What is the thing that is most holding you back from being the best version of yourself? You might be tempted to say something along the lines of time, energy, money, or opportunity. Perhaps you feel limited by other people?

I have a hunch that a big part of what is holding you back is your sense of self. In other words: you might well be limited by your attachment to the old you and your eagerness to be seen as consistent and reliable.

Why Consistency Is Over-Rated

We all have an attachment to who we think we are, and we all have a notion of ourselves and of who others think we are as well. For example, you may see yourself as someone lighthearted who is never serious. Or perhaps you see yourself as being a local at heart, who supports the local sports team and who would never leave home.

We like the sense of continuity that this brings, and other people want to know where they stand with us.

We don't want to do something out of character, and we don't want to go back on things we've said.

But is this something you should cling to? Maybe your concept is outdated?

Adaptability Is Key

If the dinosaurs taught us one thing, adaptability is the most important trait when it comes to surviving and thriving. If you can't adapt, then the world will change around you, and you will become an anachronism.

What benefit is there for you to actively refuse to adapt and grow with that in mind? Have you ever told someone how you felt and then changed your mind only to think that you canít go back on what you said?

Have you ever wanted to dress differently or take a suddenly severe tone but felt enormous pressure from peopleís expectations of you?

This is a prison. And the irony is that it is a lie: the most authentic version of yourself is simply what you naturally want to be. The best way to be yourself is to drop all expectations and act at the moment based on your emotions and your feelings.

And remember: biologically, there is no continuity. Now, the person you are is biologically utterly different from the person you were even ten years ago. Accept it and move on.