Do you have days when you stare into the mirror and can’t help but feel like something is missing?
It’s almost like a tiny voice in your head is reminding you that you are yet to fully maximize your potential. In other words, it is telling you to become the best version of yourself.
Now, what does it mean to be the best version of yourself? There isn’t a definitive definition, as the term is subject to each person’s interpretation. However, a common ground is that being the best version of yourself is similar to reaching a point when you feel fulfilled about your actions and current position.
For example, growing up, Mr. A always had the dream of being a rich businessman who helped the poor. If, after some time and effort, this dream becomes a reality for him, he could say he is the best version of himself.
While the term is thrown around a lot, the truth is the journey to becoming the best version of yourself isn’t easy, as it requires a lot of self-discipline among several things. To help you get started, we’ve listed 7 (seven) tips below.
Stop Seeking Validation from Others
It’s quite understandable that, because of our nature as human beings, to a certain extent, people’s opinions and perceptions about us influence how we see ourselves. Break free from this “norm” and choose not to depend or even care about what others think or say.
If you keep seeking approval from people about how you live your life or what you do, there is a tendency that you are going to be held back from performing those activities that draw you closer to your goals.
Quit Procrastinating
Don’t give opportunities for the words, “I would do it later” and “it can wait” to pop up either in your head or during a conversation. Treat every task given to you as a top priority that has to be executed immediately.
In a situation where you choose to embrace procrastination, you create room for laziness, which breeds unproductivity. And if you are unproductive, chances are you might never know the limit of your abilities.
Indulge in self-care
The fact is, you can only be the best version of yourself when you put yourself first. This means knowing when to take a break from work and giving your body the attention it needs. Never compromise your self-care for anything in the world. Make an effort to relax, engage in hobbies, and occasionally treat yourself to a vacation.
Surround yourself with a good circle
There is a popular saying that you are as good as the people you hang out with. Sometimes, what you think is the best version might not be until you change your circle. For example, you wish to one day live a peaceful and successful life, yet you surround yourself with criminals and close friends. It is highly doubtful that you will get to attain that goal because the people around you are going to keep holding you down.
Positive Affirmations
Hey, you! Yes, you! Today is the day when you get rid of those negative thoughts and begin to see the world from a more optimistic point of view. The best way to get started on this is to ensure not a day passes without you saying some positive affirmations.
These affirmations instill a sense of confidence in you, motivating you to act upon what would allow you to become your best version.
Set Goals
Goals are important in your life, so if you don’t have either a list of your short-term or long-term goals, you better start writing. Think of goals as more like a roadmap leading to your final destination, which is becoming your best version.
Every goal you set must be SMART, meaning specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. In other words, planning your goals should not seem like building castles in thin air.
Don’t be scared to try new things
In life, there are two types of people: the ones who try and the ones who don’t try. Trust us, you don’t want to be part of the latter. Try to open yourself to exploring new opportunities because only then can you be able to discover yourself and figure out what your best version of yourself might be. This allows you to work towards it.
Also, don’t be scared to fail. Think of failure as a norm that teaches you what not to do next time you find yourself in such a situation.
Self-love
Someone who hates himself can never become his/her best version because he/she is yet to fully understand their identity. Quit shying away from who you are and embrace every part of you, including your flaws.
Always have it at the back of your mind that there is only one YOU in the world, so show yourself the most love.
Although we listed several tips, there is no one manual to becoming the best version of yourself. Endeavor to do some self-reflection and discover what works best for you.