How do we become the women we want to be? Shireena Shroff Manchharam explains how

Becoming who you want to be

As young girls, our playtime often involved imagining ourselves as adults, with adult responsibilities and careers. We envisioned ourselves as mothers caring for our babies or doctors tending to our dolls. These moments of make-believe were beautiful visualizations of our future aspirations. However, as we journeyed through life’s unpredictable highs and lows, the clarity of our path to becoming who we wanted to be often became obscured. As young women, we focused on building careers or starting families, and childhood dreams transformed into the daily grind of navigating life. Over the years, as we continuously grow, an invisible desire to define and identify who we are becomes more prevalent. As a mother, my desire is stronger than ever to be clear about my values, recognize the challenging and wonderful moments that shape me, and outline how to become the best person I can be moving forward.

Manifest the person you want to be

One of the most effective ways to determine who you want to be is by envisioning your desired future and using the power of attraction and belief to make it a reality. Clearly visualize the woman you aspire to be, focusing on your feelings, actions, emotions, beliefs, and thoughts. Identify the values you hold dear, what feels right in your gut, and what brings you joy. Consider the aspects of life that fuel your passions and goals. Simultaneously, it is crucial to identify what holds you back from becoming the person you want to be. By recognizing both personal limitations and external factors that may impede your progress, you can develop a strategic plan to overcome these obstacles.

Recognize how far you have come

Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth, but it is equally important to acknowledge and appreciate how far you have come. Embracing ourselves as works in progress is a healthy mindset. However, it is also uplifting to reflect on where you started, how much you have achieved, and to express gratitude for both the good and bad times that have shaped you. Acknowledge the support of those who have quietly stood by you, such as a caring partner or parent, a colleague who believed in you, or a helper who manages your home, enabling you to focus on your career. Even the most challenging and darkest moments of your life contribute to building your character, grit, and determination, leading you to where you are now.

Make a plan

Becoming who you want to be involves manifesting your desires and taking practical steps to shape your future. Daily intention-setting is an excellent way to start each day with a focus on specific goals. Whether it’s being more present with your children after work, practicing patience, approaching difficult people with empathy, or enjoying time with friends, daily intentions help break the monotony of daily life and provide small, manageable goals to focus on.

As you design your future self, consistently align your values with your aspirations. Create a vision board, gather a supportive community, plan ahead, and most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout the journey. We are all works in progress with a wealth of experience behind us and much to learn ahead. Enjoy the journey.