Being your true self is, for some people, a lifetime of self-exploration. Although, if you apply the three secrets in this article, you don’t have to wait your whole life to be your true self.

Secret #1: Surround Yourself With Those Who See You

We are often who we hang out with. Take the time to reflect on the people you interact with on the relationships you have in your life. Are those relationships inspiring? Do you like the person you are around your friends and family?

It is so important to surround ourselves with people who like or love us for who we truly are. Take the time to nurture the relationships that inspire you to be the best version of yourself and learn to create healthy boundaries with the relationships that bring you down. You have control over who you develop a relationship with or not. That is how you will step into your power by respecting yourself and allow healthy relationships to develop and grow.

Secret #2: Learn to Love Yourself

Our surroundings are often a projection of our internal landscape. If the first secret makes you realize that you might not be nurturing great relationships, it might be an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with yourself. Do you love your physical body, or are you constantly criticizing it? Are you comfortable being by yourself?

By developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself, you are slowly allowing your true self to shine. This type of change will also attract people who love you for who you are and increase your happiness in life.

Secret #3: Listen to Your Inner Voice

Our inner voice is probably one of the most important types of communication and, by far, the most influential. Take a moment to bring awareness to your self-talk. Are you kind to yourself? Are you your biggest fan or your worse critic? By observing your self-talk, you can shift the negative communication to yourself with something more positive, more empowering.

Being your true self is not about perfection but about embracing who you are, flaws and beauty. When you shift your inner voice to be more positive, you will notice that you respect yourself more and understand yourself better. A simple way to change your inner voice is to express gratitude toward yourself daily, that will slowly help you build positive self-talk.