7 Simple Steps Towards Living a Life That Feels True to You

 

Every now and then, life gives us a quiet nudge. A moment where you pause and think, "Is the way I’m living actually the life I want?" Sometimes this moment can be a dramatic life event, but more often than not it's a shift that is shaped by small choices and a growing sense of what genuinely matters to you.

If you’re feeling that subtle shift, here are seven simple steps that can help you to reconnect with yourself and move towards a life that feels grounded, honest and unmistakably your own.

 

1. Start With One Small Step.

Most of us have responsibilities and routines that aren’t going anywhere overnight, and that’s fine. Living in a way that feels true doesn’t mean tearing everything down. It starts with one small, considered shift that nudges you closer to where you want to be.

Try something manageable: a few minutes of Morning Pages, a walk without your phone or carving out an hour for something you’ve been missing. These small steps all add up and can help lead you in the right direction. 

 

2. Recognise That You Are Enough.

Your value doesn’t shift depending on your job title, income or how together your life looks from the outside. It really doesn’t. True alignment begins when you stop trying to earn your worth and remember that it’s already there.

There’s an old saying: we spend the first half of our lives trading our health for money, and the second half trying to buy it back. When you stop tying your self worth to achievement, you naturally start making choices that support your wellbeing rather than drain it.

 

3. Understand Your Values.

A lot of misalignment shows up simply because we haven’t checked in with our values for a while. It happens to everyone. Spend some time getting clear on what genuinely matters to you. Do you crave connection? Do you need more creativity in your life, or more adventure? Maybe what’s missing is stability and a sense of calm?

Once you know what those values are, let them guide you. Your life will naturally feel more aligned.

 

4. Set Honest Boundaries.

Saying “yes” when you quietly mean “no” is one of the quickest ways to lose sight of yourself. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re a form of self-respect.

And yes, boundaries apply to the digital world too. It’s amazing how quickly your own voice gets drowned out when everyone else’s is coming at you. Try limiting the apps that drain you, avoiding early-morning scrolling, or choosing one phone-free evening a week. A bit of quiet can bring surprising clarity.

 

 

5. Be Yourself - Without Apology.

Being true to yourself doesn’t require a big statement. It just means you should be honest about who you really are. You don’t have to announce it to the world, but you can start by noticing where you shrink yourself without even meaning to: at work, with friends or even with the clothes you choose.

There’s no dramatic reinvention needed. Begin with small, authentic choices: wearing something that feels like “you”, speaking up when you normally wouldn’t, choosing plans that genuinely energise you. Although it might take you out of your comfort zone initially, confidence grows with these small, honest steps.

 

6. Choose Experiences Over Expectations.

It’s easy to chase things we think we should want - the house, the job title, the lifestyle - only to realise they don’t always match the life we imagined. Owning more doesn’t always mean living more.

Instead, try paying attention to how you want to feel: calm, inspired, rested, energised. Those feelings usually point you in the right direction. Sometimes the real dream isn’t the big purchase. It’s the sense of joy or freedom we think that will deliver. 

 

7. Be Curious.

Curiosity is underrated. Honestly, following small sparks of interest can tell you more about yourself than any carefully crafted life plan. So try new things. Explore ideas that excite you or revisit hobbies you’ve quietly put to the side.

And try not to postpone happiness until the next milestone. Instead of “I’ll feel better when…”, ask what would make today feel more like the life you want. One tiny decision can shift your whole perspective.