“A wonderful realization will be the day you realize that you are unique in all of the world. The world is an incredible, unfulfilled tapestry, and only you can fulfill that tiny space that is yours.”
Leo Buscaglia

We are each unique beings in every way. We all possess distinctive fingerprints, irises, and voice patterns, and we have an original combination of personality traits, feelings, and thoughts. We all see life through the lens of our own unique experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.

When we embrace our individuality, our gifts and talents become energized. Our authentic self has permission to shine through. When we conform in order to fit in, be accepted, and avoid rejection, we shut down and give our power away. As we learn to practice self-acceptance and honor our differences, we feel safe to be our true self.

We all wish to be seen for who we actually are. In order for this to happen, we must first take the time to know, honor, accept, and celebrate what makes us different from others. When someone recognizes and acknowledges our true essence, we feel seen and known on a deep level.

If you don’t embrace your uniqueness, you can spend your entire life striving to conform and comparing yourselves to others. By celebrating what makes you different rather than wasting time trying to be like others, you will discover your unique and special gifts. This discovery will lead you to Living Your Truth.

Seven Keys to Living Your Life’s Purpose

1. Got Goals?

Your life’s vision is the road map to how to live your life. Goals help make your vision a reality. To create it, you must know what it is.

Goals should be measurable and quantifiable. No goal is too big or too small; rather they help you realize what you want more and less of in your life.

Our lives can feel out of control when we have not clearly defined our goals. Take time each week to consider what you want to accomplish. Make a PLAN to align your activities to your life’s vision.

2. Prioritize

Do what’s important first. The distractions of email, text messages, and reality TV shows can keep us from focusing on what is truly important.

In order to spend time on activities that support your life’s vision and keep your daily life in better balance, consider these productivity tips:

  • Have a scheduled time for emails and social media so they do not dominate your day.
  • Get up fifteen minutes earlier to set the day’s intention and MEDITATE.
  • Write a list of the things you need to and want to accomplish for the day.
  • Be on the outlook for time-suckers, such as channel surfing or lingering in social media-land, instead of addressing the items on your to-do list.
  • Know what you value most in life and then spend more time there.

3. Assess

Take ten minutes at the end of each day to assess your day’s activities. Examine the things that made you feel successful and happy compared to those that contributed to anxiety and stress.

Look for patterns. Living a balanced life is about identifying and doing more of what’s working and less of what is not. Stop and think if your actions and thoughts support your vision and goals. Nurture the ones that are effective and adjust the ones that are counterproductive.

• List three things that are NOT working in your life. Write down what you need to change accordingly.
• List three things that are going well. Write down the qualities that contributed to this success and CELEBRATE it. Acknowledge your efforts.

4. Body Wisdom

If you are feeling fatigued and defeated at the end of the day or find it difficult to get up in the morning, something is out of balance. Persistent headaches, body pain, and insomnia may all be warning signs your body and life are not in sync with your greatest good. Your body is a reflection of your life choices. It will inform you when something is not working, if you are present enough to listen.

Good physical, mental, and emotional health are the cornerstones to living your best life. Make exercise, sleep, quality nutrition, and meditation TOP priorities.

5. Need Help?

Ask for it. No one has everything figured out. Asking for assistance or feedback is a sign of determination and desire for growth. Everyone needs a positive life tribe.

Reach out to those who have experienced what you are experiencing or whom you admire and seek their guidance.

• Write down three things you need help with right now and the three people you could ask.

6. Be Flexible.

Shift happens. Circumstances change. Life is dynamic. Yes, it’s important to have a plan, but it is also vital to be flexible enough to roll with Plan B if it is required.

7. Be Still

Resting and recalibrating is an essential part of being successful. This is dedicated time to take a step back and process everything going on in your life. Your insight and perspective will be more astute when you incorporate some expansive mind space into your daily life.

As you move into a more balanced state, your authentic self reveals itself more and more. Honor what is unique about you. Tell us! What are you known for? What are your strengths? What about your so-called weaknesses? What happens when you try to conform or blend in with others in a way that covers up your uniqueness? How does it feel? What about when you embrace your uniqueness? How does it feel to be your authentic self?

Please drop a comment here and start a dialogue. I am always interested in what is on your mind.


Terri Cole, founder and CEO of Live Fearless and Free, is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. Recently, Terri released her first CD “Meditation Transformation.” She is writing her first solo book “Flip Over and Float—Transform Fear into Freedom in 6 Simple Steps for Sustainable Change” and co-hosting Live Your Truth Love Your Life with yoga psychologist Ashley Turner. Terri can be found on her websiteFacebook, and Twitter.

*Photo by amaranth5syn.