Becoming the Person You Want to Be: A Story About Service and Growth

Ryan had always been a dreamer. Ever since he was young, he’d imagined a future where he was confident, successful, and making a difference in the world. He could picture himself clearly: someone who inspired others, lived with purpose, and radiated self-assurance. But as the years passed, Ryan found himself stuck in the same routines, far from the vision of the person he wanted to become.

One evening, after a particularly frustrating day at work, Ryan sat on his couch, feeling defeated. He scrolled through social media, seeing others achieving their goals, living boldly, and seemingly thriving. He couldn’t shake the question that had been nagging at him for months: “Why can’t I be like that?”

The Realization

The next morning, Ryan bumped into his neighbor, Sam, an older man known in the community for his kindness and wisdom. As they chatted, Ryan admitted, “I keep thinking about the person I want to be, but it feels so far out of reach.”

Sam smiled knowingly. “You know,” he said, “the person you want to be isn’t out there somewhere. They’re already inside you, waiting for you to show up. The secret is to serve that person now.”

Ryan frowned, unsure what Sam meant. “Serve that person? How do I do that?”

“Ask yourself,” Sam replied, “what would the person you want to be do today? Then go and do it.”

The First Small Steps

Sam’s words stayed with Ryan. That evening, he grabbed a notebook and wrote down a simple question: “What would the person I want to be do right now?”

The answer came surprisingly quickly. The person he wanted to be would take care of his health, so Ryan decided to go for a run—a short one, just around the block. The person he wanted to be would also be kind and helpful, so he offered to help his neighbor carry groceries upstairs. These weren’t grand gestures, but they felt significant. They were actions that aligned with the vision he had for himself.

As the days went by, Ryan kept asking himself the same question. Sometimes, the answer was to read a book instead of watching TV. Other times, it was to speak up in a meeting, something he’d always been too nervous to do. Each decision, however small, felt like he was stepping closer to the person he wanted to be.

Becoming Through Service

Over time, Ryan realized that serving the person he wanted to be wasn’t just about actions—it was about mindset. It was about showing up each day with intention and asking, “What does my best self need from me today?”

The person he wanted to be wasn’t perfect, but they were resilient, compassionate, and curious. So, Ryan started treating himself as if he were already that person. He forgave himself for mistakes, celebrated small wins, and approached challenges with a sense of curiosity instead of fear.

He also extended this mindset to others. The person he wanted to be was someone who lifted others up, so he began finding ways to serve the people around him. Whether it was offering encouragement to a coworker, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply being a better listener, Ryan discovered that serving others helped him grow into the version of himself he admired.

The Shift

Months later, Ryan noticed something incredible. The gap between who he was and who he wanted to be had started to close. He wasn’t just dreaming about being confident, successful, and purpose-driven—he was living it, one small step at a time.

His days weren’t perfect, but they were filled with purpose. He had learned that the key to becoming the person he wanted to be wasn’t waiting for some future moment of transformation. It was about serving that vision every day, in every decision, and with every action.

Your Turn: Serve the Person You Want to Be

Ryan’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to wait to become the person you aspire to be. That version of you is already within reach, waiting for you to take action.

Ask yourself:

• Who do I want to be?

• What would that person do today?

• How can I serve that version of myself right now?

Remember, it’s not about perfection or massive leaps. It’s about small, consistent actions that align with your values and vision. Each step you take in service of the person you want to be brings you closer to living that reality.

Start Today

Becoming the person you want to be isn’t about a sudden transformation—it’s about showing up every day and choosing to live in alignment with your vision. Start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. The person you want to be is already within you. Serve them, and watch as your life begins to transform.