If we open the same doors over and over again, we can anticipate what will be on the other side. And yet, we all continue on the expected “safe” path. We walk the same roads, open the same doors, choose the same people and experiences, and somehow expect our lives to change. If we are to make a difference—a lasting difference in our lives—we need to take the time to really see ourselves for who we are.

Instead of labeling yourself as a mother or father, sister or brother, aunt or uncle, boss or employee, delve deeper. Who are you aside from all of these roles? Are you passionate about art or science? Do you feel most alive when rock climbing or hiking? What is it that makes you—you? Peel off the layers you have built around you one-by-one until you can truly see yourself. Don’t worry about the opinions of others, or of society as a whole. If this world were filled with the same type of person, there would be no variety. You were born to be an individual, to have unique talents, and to travel upon your own path, wherever in life that may lead.

Once you have accepted yourself for all of your faults, insecurities, and of course, enormous gifts, you can begin to make changes that will make an impression on your life and the lives of those around you. But where does the inspiration for inner change come from? While inspirations come in many shapes and sizes, perhaps the greatest of them needs to come from within.

There are many change leaders out there inspiring us to make a difference. Their words are empowering. They make us want to leap up and make changes that will make life better for generations to come. However, for changes to be lasting, we can’t just react to spoken words, no matter how powerful they may be. Instead, we have to take those words and make them our own. They need to be the creed we follow, the spark that ignites us, the very fibers of our being.

The need and desire to change in order to follow your intended life’s journey must come from within. And once it does, you will know the first, second, and final steps to take to make that journey a living reality.