Self-discovery and identity
Have you ever found yourself deep in the self-growth world, saving all the quotes, binge-watching the TikToks, buying the journals, but still quietly wondering, Okay, but what should I focus on first?”
If you’re nodding, just know — little Raina would’ve asked the same thing.
Starting your personal growth journey can feel like stepping into a room with too many doors and no sign telling you which one leads to the version of you that finally feels whole, confident, and in alignment.
And honestly, I guess that’s when the real surprise comes — the unknowingness, right? What I’ve learned is this: you don’t need to master everything at once.
Because none of these doors are right or wrong, you just choose one. You just need to know where you are right now, in this moment, and which core area is calling for your attention first.
Let’s break down 5 foundational areas of self-growth, so you can start with clarity and intention — not overwhelm.
Before we get into the areas, I want to say this to you — gently but honestly: You don’t need “fixing.” There’s nothing wrong with you.
But what I would say is this: Perhaps what you need is more alignment, more of you. And trying to unpack that? That’s the ongoing process. That’s the real heart of self-growth: becoming more of who you already are.
And if you’re reading this, you’re not doing self-growth wrong just because you don’t have a perfect morning routine, 10 affirmations, or a colour-coded planner.
Growth isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering and embodying who you are — and creating space to live from that place more often.
And that starts by choosing your focus area. Not all of them. Just one. Your starting point.
These are the 5 entry points I believe every self-growth journey moves through at some point.
One is not better than the others. The key is identifying which one resonates most with where you are right now.
This is the foundation. It’s where we come home to ourselves after years of performing, pleasing, or being in survival mode. This is where i personally started without knowing.
Signs this is your focus area:
What it might look like:
Journaling, identity work, slowing down, inner child healing, reconnecting with your values, feeling your feelings without judgment.
If your inner world feels like a rollercoaster (anxiety, burnout, numbness, emotional shutdowns), this might be where your growth wants to begin.
Signs this is your focus area:
What it might look like:
Creating safety within yourself, learning emotional regulation, practicing self-compassion, releasing old emotional patterns, working with a therapist or coach.
Sometimes, the thoughts running in the background of our minds are the very things that keep us from moving forward. If you’re struggling with doubt, overthinking, or inner criticism, start here.
Signs this is your focus area:
What it might look like:
Mindset reframes, awareness around your inner critic, journaling to shift limiting beliefs, building self-trust, practicing gratitude and grounded thinking.
If you’ve done the inner work but still feel scattered, inconsistent, or unproductive, your focus might be around building a lifestyle that actually supports your growth.
Signs this is your focus area:
What it might look like:
Simplifying your habits, creating gentle routines, prioritising self-discipline with grace, building daily systems that support your mental and emotional health.
Sometimes you’ve done “everything right” and still feel empty. That’s when your growth is asking you to get intentional about the life you’re building.
Signs this is your focus area:
What it might look like:
Reconnecting with your passions, vision casting, journaling through your ideal life, making aligned decisions, allowing yourself to dream again.
Something I’ve come to realise in my growth journey is that they’re all important. But one of them is probably standing out to you right now. That’s your doorway. Walk through it.
Try asking yourself:
Your journal prompt:
“If I could only focus on one area of my personal growth right now, which one would support the version of me I’m becoming and why?”
Let the answer come naturally to you. No pressure and no forcing. You’re allowed to take your time.
You don’t need a perfect plan, you just need one small, meaningful next step.
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right thing for you in this moment.
If you’re just beginning and want a gentle, grounded way to pinpoint your starting point, I created The Free Clarity Finder Journal for you.
A 5-day companion that helps you tune in, choose the core area calling your name, and begin with confidence.
Think of it as the doorway you’re about to walk through—only with clarity.
Because your journey doesn’t need to start with pressure—it starts with presence. And this journal was made to help you find it.
Welcome to your space for real self-growth. I’m here to support you as you grow into your most authentic self.
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About me
A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.
One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.
Let’s do this thing called growth together!
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