The angel number 1111 gets a lot of hype, from making a wish at 11:11 or 11/11 as a hot commodity wedding date. But what if I told you that all repeating numbers have meaning—and we’ve simply been overlooking other digits? That’s the idea behind angel numbers, or recurring numbers bound with spiritual significance. In the case of angel number 1010, it’s an important note about self-development and returning to yourself—so, if it’s showing up in your life, you probably want to tune in.

Numbers all have vibrational energy, according to numerology, so it’s a good idea to consider the lesser-known angel numbers, lest you miss a message from the universe. “Angels speak to us in synchronistic ways, which basically means that we will see something over and over again, so much so that it goes beyond mere coincidence,” celebrity aura reader, psychic medium, and spirit guide Megan Michaela Firester, who goes by Mystic Michaela, previously told Well+Good. “One of these ways is through numbers.”

With this in mind, it’s worth taking a step back from 11:11 for a moment to focus on what you could call its little sister, angel number 1010. First, let’s dissect the individual digits of the angel number: 10. “The number 1 is the number of self-improvement, self-discovery, and learning to love oneself,” Danny Santos, astrologer says, while 0 symbolizes the passage of time. “The 0 following 1 to make 10 is about maturation, finding yourself or growing into yourself, and developing more mature and refined ways of being,” Santos adds.

Ahead, uncover the meaning of the angel number 1010 and what to do if you keep seeing it.

What is the meaning of angel number 1010?

Typically, angel numbers are reduced to a single digit (by adding up their individual digits until you get to just one number), and that number’s numerological meaning is then amplified when in sequence. For example, 8 is a digit of abundance and manifestation, and when it’s tripled, as in 888, the number becomes a powerful reminder to be grateful for what you have while manifesting what you want.

In the case of angel number 1010, you may think to reduce the number down to 10, however, in the world of numerology, base numbers only go up to nine. Because of this, numerologist, astrologist, and tarot reader Vannessa Williams, says that angel number 1010 actually boils down to the number one, which is then mirrored. “The number one in numerology represents new beginnings, leadership, and independence,” she says.

“It is time to choose a direction when the numbers 1 and/or 10 appear.”—Vanessa Williams, numerologist

Astrologer, stylist, and writer Jacquelyn Tierney says that 1010 is urging you to choose your own path. “The symbol of one is a straight line, whether that be horizontal or vertical, and that line points clearly in a direction,” she explains. “It is time to choose a direction when the numbers 1 and/or 10 appear.”

By a similar token, numerologist Joy Woodward, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Numerology, says that angel number 1010 is the “new” 1111. “The cipher, or 0, amplifies the 1, representing continued spiritual awakening and development of intuition,” she explains.

What does 1010 mean for love and relationships?

With that in mind, in the world of love, angel number 1010 may be more of a sign of self-love, according to Santos, than it is about romantic love with others. “But rather than just simply loving yourself as you are, it’s about creating self-love through self-improvement,” he adds. Because it’s a spiritual angel number, seeing 1010 could be an indication that you should pause and give yourself affirmations, especially if you’ve been feeling a lack of confidence recently in that department.

“But rather than just simply loving yourself as you are, it’s about creating self-love through self-improvement.”—Danny Santos, astrologer

Plus, a boost in self-love may be extra beneficial in terms of love and relationships, and 1010 could be asking that you begin new habits that promote self-acceptance, which can be infectious when it comes to external love. “This would include things such as exercising to transform your body, achieving success in your own career, or other activities that require you to focus more on yourself,” says Santos. “In relationships, 1010 represents to stop focusing on the other person in your romantic relationship. Control, co-dependency, and other toxic patterns can appear in romantic relationships.”

What does 1010 mean for spirituality?

If it seems like you’re on the precipice of a spiritual breakthrough when you see 1010, it could be because you are! Per Santos, 1010 is a number of great self-improvement, especially when it comes to your spiritual journey. “It allows for you to develop your own strengths while moving away from negative patterns of co-dependency and control issues,” he adds. If you’re repeatedly seeing 1010, the universe could be telling you to turn your focus on your ambitions, both internal and external.

That’s because, astrologically, Santos says you can refer to the tenth zodiac sign, Capricorn, which is ruled by stern and hardworking Saturn. In that sense, “1010 encourages you to focus on finding yourself,” says Santos. Needless to say, 1010 means business, and it’s urging you to take charge and keep your head in the game.

What does 1010 mean for money and career?

When it comes to money and career, consider the energy of 1, which represents the self, individuality, and self-improvement. The number 0, while neutral, Santos says symbolizes potential and the passage of time. In that way, 1010 is about focusing on yourself. That could mean reflecting on your work ethic, the palpability of your skills, or otherwise “making money flow easier through the lens of 1010 because this number is best expressed through putting yourself first,” explains Santos.

Naturally, the angel number 1010 is most suited for the professional arena, explains Santos. Angel number 1010 supercharges the needs and ambitions of the individual, which can result in doing what it takes to achieve those dreams. “Getting ahead, taking a cut-throat approach, and putting yourself first is the way to climb the career ladder,” explains Santos. In the workplace, seeing 1010 is a push toward sharpening your skills and separating your feelings from matters of business.

What to do if you keep seeing angel number 1010

Another way to look at angel number 1010? It’s a mirrored number, which means that it’s a reminder that in order to start something new, we need to reflect on our past beginnings, according to Williams. “If there is any lingering negative energy attached to a prior beginning, that should be cleared before starting something new,” she says. Here’s where learning how to get rid of bad vibes by, say, doing a self-guided energy cleanse can come in handy.

When interpreting angel number 1010 as a mirrored number, Tierney reminds us that the number 10 encompasses the energetic vibration of “success, public reputation, legacy, group leadership, authority, outward achievement, power, responsibility, security, and stability.”

With this in mind, she says that seeing the repeating digit is significant because it’s a sign to become the leader of your life. “Is it time to make decisions for what you want? Yes,” she emphasizes. “Manifest with great power; the wheel of fortune is spinning in your favor. …just remember to choose your direction wisely, as the number one indicates a new beginning of a 9-year cycle. How we set ourselves up under the vibration of one can impact the next nine years.”

How to harness the power of angel number 1010

Since angel number 1010 is all about reflection, independence, and leaning into new beginnings as a way of leading the life you’ve always dreamt of, there are a few things you can do to really embrace its energy. For starters, you can start journaling.

Reflecting in written form is one of the best ways to express ourselves, particularly because it doesn’t require sharing your thoughts (unless, of course, you want to). For instance, you could write in a journal, or you could write a reflective letter addressing lingering negative energy from past beginnings, even if you never intend to send it.

Another way to harness the energy of angel number 1010 is by manifesting. To embrace new beginnings and make the most of them, consider checking out Roxie Nafousi’s book Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life for guidance on how to navigate new beginnings and become the fearless leader of your life. (Need proof? The book—and Nafousi’s teachings—are earning high praise on TikTok, with over two million views and counting.)

And remember: Repeating numbers in dates are especially significant so if you’re looking to really tap into the power of angel number 1010, be sure to think ahead to make October 10 a major moment of manifestation. This could mean making time to take your next big step into a leadership role, or it could serve as the perfect day to honor all the hard work you’ve put in while harnessing the number.