The Self Growth Formula

21/02/2025

What Does It Mean to Be Authentic?

Authenticity is often talked about, but what does it truly mean to be authentic? Simply put, being authentic means aligning your actions, thoughts, and emotions with your core values and beliefs. It’s about showing up as your true self rather than trying to meet external expectations or present a version of who you think you should be.

In personal relationships, authenticity means being open, honest, and vulnerable. It’s about sharing your true thoughts and feelings, even when it’s uncomfortable.

At work, being authentic is about expressing your ideas, choosing projects that resonate with your values, and speaking up when it matters. It’s less about seeking validation and more about aligning your career with what truly matters to you.

In reality however, it’s not always easy to be 100% authentic all the time.The fear of rejection, cultural pressures, or a desire for approval can lead us to hide parts of ourselves. That doesn’t mean we’re being inauthentic. It’s about navigating the balance between staying true to our values and being effective in the moment.

From a positive psychology perspective, authenticity is crucial for our well-being. Studies demonstrate that when we are authentic, we experience higher self-esteem, greater satisfaction, and stronger relationships. We’re more connected to our purpose and less weighed down by anxiety or the pressure to conform.

To live more authentically, start with these basic steps: awareness, acceptance and confidence.

👍What are your core values and beliefs? Sit with yourself, have a think and note these down.

👍Accept yourself as you are; your uniqueness is what makes you, you: it’s your strength.

👍Have the confidence to express yourself as your true self: speaking up when required and being true to what aligns with your values.

As you grow and evolve, your values and goals might shift. Regularly reassess where you’re at and adjust your actions to stay in alignment with your true self.

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

It’s the simplest practices that can have the most transformative effect on wellbeing - gratitude being one of them.

I find gratitude to be one of the quickest ways to shift negative thought patterns and instantly lift your mood.

By consistently practicing gratitude, you can create a powerful, cumulative effect that enriches and enhances your overall mental wellbeing.

29/10/2024

When the mind is in a state of overthinking, anxiousness or overwhelm, it’s important to adopt simple tools to attain a state of calm.

Try the 5 to 1 exercise to bring the mind back to the present moment.

25/10/2024

What is Wellbeing?

Wellbeing is about feeling good in different areas of your life: feeling mentally, emotionally and physically well; being socially connected with others; having a purpose and feeling fulfilled. Here’s a breakdown using the PERMA model:

The PERMA Model:

P - Positive Emotions
Focus on positive emotions: like joy, gratitude, humour and love.
Example: Start a daily gratitude journal. Write down three things that make you feel thankful each day.

E - Engagement
Being fully involved in activities brings joy and satisfaction.
Example: Dedicate time to a hobby you love, like painting or gardening. Try to lose track of time while doing it!

R - Relationships
Strong connections with others are vital for our wellbeing.
Example: Schedule regular catch-ups with friends or family. A simple coffee date can strengthen bonds.

M - Meaning
Feeling that your life has purpose can boost your happiness.
Example: Volunteer for a cause you care about. Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment.

A - Accomplishments
Achieving goals, no matter how small, can enhance your self-esteem.
Example: Create a to-do list and check off tasks as you complete them. Celebrate your accomplishments!

Key Points to Remember:
Wellbeing means being healthy in mind, body, and relationships.
It’s about a positive outlook and feeling fulfilled.
Small changes in daily habits can greatly improve your wellbeing!

24/10/2024

Languishing versus Flourishing

As individuals, we go through differing states as we navigate through life’s ups and downs. If you’re not feeling happy as such but you’re not sad either, you might be languishing.

It’s important to remember that the absence of mental illness does not mean you’re in a positive state of mental wellbeing.

This could be when you’re not in a negative state, which might include, sadness or depression but in a state of nothingness - in a state of languishing as opposed to flourishing. Feeling unmotivated to do anything and even detached and disinterested from people, interests and your purpose in life. This is an absence of wellbeing.

Generally, we spend more time thinking about what isn’t right in our lives and not enough time thinking about what is going well leading to the lingering of such states.

Here’s where the application of simple strategies can help to move towards a state a more positive state - a state of flourishing.

👍Practice mindfulness to develop awareness
👍Journal your thoughts
👍Savour positive experiences
👍Develop social connections
👍Engage in something you enjoy

📷 Jono Hey, sketchplanations.com