Hello love, and welcome back to the Own Your Confidence Podcast! I'm Ellie Curry, and today's episode is extra special because it marks our 50th episode. I can hardly believe it—50 episodes and over a thousand listens! Your support means the world to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for each one of you who has joined me on this journey.

Starting this podcast was a dream I had for years, and I'm proud of myself for finally starting it. It's a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of pursuing our goals. Here's to hitting 100 episodes by the end of 2024!

The Journey to Authentic Living

As I reflect on my own journey, it strikes me how crucial it is to build a life that truly reflects who we are as individuals. This is the essence of the signature framework I've developed over the past decade—a four-part process that has transformed my confidence, kindness, and discipline.

Rediscovering Your Authentic Self

The first step in this transformative journey is rediscovering your authentic self. I remember the years I spent living to please others, choosing goals based on external expectations. It's like throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks (something will make me happy). The key, I found, is to peel back the layers of who you are pretending to be so you can actually get to know who you are authentically.

I've dedicated a workbook to this process, and a masterclass is on it's way in 2024. It's about removing the false beliefs we've acquired, the invisible expectations that have guided our choices. For me, it was overcoming the unsupportive thought that I wasn't good enough. I'd change my preferences based on others' likes, creating a toxic cycle of self-criticism.

Embracing Your Authenticity

The journey involves accepting who you authentically are. It's a process of de-layering, letting go of the invisible expectations and false narratives. I vividly recall my belief that I was a loser, influencing every aspect of my life. To challenge this, I sought evidence from those who knew me best, gradually shifting my self-perception.

Giving yourself permission to be your authentic self is freeing. Whether it's wearing a faux fur coat to the gym or embracing your introverted nature, small, intentional steps lead to a more genuine expression of yourself.

Discovering Your Likes and Dislikes

Another crucial aspect of building an authentic life is figuring out your likes and dislikes. Often, living through a lens of feeling not good enough messes with your preferences. I embarked on a journey of exploration, doing things I'd always wanted but was too afraid to try. It's about figuring out what brings you joy, navigating discomfort, and being open to new experiences. It's about the willingness to try, to see what makes you happy, and what doesn't.

Figuring Out the Why Behind Your Goals

Lastly, understanding the why behind your goals is important. I share my own experience of desperately wanting to be a morning person due to societal expectations. However, once I delved into why, I realized it wasn't aligned with my authentic self. The key is finding a deep, meaningful why that resonates with who you are.

As you step into 2024, consider these aspects: Who are you authentically? What brings you joy? Why do you want what you want? Aligning your goals with your true self ensures they resonate deeply, motivating you even when challenges arise.

Remember, it's not about choosing generic resolutions; it's about creating a life that reflects who you are and fills you with excitement and motivation. If you need guidance on this journey, check out my coaching bundle, including a 2024 goal planner and a personalized coaching session.

Sending you so much love! Have an amazing week.

XO,

Ellie Curry