Stop Trying, Start Being
We’ve all heard the phrase, “If at first you don’t succeed, try…try again.” But what if constantly trying is actually keeping us stuck? What if, instead of pushing so hard, we allowed ourselves to simply be?
Trying often comes from a place of “not enough”—a belief that we need to work harder to become someone or something else. But the truth is, when we’re aligned with our authentic selves, we don’t need to try so hard. Life begins to flow naturally when we embrace who we truly are. So how do we stop trying and start being? Here are some steps to help you shift into a state of alignment and authenticity.
1. Tune Into Your Body’s Wisdom
Your body is a miraculous vessel of communication. It constantly sends you signals about what you need, whether it’s through emotions, physical sensations, or intuitive “gut feelings.” When we’re caught up in trying, we often override these signals. The first step toward being is to listen.
Actionable Steps:
- Check in with Your Body: Take a few minutes each day to ask yourself, “What is my body feeling right now?” Pay attention to any tension, discomfort, or emotions that arise.
- Follow Your Gut Feelings: Your vagal nerve—which connects your gut, heart, and brain—plays a key role in intuition. When you feel uneasy or excited about something, take it as a signal. Instead of pushing those feelings away, explore what they’re trying to tell you.
- Honor Your Emotions: Emotions like anger, jealousy, or dissatisfaction aren’t enemies to be tamed; they’re messengers. Ask yourself, “What is this feeling trying to show me?”
2. Shift from Trying to Being
When we operate from our mind’s constant “to-do” list, we end up in a state of trying—always striving, stressing, and pushing toward the next goal. Being is about allowing yourself to align with your true nature and act from a place of ease and flow.
Actionable Steps:
- Practice Mindful Pauses: During the day, take short pauses to just be. Stop whatever you’re doing for a few moments, breathe, and observe how you feel. This helps shift your nervous system from “fight-or-flight” to a state of rest.
- Focus on Presence: When engaging in daily activities, ask yourself, “Am I forcing this or flowing with it?” Notice if you’re trying to control the outcome or if you’re aligned with what feels natural.
- Release Perfectionism: If you catch yourself trying to “get it right” all the time, remind yourself that being is enough. You are already enough, just as you are.
3. Reconnect with Nature
One of the easiest ways to shift from trying to being is by reconnecting with the natural world. Nature has no agenda—it simply exists, and in that state of being, it fulfills its purpose. We, too, are part of this natural flow.
Actionable Steps:
- Spend Time in Nature: Take a daily walk outside, whether in a park, by the ocean, or simply in your backyard. While you’re there, focus on how it feels to be present in nature.
- Grounding Practice: Take off your shoes and stand on the earth. Feel the connection between your body and the ground. Grounding helps you align with the earth’s energy and brings a sense of calm.
- Observe Nature’s Rhythms: Whether you’re in a city or surrounded by trees, take time to observe how nature moves without force. Watch the clouds drift, notice the leaves fluttering, or tune into the sound of the wind.
4. Trust Your Intuition
Your body and soul already know what you need to experience in this life. When you stop trying and start being, you allow your intuition to guide you toward what’s truly aligned with your highest self. I have included a mindfulness exercise at the bottom of this page that will help you to restore your intuition.
Actionable Steps:
- Practice Listening to Your Inner Voice: Start small—when you feel a nudge to do something (even if it seems unrelated to a goal), trust it. As you listen to your intuition more, it will grow stronger and clearer.
- Ask Yourself Meaningful Questions: When faced with a decision, instead of defaulting to logic, ask your body, “How does this feel?” Pay attention to what your gut and heart are telling you.
- Create Quiet Time for Reflection: Dedicate time each day to sit in stillness. This could be through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly. The more you practice tuning in, the more you’ll hear your true self speaking.
5. Embrace the Flow of Life
Life doesn’t have to be a constant struggle of trying to make things happen. When you align with being, you allow yourself to flow with life’s natural rhythm. This doesn’t mean passivity; it means moving in harmony with your deepest desires instead of forcing outcomes.
Actionable Steps:
- Go with the Flow: When things don’t go as planned, instead of resisting, ask, “What can I learn from this redirection?” Trust that life is guiding you toward something more aligned.
- Release Control: Let go of the need to control every outcome. Trust that when you are living in alignment with your authentic self, life will naturally bring you the experiences and opportunities you need.
- Celebrate Small Moments of Flow: Each time you catch yourself in a state of ease, joy, or alignment, celebrate it. The more you notice these moments, the more they’ll appear.
Conclusion: The Freedom of Being
The shift from trying to being is about reconnecting with your true self. When you live from a place of being, you no longer have to force or strive to become something you’re not. You are already enough. By listening to your body, trusting your intuition, and reconnecting with nature, you will find that life flows more naturally—and that’s where true freedom lies.
So, take a deep breath, and remember: Stop trying. Start being.
By incorporating these actionable steps into your life, you’ll start to notice a shift in how you approach challenges, decisions, and daily tasks. Life becomes less about forcing outcomes and more about flowing with your authentic self.
Join the community
If this resonates with you, I invite you to share your experiences in the Authentic or Bust Facebook group, where we’re exploring these concepts together. Let’s talk about how we can support each other on the journey from trying to being.
You can also gain further insights on authentic living by tuning into my YouTube channel, Diary of an Authentic Life. I would love to see you in the comments. Let’s build this community together!