About Becoming Yourself

Years of pleasing, performing and fitting in leave many people unsure who they really are. Becoming Yourself is for anyone exhausted from being who they think they should be.

The book draws on the psychology of authenticity, including self-determination theory, Michael Kernis and Brian Goldman’s research on authenticity, and narrative identity, to help you live as yourself.

What you’ll explore

Why we perform. The book looks at why we present a version of ourselves to others, and what it costs us.

The self you show and the self you are. Kernis and Goldman described authenticity as including self-awareness, honest self-evaluation, acting in line with your values and openness in relationships.

Building authenticity day by day. Self-determination theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, identifies autonomy, competence and relatedness as basic psychological needs. The book shows how meeting them supports a life that feels your own.

Others’ expectations. How to meet other people’s expectations without losing yourself.

Rewriting your story. Dan McAdams’ work on narrative identity shows that the stories we tell about our lives shape who we become.

Being fully known. The freedom of being seen as you are.

Becoming yourself is presented not as self-indulgence but as the foundation of a life that feels like yours.

Who this book is for

People-pleasers, people at a life transition, and anyone who feels they have drifted from who they are.

At a glance

• Series: Psychology for Life, Book 14 of 20
• Author: A.N. Archer
• Publisher: Freyja Publishing
• Length: about 167 pages
• Formats: Kindle eBook, paperback and hardcover
• Kindle edition included with Kindle Unlimited

If you enjoy this book

Each title in the Psychology for Life series stands on its own. Readers of this book often go on to:

• The Courage To Be Human (Book 11)
• What Truly Matters (Book 12)
• Quiet Confidence (Book 13)