Be the best version of you: 11 tips for living your best life

Life is a journey that's full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises. At every milestone in our lives, we're presented with unique opportunities to grow and evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Whether you're just starting on your journey of self-improvement or you've been at it for a while, this post is for you.

The road to self-improvement is a challenging but rewarding one. By striving to become the best version of yourself, you're not only improving your physical, mental, and spiritual health, but you're also setting yourself up for greatness in all areas of your life.

In this post, we'll provide you with 11 practical tips for life to help you along your journey to becoming your best self. From cultivating self-love and mindfulness to building strong relationships and pursuing your passions, these tips and ideas are designed to help you live your best life. So, let's get started on this journey together!

What does it mean to be the best version of yourself?

Being the best version of yourself means striving to reach your full potential in all areas of your life. It means living authentically, being true to your values and beliefs, and making choices that align with your goals and aspirations. Being the best version of yourself also involves continuous self-awareness, learning from your mistakes, and growing from your experiences.

It's important to note that being the best version of yourself doesn't mean being perfect. We all have flaws and make mistakes, but it's how we choose to learn from them and grow that defines us. It's also not about comparing yourself to others or trying to live up to society's expectations. Instead, it's about defining success on your own terms and working towards becoming the best person you can be.

Ultimately, being the best version of yourself is a journey, not a destination. It's a lifelong pursuit of personal growth and development, and it requires a commitment to self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-care.

Finding the drive to be your best self

If you're struggling to find the drive to be your best self, you're not alone. Many people go through periods of feeling unmotivated or uninspired, especially when it comes to making changes in their lives. However, understanding the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation can help you find the inspiration you need to start working towards your goals. Remind yourself daily "Commit to becoming a better version of myself".

Intrinisic motivation

Intrinsic motivation is the drive that comes from within. It's the desire to engage in an activity because it's personally fulfilling or enjoyable. For example, you may be intrinsically motivated to pursue a particular hobby because you find it fun or rewarding. Intrinsic motivation is often more sustainable than extrinsic motivation because it comes from a genuine desire to do something.

Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is the drive that comes from external factors such as rewards, recognition, or social pressure. You may be extrinsically motivated to pursue a certain career because it offers a high salary or societal status. While extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term, it's often less sustainable because it relies on external factors that may change over time.

It's important to note that both types of motivation can be helpful in achieving your goals. However, if you're struggling to find the motivation to be your best self, it may be helpful to focus on intrinsic motivation. Think about what activities or goals are personally fulfilling or enjoyable to you, and use those as a starting point for making positive changes in your life.

Remember, you're not alone in this struggle. Everyone experiences periods of feeling unmotivated or unsure of how to move forward. The important thing is to take small steps toward your goals and to be patient with yourself along the way. With time and effort, you can tap into your intrinsic motivation and become the best possible version of yourself.

11 tips to help you become the best version of yourself

1. Stop looking for short-cuts

In our fast-paced and instant gratification culture, it's easy to fall into the trap of looking for shortcuts or quick fixes to solve our problems. However, when it comes to personal growth and self-improvement, there are no shortcuts. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the process.

One reason people often look for shortcuts is because they want to see results quickly. They may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work and time it takes to achieve their goals, or they may be discouraged by setbacks or failures along the way. However, looking for shortcuts only sets people up for disappointment and frustration in the long run.

The benefit of embracing the grind is that it helps people build resilience, grit, and determination. By accepting that achieving their goals will take time and effort, people can learn to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. They can also learn to find joy and fulfillment in the process of working towards their goals, rather than just focusing on the end result.

When people embrace the process and commit to putting in the work, they're more likely to see sustainable and meaningful growth in their lives. They're also more likely to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in their achievements, knowing that they earned them through their hard work and dedication.

So, if you're struggling to find the motivation to become the best version of yourself, keep in mind that there are no shortcuts. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and focus on taking small steps toward your goals every single day. With time and effort, you'll begin to see progress and growth in your life.

2. Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed and improved through hard work, dedication, and persistence. It's understanding that failures and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth, rather than a reflection of your innate abilities. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that your abilities are fixed and predetermined, and that failure is a sign of a lack of talent or intelligence.

People with a growth mindset tend to be more resilient, adaptable, and open to new experiences. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow and are more likely to embrace new opportunities and take risks. They also tend to have a greater sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities.

Developing a growth mindset is essential for becoming the best version of oneself. It involves believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and persistence, rather than being fixed or predetermined. This mindset can help you overcome challenges, embrace new opportunities, and view failures as opportunities for learning and growth.

Here are some suggestions for resources that can help you develop a growth mindset:

Books:

Many great books can help you cultivate a growth mindset, including "Mindset" by Carol Dweck, "Grit" by Angela Duckworth, and "The Power of Habits" by Charles Duhigg.

Online courses:

Many online courses are available that can help you develop a growth mindset, such as "The Science of Well-Being" by Yale University on Coursera and "Growth Mindset Mastery" by Udemy.

Workshops and seminars:

Attend workshops and seminars that focus on developing a growth mindset. These events often provide opportunities for interactive learning and networking with like-minded individuals.

Personal development coaches:

Consider working with a personal development coach who specializes in helping clients develop a growth mindset. They can offer personalized support, guidance, and accountability as you work towards your goals.

Positive affirmations and meditation:

Incorporate positive affirmations and meditation into your daily routine to help you cultivate a growth mindset. These practices can help you stay focused, motivated, and optimistic in the face of challenges.

3. Throw out expectations

Throwing out expectations and defining success on your terms is critical for becoming the best version of yourself. When you base your idea of progress or accomplishment on someone else's standard, you're setting yourself up for disappointment and failure. It's important to understand that everyone's path is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Basing your idea of success on someone else's standard can be counterproductive because it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and stress. It can also cause you to lose sight of your own values, passions, and goals. In contrast, defining success on your terms empowers you to create your own path and stay true to your values and aspirations.

Defining success on your own terms involves self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge limiting beliefs and societal norms. It's about understanding what truly matters to you and what you want to achieve in life, and using those values as a foundation for setting goals and making decisions.

By defining success on your terms, you're creating a roadmap that's authentic and meaningful to you. You're also more likely to experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your life because you're living in alignment with your values and passions.

Greatness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's important to throw out expectations and define success on your own terms. By doing so, you'll be able to design a life that's true to who you are.

4. Identify your values

Identifying your values is another crucial step in becoming the best version of yourself. Your values are the principles and beliefs that guide your decisions and actions, and they play a significant role in shaping your identity, priorities, and goals. Taking the time to identify your values can help you gain clarity on what's most important to you, make more informed decisions, and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

One exercise that can help you identify your values is to create a values list. This involves making a list of the values that are most important to you, such as honesty, compassion, family, health, education, or creativity. You can start with a long list and then narrow it down to your top five or ten values.

Once you have your values list, it's important to examine whether your actions and decisions align with those values. For example, if the family is one of your top values, you might ask yourself whether you're spending enough time with your loved ones or making choices that prioritize their well-being. If health is a top value, you might ask yourself whether you're making healthy lifestyle choices or taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

Another aspect of identifying your values is examining any limiting or false beliefs that could be holding you back. For example, you might have a limiting belief that you're not good enough or that success is only possible for certain people. Identifying and challenging these beliefs can help you overcome self-doubt and cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset.

5. Prioritize what matters to you — not others

Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of prioritizing yourself and becoming the best version of yourself. However, most people struggle with setting and enforcing boundaries, especially with family and friends. They may feel guilty, anxious, or fearful of disappointing others or damaging relationships. However, setting healthy boundaries is essential for long-term success and well-being.

When setting boundaries, it's important to be clear and specific about what you need and why. For example, you might say, "I need some alone time to recharge my batteries," or "I can't take on that extra project right now because I have too much on my plate." By being clear and specific, you can avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Assertiveness is another necessary part of the process and involves communicating your needs and boundaries firmly and respectfully. It's important to use "I" statements and avoid blaming or attacking others. For example, you might say, "I need to take a break now," instead of "You're always interrupting me." Practicing assertiveness can help you set boundaries without damaging relationships.

Setting consequences can also help reinforce your boundaries and encourage others to respect them. For example, you might say, "If you continue to talk or interrupt me while I'm working, I'll need to ask you to leave the room." By setting consequences, you can protect your time and energy and avoid feeling resentful or overwhelmed.

6. Ensure your goals match your values and expectations

Your values are the principles and beliefs that guide your decisions and actions, and they play a significant role in shaping your priorities and goals. When you align your goals with your values, you create a clear path toward achieving the things that matter most to you.

One way to ensure your goals match your values is to use the values list mentioned earlier. Take a look at your list and identify the values that are most important to you. Then, think about how those values align with your short and long-term goals. For example, if creativity is one of your top values, you might set a goal to take a painting class or start a blog. If the family is a top value, you might set a goal to spend more quality time with your loved ones or plan a family vacation.

Another way to align your goals with your values is to examine your expectations. What do you expect from yourself and your life? Are your expectations in line with your values and goals? If not, it may be time to adjust your expectations or reevaluate your goals.

When setting goals, it's important to focus on accomplishing little things that will help you achieve your larger aspirations. Break your goals down into manageable steps, and celebrate your small wins along the way. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and ensure that you're always moving forward toward your goals in a way that's aligned with your values and expectations.

7. Visualize your future self

While being in the present moment is important for overall well-being, visualization meditation can help you achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. Visualization involves using your imagination to create a vivid picture of your future self and the life you want to lead. By focusing on this vision, you can increase motivation, stay positive, and realize your dreams.

One of the benefits of visualization meditation is that it can help you tap into your subconscious mind. A subconscious mind is a powerful tool that can help you manifest your desires and make positive changes in your life. By visualizing your future self and the life you want to lead, you're sending a clear message to your subconscious mind about what you want to achieve. This can help you stay focused on your goals and motivated to take action toward them.

Visualization meditation can also help you stay positive and overcome limiting beliefs. When you visualize your future self, you're creating an optimistic outlook for your life. This can help you overcome self-doubt, fear, and other limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from achieving your goals. By focusing on your vision, you can replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and promote a more optimistic and resilient mindset.

8. Tackle your goals

It can be challenging to know where to start or how to structure your goals to effect big change in your life. Here are some resources that can help you approach your goals in a structured and effective way:

Goal-setting apps:

There are many apps available that can help you set and track your goals. These apps allow you to break your goals down into smaller, manageable steps, and provide you with reminders, progress tracking, and other helpful features. Some popular goal-setting apps include Habitica, Trello, and Todoist.

Personal development books:

There are many books available that can help you foster the mindset, skills, and habits you need to accomplish your goals and become the best version of yourself. Some popular titles include "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, and "Mindset" by Carol Dweck.

Coaching and mentorship:

Working with a coach or mentor can be an effective way to tackle your goals and achieve big changes in your life. A coach or mentor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set clear goals, and create a plan for achieving them. They can also provide you with accountability, support, and guidance as you work towards your goals.

9. Accept help from others

As individuals, we often strive to be the best version of ourselves, and this requires us to put in consistent effort and make personal growth a priority. However, the journey towards self-improvement can be challenging and overwhelming at times, and it is essential to have a support system to help us along the way, including those who can comfort someone when the going gets tough.

Family and close friends can be a crucial part of this support system. They offer us a comfort zone where we can be ourselves and feel accepted without fear of judgment. This comfort zone allows us to open up about our struggles, insecurities, and fears, which is essential in personal growth. When we spend time being vulnerable with our loved ones, we can receive the emotional support and unconditional love we need to have hope and push through tough times.

In addition to emotional support, family and close friends can also offer honest encouragement, which is crucial in helping us succeed. They can provide constructive feedback on our progress and cheer us on when we reach milestones. This kind of positive reinforcement is essential in boosting our confidence and keeping us motivated to continue striving towards our goals.

10. Avoid negative self-talk

Becoming a better version of yourself is a continuous journey that requires effort, self-awareness, and consistency. However, there may be a bad day here and there when you feel stuck in a negative mindset, and it can be challenging to shake off those thoughts and emotions.

One thing a person can do to get fear out of their head and feel good about their successes so far is to practice gratitude. Gratitude is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help shift your mindset and improve your mood. Write out all the reasons that you are appreciative of the blessings in your life and watch how quickly the negative self-talk melts away.

11. Embrace failure

It's important to embrace failure as a natural part of the growth process to succeed. Don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes, and view failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. By reframing failures as opportunities for growth, you can become the best version of yourself and reach your goals.

There may be days following a perceived failure when you feel inadequate or overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions. Morning affirmations can be a powerful tool to combat these negative feelings and set the tone for a positive and productive day.

Morning affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself in the morning. They can help you set intentions for the day, reinforce an honest, positive mindset, and overcome self-doubt and negativity.

Recap: how to be the best version of you in everyday life

Living your best life is a personal journey that requires taking responsibility for your happiness and growth. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and lose sight of your goals, dreams, and priorities. However, by implementing the 11 tips outlined in this blog post, you can start taking small steps toward creating the life you want.

Remember, only you can identify the things that matter to you and design a path to happiness. It's important to stop procrastinating and take ownership of your life. By making small changes to your habits and mindset, you can start living a life that makes you feel fulfilled and creates a positive impact on the world around you.

So, take charge of one thing in your life and start making changes today. Whether it's setting goals, practicing self-care, or surrounding yourself with positive people, every small step counts towards becoming the best person you can be.

For more insights on creating a positive work environment and addressing negative workplace culture, check out our post on Building a Better Business: How to Identify and Correct Negative Workplace Culture.