means leaving behind what others think you should be and becoming who you really are. It’s like taking off a mask and showing the world your true face. When you live this way, you feel a strong sense of contentment because your actions and choices match your inner values and passions. Think of it as being in tune with yourself, like a perfectly played melody. When you’re authentic, life feels smoother, like all the gears are working together. This journey might have challenges, but with every step, you’re getting closer to a life that feels right for you.
  3. Seizing New Opportunities: When you decide to change your life, you’re like an explorer opening new doors and finding places you’ve never seen before. As you step out of your cozy comfort zone, you’re diving into a pool of surprises. You might end up making friends with Lady Gaga or mastering the art of juggling watermelons – who knows!

Related: 7 Practical Ways on How to be True to Yourself

Tools to help you reinvent yourself

1. Have a healthy routine

I’ve noticed that sometimes we overlook the simplest things: healthy eating, exercise, nature, mindfulness, and connections to others. People like Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey have a routine of exercise, mindfulness, and disconnection from social media every day. They are the most known ones, but other successful people do these too. I would actually recommend searching for one of your idols online to see if they have any kind of routine.

Why does a routine can help you reinvent yourself, you would ask. I like to think about it as this: just like a ship needs an anchor, a routine grounds your reinvention journey. It provides a reliable structure that keeps you focused on your goals. When you incorporate healthy eating, exercise, nature time, mindfulness, and genuine connections into your routine, you’re setting the stage for a holistic transformation.

On top of that, have you heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? Well, reinventing yourself isn’t an overnight process either. Consistency is the secret ingredient. And by weaving these simple yet impactful habits into your routine, you create a consistent rhythm that gradually nudges you toward change. Over time, the small steps add up, and you’ll find yourself in a remarkably different place from where you started.

2. Understand your core values

Have you ever thought about why you want something so badly but don’t take any action to achieve that?

If yes, then the answer to this question might be related to your core values. You see, our subconscious mind is not in alignment with our conscious mind. It is because our subconscious mind might hold some kind of trauma or beliefs about our lives that hold us back.

I experienced this myself. An example that is happening in my life right now is that I want to have a fully online-based income. But it sounds so scary and so unachievable that instead of spending my energy on working towards my goal, I am trying to find other sources of income (for instance by continuing my bachelor’s degree that I am not passionate about). This is what happens:

Conscious Desires:

  • I am passionate about the “new career” and believe it would bring me more fulfillment.
  • I’ve researched the steps required to transition and have quite a clear plan in mind.

Subconscious Factors:

  • Fear of Failure: My subconscious mind might hold the belief that starting an online business is risky and could lead to failure. Past experiences of not achieving goals could be feeding into this fear.
  • Comfort Zone: Even though I desire the change, a job in UX is more stable and provides a sense of security. Stepping into the unknown can be intimidating, creating resistance.
  • Self-Doubt: Deep-seated beliefs about my abilities might make me doubt my capacity to succeed in the new field, leading to hesitation.

What should I do about it:

To overcome this, I would need to address the underlying subconscious factors. This could involve working on building self-confidence, challenging limiting beliefs, and gradually stepping out of my comfort zone. I might need in the meantime work a less-demanding job in order to spend more of my mental capacity on achieving my goal.

That’s an example of how core beliefs work. It’s not easy to get there, it’s not easy to reinvent yourself, but it is possible.

I enjoyed this article very much about core beliefs.

Another thing that I find helpful about core beliefs is to identify them and then write them down on the left side of the paper. Then, on the right, write the positive belief next to it. Try to read the positive belief every day and believe in it, soak it in. At the same time, try to understand that the core belief is not beneficial or it might not even make much sense. It just holds you back from your true potential.

Reflect on how these beliefs may have formed, whether they’re based on past experiences, fear, or self-doubt. Recognize that these beliefs might not be serving your best interests and are holding you back.

Over time, as you consistently engage in this practice, you’ll start to notice a shift in your mindset. The positive beliefs will begin to feel more natural, and the negative beliefs will lose their grip. This process allows you to reshape your thought patterns and create a more constructive mental environment.

As you encounter challenges or situations that trigger your old negative beliefs, use this technique to remind yourself of the positive beliefs you’re cultivating. With practice, positive beliefs will become your default way of thinking.

3. Practice visualization

Visualization is more powerful than you think. But you have to do it right.

It has been scientifically proven that visualization practices can help you become where you want to be, and therefore reinvent yourself. It is because our brain responds to visualization the same as it would do if we face it with real experience. As a consequence, our brain wires in the way that we prefer it to be by only visualizing a situation.

However, it is not that simple. In order to get closer to your visualized experience, you have to:

Include all of your senses: Engaging all of your senses in your visualization practice is like providing your brain with a complete experience. Just as your brain responds to real-world stimuli, it responds to the sensory details you create in your mind. When you imagine not only what you see but also what you hear, touch, taste, and smell in your desired situation, you’re sending a comprehensive signal to your brain. This deepens the connection between your mental imagery and your brain’s neural networks, making your visualizations more potent.

For instance, let’s take a simple visualization practice: if you’re visualizing a successful business meeting, envision not only the sight of the boardroom but also the sound of discussions, the feel of the chair beneath you, and even the taste of the celebratory coffee afterward. This multisensory approach enhances the realism of your visualization, making your brain more receptive to the changes you’re trying to create.

Emotional Connection: Emotions are powerful catalysts for change. When you infuse your visualizations with strong positive emotions related to your goals, you’re signaling to your brain that these goals are not just desires but deeply meaningful experiences. By imagining the excitement, joy, pride, and gratitude you’ll feel when you achieve your goals, you’re amplifying the impact of your visualizations.

Real-Time Experience: Visualization is most effective when you immerse yourself fully in the present moment of your imagined scenario. Imagine that you’re actively experiencing your desired situation right now, rather than just watching it unfold from a distance.

Consistency and Duration: Like any skill, the more you practice visualization, the more proficient you become. Consistency is key in rewiring your brain to match your desired outcomes. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day, around 10-15 minutes, to engage in your visualization practice. Repetition reinforces the idea that your visualized goals are not just wishful thinking but potential realities.

Positive Reinforcement: When you visualize your goals, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset. Focus on the successful outcomes you want to achieve, rather than being anxious or stressed that this will never happen. Every time a negative thought arises during your visualization, consciously replace it with a positive affirmation related to your goal. Just be 100% into it, emerge into it, and one day, it will come.

For me, visualization practice is equal to manifestations. I believe manifestation works because we visualize the experience. And then, we are so excited to get there that we actually take the steps in order to achieve our goal. In this case, in order to reinvent ourselves.

You know that it will feel so good to become that new person that you actually start getting out of your comfort zone, or simply take a step further. And one day, you will be starting challenge your limited beliefs, have a direction or purpose, and will take constant actions that will guide you to where you visualize yourself to be.

Final encouragements

The path to reinventing yourself is a transformative one, offering a world of boundless possibilities. By embracing these tips, you open the door to personal growth, discovery, and empowerment.

Remember, change is not only possible but inevitable; it’s your response to it that truly defines your journey. It truly depends on you if the change will be a positive or negative one.

As you reflect, set intentions, step out of your comfort zone, and celebrate progress, you’ll find yourself evolving into the person you’ve always envisioned. You will reinvent yourself. I am cheering for you.

Kind regards,
Diana

7 Practical Ways on How to be True to Yourself

Do you know who you are? Do you know what your dreams and aspirations are? Are you content with yourself? If the answer to these questions is “no” or “I don’t know” then welcome to the board. I am on the same journey as you and learned a few tools that are helpful for me and will probably help you as well answer the question of “How to be True to Yourself?”. Let’s do this together.

Being true to yourself is, unfortunately, not something that comes naturally to everyone. It’s something that gets blocked somewhere between your childhood and the now moment. It means that you are disconnected from yourself. And that you are running on autopilot.

To put it more structured, not being true to yourself means:
– not knowing what you want from this life;
– pleasing others;
– changing your behavior/opinions depending on your environment;
– not caring about your own needs;
– not having opinions or not being able to express them clearly;
– leaving your dreams and goals as the last thing on the “list”;
– not feeling connected to your body;
– feeling disconnected from most people around you.

Related: How self-worth stops you from reaching your dreams?

How did you lose touch with your authentic self?

I just want to let you know that it is not your fault for getting here. You might have got here because of some kind of trauma, because you had little time for yourself, or because of your anxiety that keeps you away from connecting to yourself.

But here’s the inspiring part: while you can’t change the past, you have the power to shape your future and become the person you aspire to be. Your future holds endless possibilities. By nurturing your true self, you can create a life that feels genuine and fulfilling, both in mind and spirit. And I will give you some tools to do so.

How do you know if you are being true to yourself?

If you read the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, you know that all you need to do is just listen to your own heart and that is when you know that you are being true to yourself. In other words, don’t listen to your fear, anxiety, neighbor, friend, mom, or any pattern of thoughts.

To put it another way, your true self is within you and when you feel truly aligned with your body, mind, and soul, that is when you will know that you are being fully authentic. On the other hand, if you feel confusion within yourself, judgment, and resistance, then you are probably not connected to yourself.

I have found that being your true self is not a goal but rather a journey. You will always need to go back to yourself, look within, and just be with yourself because it is so easy to get caught up in the rut of everyday life.

Ways that will help to become true to yourself

Before doing any further, I would like to say that being true to yourself is a long process that requires commitment and curiosity. Do not get frustrated after the first try, and do not stop working towards becoming your true self after you had some success. As I said, you will always need to implement some of these tools in your day-to-day life in order to feel the benefits over time.

1. Sit in silence

We always try to find the answer outside of us: in podcasts, books, from friends and family. We always distract ourselves with social media when we feel bored, and we run from one task to another.

But what if the answer is in your own mind and body? You are wise. But you just don’t know that because you don’t allow yourself to think in silence.

Sometimes, we could read books all of our lives and still don’t get to the truth. Because the truth can be found only inside each of us. Each of us has his own truth that needs to be discovered. And it’s right here, under our noses but we look so far for it.

For some people, meditation might be useful here. For others, a walk in nature, a date with himself/herself, or a day for doing nothing can be great and useful. Do what works for you but try to just be.

2. Take deep belly breaths

Most of the time, when we are not true to ourselves, we breathe very shallow and fast. This disconnects us from our true selves even more.

Our body and mind are very connected. Therefore, reconnecting to your body also means connecting to your mind and regaining authenticity within.

Research also shows that taking deep belly breaths can help you truly relax and connect to your body. What I like to do is to fully breathe into my belly for 4 seconds and then exhale for 8 seconds. You can do 6 second inhale and 8 seconds exhale. Just make sure that your exhale is longer than the inhale.

What I like about this technique is that it is very accessible and quick. I can do it wherever I am, it won’t look weird. Just 3 deep belly breaths can help you reconnect to your true self.

3. Take time to define your values

I’ve come to realize that sometimes I am not true to myself simply because I don’t know what I want. Or, better said, my heart knows what I want but I can’t put it into words.

And while sometimes it is ok to just accept what your heart says without needing more, it is sometimes necessary to take a pen and a notebook, sit down, think, and write. Write what is it that you would like in a specific area of your life.

For me, it is about defining my career goals. I find it hard to answer the question of: what is your plan for the future? I usually just answer something that would sound reasonable: like continuing the profession that I have studied in college. But in reality, I know that I don’t enjoy it. So I would just think about what is it what I want to achieve in my career. And I write it down.

Writing down really helps to get it out of your head and kind of solidify the goal/ that you want to achieve.

I encourage you to do the same in the area of life where you feel lost. It is not a 20-minute process. It requires time, energy, and sometimes frustration. But that’s ok, it’s part of the process.

4. Be silly

We used to be silly when we were children. But something switches along the way and we lose that playfulness that we once had. But weren’t we our truest selves when we were children? Yes, we were.

So, let’s become silly again. It doesn’t have to be in front of everyone. Just play some music for yourself and just start dancing like nobody is watching (because nobody does). Or go out with a friend and play a game of whom is the silliest. For instance, you could make a competition about who has the weirdest moves when dancing. Just have fun and let creativity flow all around you.

It can also be singing, drawing, or just talking about silly stuff. Don’t be serious all the time. Be playful a little.

5. Work on a personal project

Getting into a state of flow is very beneficial when you want to get closer to your inner self. What are you passionate about? Is it drawing, yoga, sewing, lego, cooking, or puzzles? Is it something else?

For me, it is writing (although maybe I am not that good at it). I find it so rewarding to write what I have learned from experience, books, and podcasts. This is my project, you are now part of it, thank you for that.

Now back to you. Did you ever experience a flow state? It’s when you lose the notion of time and when your thoughts are very quiet. You are focused and all in.

If you don’t know what it is, just experiment. It can be something as simple as cooking. Or it can be more complex such as modeling ceramics or writing a fiction book. Be curious in the process and let all the emotions just appear within. And then, say hi to your true self.

6. Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that helps reunite the body and the mind. It is an easier way to connect to yourself than meditation because you control your mind through movements instead of controlling your mind with your mind.

This practice can help you release the blockages that stop you from becoming your true self. It can also help you embrace yourself just as you are. There are many more benefits of yoga that you will discover yourself if you try it out.

Don’t forget to embrace all that comes when you practice yoga. Oftentimes, all the blockages get stuck in our bodies, and with yoga, you can release them. So it’s essential to accept any feelings, emotions, or thoughts that might arise in order to get to harmony and balance within.

7. Accept yourself

I’ve noticed that sometimes, I am not being true to myself simply because I am resisting it.

Certainly, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in situations where they’re not being true to themselves due to resistance. This resistance can stem from a variety of sources, such as societal expectations, fear of judgment, or personal insecurities. When you resist being true to yourself, you might be suppressing your genuine thoughts, feelings, desires, and values in order to conform to what you think others want or expect from you.

This internal conflict between authenticity and conformity can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and even a sense of emptiness. Over time, living inauthentically can take a toll on your overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Embracing your true self requires self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up against the pressures to conform.

Being yourself can be hard when you feel like you have to act a certain way. Here’s how you can be more real: think about what matters to you, don’t let fear stop you, accept who you are, and tell people what you really think. Start with small changes and have supportive friends. Stay focused on the present and be open to growing and changing. Being yourself might be tough, but it makes you feel better about yourself and your life.

Related: Embracing Impermanence: The Power of Acceptance and Letting Go

Final encouragements

To sum it all up, the journey towards embracing your true self is an ongoing adventure that requires your dedication. By putting into practice the hands-on techniques we’ve explored, you’re taking genuine strides toward living a life that feels uniquely yours. Dive into self-reflection, cast off the expectations of others, set those boundaries, communicate your truth openly, and make choices that truly resonate with your heart.

Remember, this journey is about more than perfection; it’s about connecting with both your strengths and vulnerabilities. In a world that often pushes us to conform, your commitment to being genuine paves the way for personal growth and more meaningful relationships.

As you navigate this transformative path, your self-esteem will flourish, and your life will align more closely with what you truly value. So, with confidence, step forward onto this road of self-discovery – your authentic self is eagerly waiting to embrace you and guide you towards a more fulfilling life.

How self-worth stops you from reaching your dreams?

Self-worth is such an underestimated topic. Almost all of us have this problem yet so few of us take action to end this. What we do is just feed that low self-worth and this results in stopping you from reaching your goals.

If you:
– are a people pleaser;
– are a perfectionist;
– overthink a situation and convince yourself that you did so badly in that situation;
– don’t think that you deserve to be happy (consciously and unconsciously);
– don’t acknowledge your success;
– are telling yourself how unsuccessful you are;
– comparing yourself to others;
-can’t seem to get anywhere in your life,
… then you probably have low self-worth.

Just to make you feel better, I am in the same boat. I tick all the boxes from above. Probably even more.

But recently, I have discovered some techniques that help me feel better about myself and realize that it’s all just a pattern in my mind. And that actually, I am capable of more than I think.

You probably ask yourself, what does self-worth have to do with reaching dreams, goals, and aspirations?

Here is the simple answer:

Low self-worth results in not trusting yourself and therefore not even trying new things. Because you think you are not good enough and that you will not succeed.

It’s that simple.

It’s like you would have a friend who wants really badly to quit his job and start his own business. If you would tell him: you are not good enough, you don’t have any business background bla-bla-bla, he might give up on his dream.

On the other hand, if you would encourage him and tell him that you are here for him no matter what, and you trust him, then you will give him that spark to actually take action.

It is our own thoughts that keep us from reaching our dreams.

How do we change that?

By having better self-worth about ourselves. Or, in other words, by offering ourselves love.

A step-by-step guide on improving self-worth

I must warn you that this is not a one-day or overnight process. It requires dedication and willingness to change. In return, you will have a better relationship with yourself, which is key to helping you reach your full potential as a human being.

1. Recognize your pattern

While you probably know that you have low self-worth, you might be asking yourself why. It might be because you want to fit into society (that’s why you people please), or it might be because your parents wanted you to always be the best in the class, among your relatives (and that’s why you are a perfectionist). Or it might be because you feel like only once you achieve a certain thing in your life you will be worthy, otherwise you are a failure.

All of these patterns were a survival mechanism for you until you realize that you are not in survival mode anymore. Now, you just do them unconsciously without even realizing it. But you know there is something wrong. That’s a good thing because suffering is a way of communicating to you that there is a need for change.

So just realize that there is this pattern in you that works on autopilot. It helped you before but now you want to get rid of it. And how do you get rid of it? By accepting it.

2. Acceptance

Nothing softens the self-criticism more than accepting it.

Accept the fact that it is a pattern and it served you a purpose. Thank it for keeping you alive. Accept all the emotions that come with it.

For instance, if you judge yourself for your speech in front of your colleagues, and you think that they thought you are stupid, or have nothing interesting to say, just accept it. Just let all of the emotions and thoughts run through your body without resisting them. They are all welcomed as long as you consciously realize that it is just a pattern of thoughts that got so deep and anchored in you that now it is almost a part of you.

There is nothing better to do than just accept them.

3. Action

So, what your biggest dream is?

I can start. My dream is to have a big loving family, be financially free, have a small house with a big garden, have time to make food from scratch, have time for small daily rituals, and have lots of personal project doing on (this blog, cooking blog, open a thrift store, write a book, create a course).

Visualization helps. Visualize all of your dreams to come true. Welcome all the senses: the smell of coffee, fresh air, a touch, a hug, a song. Anything. Visualization helps create new neuropathways in our brains which will change some of the old ones (including the ones that you think you are not worthy of all of this).

And then… things will naturally happen. Right now, I am writing this blog post although AI is invading with lots of blog posts like this in only 5 seconds, and although I have no idea what this is going to lead to. I just trust the process. I trust myself.

Please do the same. Start with small actions every day.

You may start with yourself. By sitting in stillness and listening: what do I want right now? what my goals are? what does my intuition say?

The answer is not going to come now but it will if you have just a little trust in yourself.

Final encouragements

Isn’t it crazy that the patterns in our minds lead to our everyday behavior and actions? We want to change but we can’t because of these deep-rooted patterns.

But again, accept them, and imagine your perfect life. You can get there despite what your mind is telling you. Remember: you can’t control your thoughts so don’t let them control you.

You can do much more than what you can think of. You have potential, you surely do.

With love,
Diana

Embracing Impermanence: The Power of Acceptance and Letting Go

Life is full of impermanence. Everything that arrives will eventually depart, whether it’s the people we love, our planet, or even our fleeting thoughts and emotions. Now, here’s the deal: Do you want to get stuck in this never-ending loop of thoughts and feelings?

Let’s think about the big picture. In the grand scheme of things, when you consider all the beings on this planet, does it truly matter if your toddler didn’t finish their lunch? Why bother resisting or desperately trying to change that? Who knows, they might have a fantastic rest of the day, right? And getting all anxious won’t change that outcome one bit!

Solution:

So, how about we try a different approach? What if we just accept things as they come? Why waste our lives creating scenarios in our minds that probably won’t ever happen? Why spend our whole life living in our heads inventing scenarios that will never happen probably? It’s time to break free from living inside our heads!

It’s totally okay to have thoughts and emotions; we’re all human, after all. But you know what many of us don’t do? We don’t accept them. What we do is to resist them. Let me give you an example from my own life. I’m struggling to figure out what career to pursue after getting my SECOND bachelor’s degree. It’s overwhelming, and I feel like I’m failing, not knowing what I truly want from life, and dragging everyone else down with me.

But you know what? It’s much easier and wiser to accept where I am. To acknowledge my thoughts, emotions, and sensations about this situation. If I keep resisting, I’ll just end up overthinking everything and not taking action. And I figured that actions speak louder than overthinking!

I am not saying that it’s that easy to do but I am saying that it certainly makes a difference in how I live my day-to-day life.

So, here’s the plan: Let’s accept any internal patterns we’re dealing with right now. Just observe them and let them be. Notice what triggers them and how we react, without judgment. Realize that these patterns aren’t productive and won’t get us anywhere. And you know what’s even more liberating? Knowing that just like everything else, they’ll come and go.

We can detach from our ego and surrender, but often, we distract ourselves from surrendering through Social Media, TV, or whatever else. It’s time to strip away those distractions and just be ourselves. Because we are not our thoughts; we just are. So let’s embrace everything that comes our way and live in the present moment.

With love,
Diana

Related: Unlocking Personal Transformation: The Power of Self-Love

Unlocking Personal Transformation: The Power of Self-Love

How to bridge the gap between knowing something and actually applying it to your own life?

You know, it’s truly fascinating how much knowledge and wisdom we can gain from podcasts, books, and various sources. We’re exposed to countless ideas that could genuinely make our lives better. But why is it that we often struggle to put those insights into action? It might seem like an abstract concept, but I’ve come to believe that the key to bridging that gap lies in something quite profound: self-love.

Now, before you dismiss this as some unattainable notion, let’s think about it for a moment. Priorities are what drive our lives, right? We schedule time for work, responsibilities, and others, but how often do we set aside meaningful time for ourselves? Time for simply being, eating in stillness, going for a leisurely walk, or engaging in acts of self-care and kindness.

Moreover, the way we treat ourselves affects everything else. Negative thoughts, self-judgment, and a passive attitude won’t magically lead to a fulfilling life. We can’t expect things to fall into place if we don’t actively cultivate self-love.

Consider the act of showing love and kindness to yourself, just as you would to a dear friend. Treating yourself with compassion, understanding, and forgiveness can be life-changing. It means you want to be happy and feel loved, and that’s a beautiful thing. Sometimes, we need to start with self-love before we can truly love and care for others.

Ever heard of the five love languages? They aren’t just for romantic relationships; we can apply them to our relationship with ourselves too. When we neglect self-love, our emotional cup becomes empty, and we can’t pour positive energy into others. However, when we start practicing self-love by being kind to ourselves, practicing self-compassion, and nurturing our emotional well-being, we can then extend that overflowing energy to the people we care about.

So, love is not an abstract concept floating somewhere in the universe; it’s right here, within us. You are loved, and it’s essential to believe that. Embracing self-love doesn’t mean you’re being selfish; it means you’re nurturing your inner self, making room for personal growth and happiness.

Why self-love is so powerful?

To give you some motivation to start your journey toward self-love, here are some things that can happen to you after you start showing yourself love and kindness:

Attracting positive experiences: When we practice self-love, we emit positive energy and radiate a sense of contentment and self-assurance. This positive aura often attracts like-minded individuals and opportunities into our lives. People are naturally drawn to those who exude confidence and self-respect, which can lead to the formation of meaningful connections and relationships. Moreover, when we believe in our worth and capabilities, we are more likely to take risks and pursue opportunities that align with our goals, resulting in a higher likelihood of experiencing positive outcomes and successes.

Alignment with values: Self-love involves understanding and accepting your authentic self. Now, you might just start living in accordance with your values but for me what is happening is that I am discovering them. By sitting in stillness, listening to myself, and reconnecting with myself, I am starting to discover what my values are. It is not a static, one-line journey, it certainly has ups and downs. But it is so beautiful finally being here for myself and understanding myself on the deepest level.

Reduces self-sabotage: Self-sabotaging behaviors often arise from feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt. When we lack self-love, we may engage in self-destructive patterns, such as procrastination, negative self-talk, or something worst than that. However, practicing self-love helps break this cycle. By acknowledging our inherent worth and treating ourselves with kindness, we are less likely to engage in actions that undermine our progress or well-being. Self-love encourages self-compassion, enabling us to learn from our mistakes, truly accept them, and move forward with a growth mindset.

Empowerment and autonomy: Self-love liberates us from seeking validation and approval from others. When we love ourselves, we become less reliant on external opinions and judgments. This newfound empowerment allows us to make decisions based on our true desires and needs, rather than being swayed by societal expectations or pressures. We take ownership of our lives and become architects of our destinies. This sense of autonomy fosters a deeper sense of control and agency over our experiences and outcomes. You no longer need to dress as you HAVE to but as you WANT. You no longer need to behave a certain way or say certain things. Because you know your worth.

Increased self-awareness: Self-love involves cultivating a deep and honest relationship with oneself. This process of self-reflection and self-acceptance leads to heightened self-awareness. As we love and care for ourselves, we become attuned to our emotions, triggers, strengths, and areas for growth. This self-awareness is crucial for personal development and allows us to make more informed choices that align with our authentic selves.

Final encouragements

Embracing and nurturing this profound concept can lead to a transformative journey of personal growth and fulfillment.

Let us remember that self-love is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace our imperfections. By making room for self-love in our lives, we lay the foundation for a brighter, more authentic future – one where we can be our truest selves and contribute positively to the world around us.

And please keep in mind: self-love can lead to discovering your true potential. Because you certainly are capable are more than you think of now.

With love,
Diana

If you want to know some ways to practice self-love, read this: Self-love is key to living a meaningful life

Self-love is key to living a meaningful life

The idea of self-love was once foreign to me, but I’ve come to realize its profound impact on leading a meaningful and intentional life, as well as fostering deeper connections with others.

Unfortunately, many of us, including myself, tend to start our days by judging ourselves, leading to a cycle of self-hate and disconnection from our true selves. This negative pattern makes us unconsciously seek out negativity both within and around us. This turns us into our own worst enemies. I find it disheartening to project these thoughts onto others, as I would always extend compassion and support to someone experiencing a headache, breakup, or any difficulty.

For instance, if a friend has a headache, I’d genuinely express concern, reassure them that it’s alright, and advise them to rest and take care of themselves. However, when I experience a headache, I tend to push myself, ignore my own needs, and feel guilty about taking time to rest. This discrepancy raises the question: why do I treat myself less compassionately than I treat others?

Breaking free from this negative pattern proves challenging. Each failure seems to amplify these feelings even more. It becomes difficult to choose an alternative path, and the notion of deserving success feels foreign. I tend to attribute achievements to luck or diminish their importance, doubting my own worthiness.

Simple solutions to self-love

The High 5 Habit. This technique, introduced by Mel Robbins, involves giving yourself a high-five in the mirror every morning. It may feel a bit awkward at first, and if it does, it means that you really have to do it. Because the awkwardness comes from your inability to accept that you are your own cheerleader first. The idea is to physically acknowledge yourself and start the day with a positive gesture. By doing this, you’re sending a message of encouragement and support to yourself, boosting your self-confidence, and setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Nourishing Your Body. Choosing to nourish your body with healthy foods is an act of self-love and self-care. When you prioritize your well-being by eating nutritious foods, you show yourself that you value your health and want to feel good. Whole, unprocessed foods are always the best for your body. Enjoy every bite of food, and eat slowly and mindfully.

Taking Time for Yourself. It’s essential to give yourself some time off and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. Whether it’s going for a walk in nature, spending time with a hobby, or simply unwinding with a book, dedicating moments to yourself allows you to recharge and decompress from life’s stresses. This intentional self-care helps in reducing feelings of burnout and fosters a sense of self-compassion. Just make sure that you don’t feel guilty about it. You really shouldn’t. Otherwise, if you feel guilty, ask yourself why you live on this planet. To please others? To always run on empty?

Being Intentional About Reconnecting with Yourself. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves amidst various responsibilities and distractions. Being intentional about reconnecting with yourself means taking moments to check in with your emotions, thoughts, and needs. This can be done through meditation, journaling, or any activity that allows you to reflect and gain insight into your inner world. By connecting with yourself, by sitting in pure silence, you build self-awareness and a deeper understanding of your values and desires. Otherwise, you just run on autopilot without really knowing who you are and what your purpose is.

Reminding Yourself of Your Worth. Everyone experiences ups and downs in life, and during challenging times, it’s essential to be there for yourself. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that it’s okay to feel emotions and face difficulties. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love and care, just like anyone else. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend going through a tough time.

Final encouragements

Overall, the core theme of these simple solutions is to develop a more positive and nurturing relationship with yourself. Embracing self-love is an ongoing process that involves being kind to yourself, acknowledging your strengths, and accepting your imperfections. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can gradually cultivate a stronger sense of self-love and appreciation. Remember, self-love is not selfish; it is the foundation for building healthier relationships with others and living a fulfilling life.

Contentment and minimalism: Finding happiness through simplicity

finding the sweet spot between contentment and minimalism

For some people, contentment comes naturally right after getting on the path to minimalism. However, for others, it is a process that needs quite some effort and intention. In this article, I will explain my view on these concepts and give you some inspiration on how to actually find contentment through minimalism.

Contentment and minimalism go hand in hand. They can’t exist without one another. If you are a minimalist but not content with what you have, then why would you? Actually, contentment is essential even if you are not a minimalist. This is because being content means enjoying your life, and that is our goal in our everyday life. 

With that being said, it is hard. It’s like finding the sweet spot and then staying anchored in that holy place. But things happen. You might have a newborn and constantly need stuff. Or want to buy a bigger house, or want to change your style of clothes. And things add up. In the end, there are many things that we always wish for. Therefore there is no room for being content with what you have. 

Contentment and minimalism are not something that comes naturally to everyone. Some people may be more frugal by default, while others want to become minimalists because they find a benefit to it but it might be hard for them to find contentment alongside minimalism. 

However, I have developed a step-by-step approach that might help these people to achieve getting into that sweet spot between contentment and minimalism. 

But before I jump into that, I would like to share my experience on how I became content while living a minimalist lifestyle.

My story

Contentment has never come easily to me. Like many people, I have often found myself wanting more. But a while ago, I had a realization that shifted my mindset and helped me understand the importance of contentment in leading a happy and fulfilling life.

I used to get excited about a particular item and immediately buy it, only to find that the excitement and joy it brought me was short-lived. This was especially true for me when buying clothes. Soon enough, I would be searching for the next pair of pants to satisfy my desires. It was a never-ending cycle, and I realized that material possessions were merely a temporary cover for deeper issues in my life.

This realization has been truly life-changing for me. Now, when I feel the urge to buy something, I take a step back and ask myself if I truly need it, or if it will only offer temporary happiness. I remind myself (constantly) that what truly brings me joy and contentment are the things that cannot be bought: spending time with my family, enjoying moments of solitude and reflection, and pursuing my passions and interests. So simple, yet so complex, right?

While it’s not always easy, I continue to strive towards a minimalist lifestyle, with a focus on finding contentment in what I already have. I’ve found that by shifting my priorities away from material possessions, I’m able to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, which empowers contentment and minimalism.

finding the sweet spot between contentment and minimalism

A step-by-step guide on how to promote contentment and minimalism in your life

1. Identify what makes you happy long-term.

When identifying what makes you happy long-term, it’s important to take a moment to clear your mind and really think about the things that bring you joy. This can be anything from spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby or passion, being in nature, or even just enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.

However, if you find that your list includes material possessions or activities like shopping, it’s important to ask yourself whether these things bring you pure happiness or whether they are simply a way to distract you from negative emotions or feelings of dissatisfaction. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that buying more things will bring us happiness, but in reality, this is often a temporary fix that doesn’t provide long-term fulfillment.

Consider whether you tend to go shopping when you are upset or feeling down. If so, this could be a sign that you are using shopping as a way to cope with negative emotions. It’s important to find healthier ways to deal with these emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in physical activity.

Related: 16 No Shopping Challenges

This step might help you enter the second step with more ease. 

2. Declutter your possessions

As a believer in the concept of “less is more”, I find that decluttering possessions is essential for experiencing contentment. That’s why I recommend taking a tour of your house and mindfully decluttering your belongings. This process can take a few months or longer, or if you prefer, you can declutter in a few days. The most important thing is to let go of items that add to your stress and anxiety. 

Remember, contentment doesn’t come from having everything, because that’s not possible. True contentment comes from realizing that you have enough, and that definition of “enough” will be different for everyone. 

Finding that balance and feeling a sense of “I have enough because I have less” can be liberating and help you achieve a more minimalistic lifestyle.

Decluttering your possessions can be a challenging process, but it’s important to remember that the benefits are worth it. It can lead to a sense of calm and clarity in your mind. You may even find that letting go of physical possessions can help you let go of emotional baggage as well.

Remember that decluttering is a continuous process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. By regularly re-evaluating your possessions and letting go of what you no longer need, you can maintain a more minimalistic and content lifestyle.

3. Let go mindfully of your possessions

This step might sometimes be overlooked. However, if you declutter your home and don’t fully let go of your stuff, physically or emotionally, then you might not be ready for contentment in your life. 

It’s not enough to simply get rid of the physical clutter in your home; you must also let go of the emotional attachment that you have to these items. This can be a difficult process, especially if you have a sentimental attachment to certain possessions, but it’s important to remember that these objects do not define you and do not hold the key to your happiness.

Reasons to finally let go of those items

  1. They may be holding you back from moving forward in your life. By holding onto things that you no longer need or use, you are preventing yourself from creating space for new opportunities and experiences. You may also be limiting your own personal growth and development by holding onto objects that are no longer serving a purpose in your life.
  2. It can help you to live a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. By donating or recycling items that you no longer need, you are reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills and helping to preserve the planet for future generations.
  3. It can be a liberating experience. It can free you from the burden of material possessions and allow you to focus on the things that truly matter in life, such as relationships, personal growth, and experiences. By living a minimalist lifestyle, you can create more space, time, and freedom in your life, leading to a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment.

4. Practice gratitude 

Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool to promote contentment and minimalism in your life, and it is a natural consequence of the last points. It involves training your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your life, and acknowledging the abundance that already exists, instead of always wanting more.

Related: 101 things to be grateful for even on gloomy days

While writing down things you are grateful for every day is a good practice, it is important to extend gratitude beyond just a daily list. Incorporating gratitude into your day-to-day activities can be even more impactful. For example, when you wake up in the morning, take a moment to appreciate your comfortable bed or when you sit down to eat a meal, take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you.

The practice of gratitude should not be limited to certain activities or moments of your day. It is a mindset that should be present in everything you do, whether it’s at work, at home, or out in the world. The more you practice gratitude, the more natural it becomes to see the good in your life.

By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, you begin to shift your focus away from what you lack and toward what you have. You become more aware of the things you have and how fortunate you are to have them, and you start to appreciate them more. This can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and discontentment, and promote a greater sense of peace and contentment.

finding the sweet spot between contentment and minimalism

5. Embrace the ups and downs in your everyday life

Today, I wrote down in my journal that the world would be such a happier place if people would just understand that bad moments make good moments so much more precious. 

When we learn to appreciate the ups and downs of life, we begin to realize that even the difficult moments have value and can teach us important lessons. Instead of trying to avoid negative experiences, we can learn to embrace them as an essential part of our journey.

Think about it this way: If we only focused on the good moments in life, we would always be searching for the next high, the next thing to make us happy. But by accepting and embracing the bad moments, we can find a sense of peace and contentment in our lives, even during challenging times.

For me, learning to embrace the ups and downs of life has been a transformative experience. When I was younger, I used to get upset or frustrated whenever something didn’t go according to plan. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to see those moments as opportunities for growth and learning. Of course, I sometimes struggle with that, but with time, I’ve developed a little bit of resilience and a greater sense of inner peace. And as a result, I feel much more content and fulfilled in my everyday life.

6. Live in alignment with your values and things that make you happy.

So we’ve gone through the process of identifying our values and what truly makes us happy, going through decluttering, and starting gratitude practices. And now, the final step is to actually live in alignment with those things. It’s like a big cherry on top of the sundae of contentment and minimalism.

Living in alignment with our values and happiness means being intentional about the choices we make. It means saying “no” to things that don’t align with our values, even if they seem tempting or popular. And it means saying “yes” to things that do align with our values, even if they’re a little scary or unconventional.

When we live in this way, we naturally attract more of what we want into our lives. We start to see opportunities that we might have missed before. We build relationships with people who share our values and support us in our pursuits. And most importantly, we feel a sense of contentment and fulfillment that comes from living a life that is true to ourselves.

Infographic: finding the sweet spot between contentment and minimalism

infographic on finding the sweet spot between contentment and minimalism

Quick tips on how to incorporate contentment and minimalism in your day-to-day life

Practice negative visualization

A negative visualization is a powerful tool for practicing contentment and minimalism. It involves intentionally imagining worst-case scenarios in order to appreciate what you already have and to avoid excessive attachment to material possessions.

You can ask yourself questions like: “What if I lose my job tomorrow? What would I do?” “How would I pay my bills?” “What kind of job could I find?” By visualizing these worst-case scenarios, you can start to appreciate your current job and the stability it provides. Even though you might not like it, try to be content with it and understand that you are lucky enough to get where you are!

Related: The Stoic Art of Negative Visualisation

Imagine yourself being 80 years old

Imagine yourself at 80 and ask yourself what you would regret not doing or what you would be proud of yourself doing. For instance, you may regret spending too much time accumulating material possessions instead of spending time with loved ones or pursuing meaningful experiences or hobbies. Alternatively, you may be proud of yourself for living a simple, intentional life that values relationships and experiences over material possessions.

It can be a very powerful exercise because it helps bring clarity and perspective to your values and priorities. It allows you to reflect on the decisions you make in the present and how they align with your long-term goals and aspirations

Think about material possessions as emotional luggage that you have to carry with you everywhere

It feels kind of exhausting, isn’t it? Always carrying with you emotionally all the possessions that you have. What if you just sell everything and be free of all of that weight that keeps you down?

Just go freely through life and not feel the responsibility to dust all of your belongings. Instead of taking care of all of your possessions, you should take care of yourself. Go experience life.

Even if you have kids (I do, if you are curious!), you can still be free of all those unnecessary toys that your kid doesn’t spend more than 5 seconds at a time playing with. Just let go and be free. And ultimately you will experience contentment. 

Related: Minimalism With Kids: Where to Start?

Go out in nature

Nature embodies the essence of contentment and minimalism. It reminds us that happiness and satisfaction can be found in the simplest things, such as a clear blue sky or the rustling of leaves in the wind. Yet, our modern way of living has disconnected us from this innate simplicity.

By taking the time to go out in nature, we can reconnect with this sense of contentment and minimalism. We can step away from the constant distractions and noise of the city and find peace in the stillness and beauty of the natural world.

As we immerse ourselves in nature, we can begin to appreciate the small things that make life meaningful. We can find joy in the chirping of birds, the gentle flow of a stream, or the colors of a sunset. These experiences can help us cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment in our lives. Furthermore, nature teaches us the value of minimalism.

Related: Feeling Disconnected: How to Reconnect to Yourself?

We can see that the most beautiful and sustainable systems are often the simplest ones. By embracing minimalism, we can simplify our lives and reduce our dependence on material possessions and consumerism.

Take a moment to slow down

In our modern society, we often equate success and happiness with productivity and busyness. We feel the need to constantly be doing something, achieving something, or working towards some goal. However, this mindset can leave us feeling stressed, anxious, and disconnected from the present moment.

One way to cultivate a sense of contentment and minimalism in our lives is to take a moment to slow down. Instead of constantly rushing from one task to the next, we can pause, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment while drinking a cup of coffee, or simply doing nothing. 

Slowing down can help us embrace minimalism and simplicity. When we are constantly on the go, we tend to accumulate more possessions, commitments, and distractions. However, by slowing down and focusing on what truly matters, we can simplify our lives and reduce our dependence on material things.

Related: How to Slow Down Life: Effective Tips

Final thoughts

Together, contentment and minimalism offer a path to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By embracing the principles described above, we can find greater peace, happiness, and purpose in our daily lives.

Only by practicing one of those quick tips, or slowly starting on the process of achieving contentment and minimalism, you can notice a difference. It might be small but it might as well change your life by letting you connect to yourself and to those around you. 

Of course, It is not always an easy journey, but it is a journey worth taking for those who are willing to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life.

How to be Ruthless when Decluttering Clothes

how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes: woman donating a lot of clothes

Needless to say, you need to be ruthless when decluttering clothes. Otherwise, your wardrobe will always be full of clothes you don’t wear.

Decluttering clothes is not an easy task. It requires you to be honest about the clothes you like and wear and those you don’t. It also requires you to let go of sentimental attachments to certain items of clothing.

However, if you want to declutter your wardrobe effectively, you HAVE TO be ruthless. Not only that, but you also need to be systematic in your approach.

And as you already know, it is not easy:

  • You might have spent a lot on a dress that doesn’t suit you;
  • you might have received a T-shirt that you don’t like but you feel guilty letting go of;
  • you might have items of clothing from your high school that you’re not sure you should keep or let go of.

But unless you want your wardrobe to be full of clothes you don’t wear, you need to learn how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes.

So in this guide, I’ll show you how to be ruthless when decluttering clothes, step by step, and what you need to do in case you get stuck. This article is inspired by the KonMari method of tidying up, created by Marie Kondo.

Steps on ruthless decluttering

1. Place all of your clothes in one spot on the floor

The first step is to take all of your clothes out of your closet or wardrobe and place them in one spot.

By doing so, you can see everything you own at once and it will be easier to make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

And when I say all of them, I mean every single piece of clothing. Dig out those clothes you never wear from the back of your closet and put them with the rest. Also, check your entranceway, your other drawers, and any other place where you might have clothes stored.

It is truly essential that you take everything out so that you can make an accurate assessment of what you have and what you need. Also, it is going to be super satisfying at the end to see where you came from and how much you decluttered.

2. Take each item of clothing in your hand

Now that you can see all of your clothes, it is time to start decluttering. And the best way to do that is to take each item of clothing in your hand and ask yourself this question:

“Does this piece of clothing bring me joy/happiness?”

We all want to surround ourselves with happiness, so this is the perfect question to ask yourself when decluttering. This might be the only question that will put you into a ruthless mindset when it comes to decluttering.

Use your intuition here. You will know in one second whether an article of clothing brings you joy or not. If it does, keep it. Otherwise, let it go.

If it takes you more than a few seconds to think and you start including your rational part, like “I spent so much money on this shirt and didn’t wear it enough. I must keep it” or “I might wear this piece of clothing again in the future when I get slimmer”, then it doesn’t bring you joy and you should let it go.

The idea is to sink with your heart, not your head. So if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

The role of that piece of clothing that you haven’t worn in a long time was to teach you a lesson. And that is, not to buy clothes just because they are on sale or because you feel like you need them.

Be thankful for the lesson and let go.

3. If you still can’t decide, ask yourself some more questions

It is not unusual to feel attached to certain pieces of clothing, even if they don’t bring you happiness. If that is the case and you find it hard to let go, ask yourself this question:

“Is it hard for me to let go because it reminds me of the past or makes me anxious about the future?”

We are living in the present. And right now, we want to be happy, to feel light, and to move forward. The past is long gone, and it is not coming back. It just makes you less likely to enjoy the now.

The future is also not here yet. Would you better keep just-in-case items and let them dust or jet moldy in your storage, or just let go and move freely without any burden?

The present is all we have. So if something doesn’t make you feel good in the present, it is time to let it go.

It’s not the end of the world, you can still rebuy it if you truly need it

You might think that if you will let go of that piece of clothing, you will never find anything like it again. But that is only a thought in your subconsciousness.

You can rebuy it if you want it that badly. The thing is, you will probably never even remember about it.

And if you do, it means that now you know what brings you happiness and what your true style is.

With this mindset, it will be easier for you to be ruthless when decluttering clothes.

4. Donate the discarded items as soon as possible

Have you ever placed an item in your storage room for getting rid of it later but after a few weeks you have changed your mind and took it back?

It is human nature. We are sentimental creatures, and we tend to rethink the story that we are telling ourselves to our advantage.

The solution is to get rid of the clothes that you no longer want as soon as possible. Donate them to a charity, give them to a friend, or sell them online.

The further away the clothes are from your sight, the less likely you are to change your mind.

How to be ruthless when decluttering clothes flowchart

Items that you MUST get rid of

There are certain items in your closet that have to go without too much thought. These items include:

Clothes that don’t fit

If an article of clothing is too small or too big, it doesn’t belong in your closet. It is taking up valuable space and making you feel bad about yourself.

Let it go and make room for clothes that fit you and make you feel good.

Broken/worn-out clothes

Shirts that are missing some buttons, worn out jeans, or clothes with holes and stains are not doing you any good. The best you can do is to recycle or repurpose them.

Outdated clothes

I am quite outdated when it comes to fashion. But even I know when something is too old-fashioned and it is time to get rid of it.

I mean, if that piece of outdated clothing still brings you joy when you wear it, then keep it. But if you are only keeping it because you think the trend will come back or because you are attached to it, then let it go.

Clothes that you haven’t worn in the last year

Clothes are there, in your closet, to be worn. So if you haven’t worn something in the last year, it is time to let it go.

You will feel lighter, trust me. The fewer pieces of clothing you have, the easier it is to get dressed in the morning. You will also have more space in your closet for the things you wear.

Too many clothes from the same category

Duplicates are taking up valuable space in your closet. If you have more than one black blazer, for example, get rid of the ones you don’t wear.

The same goes for other items, like jeans, sweaters, or dresses. If you have too many of the same item, discard them.

Now, it is ok to have more than one pair of jeans, for instance. But it is not ok to have more than one pair of jeans in the same style.

Unwanted gifts

We have all been there. We received a piece of clothing from someone and we don’t like it. But we feel bad about returning it or getting rid of it.

If you don’t like the gift and you will never use it, get rid of it. Do you think the person who gave it to you will appreciate it if he/she will know that you hold onto it only out of guilt?

I think not.

Related: Unwanted Gifts: How to Handle & Prevent Receiving Them

Clothes that don’t make you feel good

This is a very personal reason to let go of something. But it is a very valid one.

If a piece of clothing doesn’t make you feel good when you wear it, it means that it is not for you. I am sure you don’t want to feel uncomfortable in your own clothes.

So if something doesn’t make you feel good, you must let it go.

Related: The ultimate minimalist list of things to get rid of

Work on your mindset

Your mindset is the one that makes you either ruthless when decluttering clothes or not.

If you want to keep everything because you are attached to it or because you think you might need it someday, then you will never declutter your closet. Remember:

Fewer clothes mean more time for other stuff

If you declutter your closet and get rid of clothes you don’t need, you will have more time for other things.

It will be much easier for you to choose the outfit for the day, and you will save time because you won’t have to look through your whole closet.

Fewer clothes mean less stress

Studies are showing that fewer clothes mean less stress and anxiety. Isn’t that a huge reason for you to be ruthless when decluttering clothes?

Just let go of that “maybe” pile that had to be gone a long time ago. You will feel so much happier, and less stressed.

If you don’t like it, you just know

You know when you like something and when you don’t. So if you are not sure about something, just let it go.

You can always buy it back if you change your mind. But chances are, you will never even notice that it is gone.

The money is gone

Once you have bought something, the money is gone. Next time, hopefully, you will be more rational when making a purchase. So this was a lesson for you. Thank life for the lesson and say goodbye to that new but ugly piece of clothing.

Related: How to Finally Get Into the Decluttering Mindset

Free yourself

When you declutter your clothes, you are freeing yourself from the burden of too many things.

You are also freeing yourself from the need to keep up with trends. You are making space for yourself, both physically and mentally.

So be ruthless when decluttering clothes, and you will see how much better you will feel.

The past prevents you from living in the present

This is the most important reason to declutter your clothes. If you keep holding onto the past, you will never be able to live in the present.

You will always be attached to your memories, and you will never be able to move on. That is why keeping sentimental items leads to unhappiness.

It is time to let go of the past and move on with your life. Make space for new memories, and new clothes that bring you happiness and fulfillment.

Related: How to Get Rid of Sentimental Items With No Regret?

Tricks you can use to ruthlessly declutter your clothes

Turn hangers around

This is a great way to see which clothes you actually wear.

Take all the hangers from your closet and put them facing the opposite direction. After you wear an item of clothing, put the hanger back in the closet facing the right direction.

At the end of the season (about 4 months), you will be able to see which clothes you have actually worn and which ones you haven’t.

Let go of the ones that are still facing the opposite direction without too much thought.

Create a “maybe” box

If you are not sure of some of the pieces of clothing, place them in a box and write “maybe” on it. Then put the box away somewhere where you won’t see it for about 4-6 months. Write a deadline on the box, as well as in your calendar.

If you don’t even remember that you have the box after the set time, it means you don’t need the clothes.

So you can get rid of them without any guilt.

Decide how many clothes you want to have in total in your wardrobe

This is a great way to be ruthless when decluttering clothes. Let’s say for instance that you want 50 pieces of clothing in total (excluding underwear, socks, and shoes) in your wardrobe.

So play around with your clothes and don’t let more than 50 pieces in your closet after the end of decluttering.

You can also decide on how many clothes you want in each category:

  • shirts
  • pants
  • dresses
  • skirts
  • jackets, etc.

This method might be even easier for you because it is more specific and it creates a balance between your outfits. And you will have a better idea of what to keep and what to let go of.

Related: Life After Decluttering: Now What?

Final words

By being ruthless when decluttering clothes, you are making space for the things that bring you joy. You will always feel better when you open up your closet and see clothes that make you happy.

So be ruthless, and let go of the clothes that don’t do anything but occupy your precious space, both physically and mentally.

I hope these tips were helpful! If you have any decluttering tips of your own, please share them in the comments below.

Happy decluttering!

Cheers, Diana