Colton Underwood is very proud of the way he handled himself through The Bachelor's 23rd season.
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"I'm really looking forward to this being the best season ever," Colton, 26, told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview.
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' SEASON 23: MEET ALL OF COLTON'S BACHELORETTES! (PHOTO GALLERY)
Colton previously teased his season as "unique" and "unexpected," and according to the charity founder and former professional football player, it's because he played by his own rules.
"Being the Bachelor -- I didn't do it perfectly," admitted Colton, who was introduced to 30 women in the premiere, which just aired earlier this week.
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"I don't think anybody is perfect. But I really hope everyone gets an understanding of exactly who I am. I did this my way, and I'm really excited for you to see what I mean by that."
Colton went into the season realizing he had to be himself and do things his way or else he'd simply be trying to please and impress others -- fans, productions, family, friends and more.
Colton acknowledged "understanding that I'm not perfect" was a big lesson he took away from The Bachelor experience.
Based on trailers for the new season, Colton had a series of high and low moments. Not only was he shown crying in a producer's arms, but he also jumped a six-foot tall fence to escape cameras.
Given the ride to finding lasting love was a bumpy one, Colton confessed there were moments when he doubted whether the process would work for him and feared he'd leave the show single and heartbroken.
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RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' SPOILERS -- COLTON'S WINNER BACHELORETTE PICK, FINAL 4, SHOCKING ENDING, & EPISODE-BY-EPISODE DETAILS!
"Even before I came on The Bachelorette I was skeptical and had moments throughout the season where I was like, 'Is this really going to happen for me, is this going to work?' I think that's a completely normal reaction to have," shared Colton, who competed for Becca Kufrin's heart on Season 14 of The Bachelorette.
"I've never done this before. I've never dated 30 women before. I don't think anyone has really had that opportunity. So while I am grateful and humble to have that opportunity, it also presents its challenges."
Colton refuses to reveal whether he's engaged -- or even happily in love -- but he is at least at peace with his choices and current lifestyle.
"Now I am just going about living my life to the best of my abilities and staying true to who I am. Understanding I'm continuing to grow every day and just being comfortable with who I am," Colton said.
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"Not letting comments or peoples' opinion get to me, because I have been that way in the past. I've taken things too personal in the past. I have an unbelievable family and support system of friends back home. And things have been great."
RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' COUPLES NOW: WHO DID 'THE BACHELOR' STARS AND THEIR BACHELORETTE PICKS ACTUALLY END UP MARRYING? (PHOTOS)
Colton has 23 women still in the running for his final rose when Episode 2 of The Bachelor's 23rd season airs next Monday night at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.
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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski