Who Do I Truly Want To Be Every Day?
- Mimi Hart
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Some quotes don’t just inspire—they stop you in your tracks. That happened to me today with these words from Mrs. Michelle Obama:
"Who do I truly want to be every day?"
"Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered."
These two quotes hold so much truth. Together, they offer a daily invitation to live with intention, courage, and authenticity.
A Personal Moment of Intention
This morning, I asked myself: Who do I want to be today?
My answer? I want to be a leader.
Often, throughout my day at work, I’m asked questions—many of which feel basic or repetitive. I sometimes catch myself getting annoyed or frustrated, especially when I think, You should already know this. But today, I reminded myself of my intention. I chose to lead with patience and grace. I chose to answer those questions with calm, remembering that leadership isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about how we show up for others.
That one decision shaped my whole day.
Why This Question Matters
Asking yourself who you want to be invites clarity. It helps filter out the noise of expectations and centers you in your truth. But to answer it honestly, you have to first know your why.
Your why is rooted in your values—the things that matter most to you. Is it compassion? Integrity? Growth? Freedom? Family?
If you’re unsure what your core values are, try this:
Reflect on moments when you felt proud, grounded, or fulfilled. What values were you honoring then?
Think about people you admire. What qualities do they embody?
Choose 3–5 words that resonate most. Write them somewhere you’ll see them often.
Your values act as a compass. When you know them, it becomes easier to answer: Who do I truly want to be today?
Don’t Be Afraid—Be All In
Mrs. Obama’s second quote reminds us of what it takes to live with intention:
"Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered."
Some days, fear might be louder than others. On those days, it’s okay to give yourself grace. Just remember to come back to your intention.
Be focused. Keep your eyes on your why, not the distractions.
Be determined. Even small steps matter.
Be hopeful. Trust that healing, growth, and change are possible.
Be empowered. Know that your presence has power.
Be empowered. Know your voice matters—your presence matters. Your unique perspective and experiences are valuable, and the world needs to hear them. Don’t be afraid to take up space, to express your thoughts and feelings, and to advocate for what you believe in. You don’t have to shrink to be accepted. Stand tall. Speak boldly. You belong here.
A Daily Practice You Can Start Today
What if each morning, instead of jumping into your to-do list, you paused to ask:
Who do I want to be today?
Here’s a simple way to start:
Each morning, ask yourself this question before the world gets loud.
Write down your answer. It can be one word or a short sentence.
Reflect at the end of the day. Did your actions reflect your intention? If not, what can you adjust tomorrow?
Let it be a practice, not a performance.
You are not behind. You are becoming.
And you are more than enough, exactly as you are.
Want to go deeper with Michelle Obama’s message?
Grab a copy of her bestselling memoir, Becoming, click link to Amazon below:
Let’s do this together:
Share your answer in the comments or tag @PurelyBeautifulLife on Instagram or Facebook when you try this practice. Let’s inspire each other to live with purpose, one day at a time.
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