How to Become the Person You've Always Wanted to Be

If I were to sit everyone you know down and ask them to describe you in ten words, what words do you think they would use?

Fun? Quiet? Silly? Successful? Anxious? Pretty? Stylish? Loud?

Okay. More importantly, what words do you wish they would have used to describe you?


I was thinking about this a few weeks ago and it’s a tough question. After contemplating for a while I chose the following as words I wish people would use for me:

• Genuine

• Loving/kind

• Open

• Optimistic

• Thoughtful

• Passionate

• Adventurous

• Supportive

• Hard-working

• Simple

Do I think that these are the words people would use to describe me? Maybe some... but honestly, probably not all. In fact, to confirm this I asked a few people close to me to do it and I was unfortunately correct. (With the exception of my sweet angel of a sister who probably just knew what I wanted to hear :) ) This means I have a lot of work to do.

I believe that the qualities and traits you list when you really sit down and do this activity paint a clear picture of exactly the person you want and hope to become. The challenging part is actually following through with the actions day after day after day.

It can seem very overwhelming to try and embody your list of traits all at once but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Try breaking it down one by one and coming up with small ways to become more like that trait.



For example, one of the traits on my list was “thoughtful”. Some “action items” for thoughtful could be:

•     Writing letters to my friends and grandparents once every two weeks

•     Stop and pick up a treat (candy bar, cheap bottle of wine, paper towels if you know they are running low) when I am on my way to a friends house

•     After talking to a long-distance friend on the phone, follow up with them throughout the week. ex: How did your date go? Did your presentation at work go well?

•     If I know a friend is having a rough week, go out of my way to do something nice for them

When you break your list down into simple actions it seems a lot less overwhelming and a lot more achievable! Focus on a few items each week and, in order to remember, put a post-it note reminder on your bathroom mirror, in your planner, on the poster of Chris Hemsworth hanging in your bedroom, or where ever else you spend a good amount of time looking.

Disclaimer: I do not have a poster of Chris Hemsworth hanging in my bedroom. However, if anyone would like to purchase one for me I would not put up a fight. 

 I challenge you to make your list this week in addition to asking your friends and family what words they would use to describe you!

I would love to hear what characteristics would be on your list - comment below!