Becoming the best version of yourself is a transformative journey that requires commitment, self-awareness, and constant growth. It’s about making consistent choices that align with your values and aspirations.
Whether you’re looking to build better habits, improve your mindset, or achieve your goals, the following 12 tips on how to become the best version of yourself can help you unlock your fullest potential.
What Does It Mean to Be the Best Version of Yourself?
Becoming the best version of yourself means living according to your values, reaching your full potential, and finding purpose and fulfillment. It’s not about perfection but about constant growth and improvement in all areas of life.
If you wonder how to be the best version of yourself, you should also pay attention to your self-awareness to understand your strengths and weaknesses, your desires, and your limitations [1].
Being self-aware might help you make choices that reflect who you really are rather than being driven by external pressures.
Becoming the best version of yourself is an ongoing process. Everyone’s definition of their ‘best self’ is different. With that, there is no “fixed” destination of ‘being your best’; instead, it’s about continuously striving to understand and meet your needs. It’s also about reflecting on where you may need to make improvements.
12 Tips to Help You Become the Best Version of Yourself
Naturally, becoming the best version of yourself is a continuous journey—be patient with yourself and remember that every step forward is progress.
By incorporating these 12 tips into your daily life, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more fulfilled and empowered version of yourself:
1. Know Your Values and Live by Them
Personal growth starts with understanding what matters most to you. Take time to identify your core values—those important beliefs that guide your choices and actions.
Are you driven by honesty, kindness, adventure, or creativity? Once you identify your main values, make decisions that reflect them to become the best version of yourself.
For instance, if creativity is a core value, make time each day to do something creative, like drawing, writing, or brainstorming new ideas. It might help you feel more fulfilled and connected to what matters to you.
Eventually, living in line with your values may bring more purpose and peace to your life.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
Generally, becoming the best version of yourself doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being kind to yourself, especially during difficult times [2].
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend. For example, when you make a mistake, instead of being critical of yourself, ask, “What can I learn from this?” Then, learn from the experience and use it to grow and move forward with confidence.
3. Set Clear and Meaningful Goals
Research shows that people with higher levels of mindfulness are more likely to set goals that align with their true values [3].
Set goals that inspire you, not just ones that seem “practical” or expected. Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to break down big aspirations into manageable steps.
Let’s say, your goal is to advance in your career. To be your best version, try to set clear objectives like “Attend two networking events per month” or “Complete an online course in project management within 3 months,” rather than just aiming to “get a promotion.”
Typically, having clear goals gives you direction, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment when you reach milestones. They also focus on discerning exactly what is in your control when it comes to making changes.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of your mind and body can include getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking time to relax and recharge.
According to Southern New Hampshire University research, self-care routines have been shown to improve focus, happiness, and energy [4].
You can create a self-care routine that suits your needs, whether it’s meditation, journaling, a hot bath, or a walk in nature. Make self-care a regular habit, not just a one-time event. Remember that self-care isn’t always about feeling good in the present moment – it’s also about deliberately choosing habits that honor your future self.
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
The concept was pioneered by Stanford professor Carol Dweck in her book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” (2006). Dweck’s studies show that students with a growth mindset consistently outperform students with a fixed mindset [5].
If you wonder how to become the best version of yourself, try to approach life with a growth mindset.
As this approach encourages a passion for learning and a desire to grab opportunities, it may help you achieve your goals and deal with obstacle-filled situations with confidence.
For example, if you find public speaking intimidating, instead of thinking, “I’m not good at this,” try telling yourself, “I have the potential to improve and grow with practice.” This allows you to embrace imperfection and strengthen your skills.
As a result, this shift in perspective can make a huge difference in your progress.
6. Be Present and Mindful
Practicing mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, which in turn may improve your focus, mood, and productivity [6].
Whether you’re eating, working, or spending time with loved ones, make a conscious effort to engage with the present moment.
You can also try meditation or deep breathing exercises to quiet your mind and center yourself. Even five minutes a day can improve your mindfulness.
7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you to be your best version.
Seek out relationships that uplift you. Positive influences can help you stay motivated and boost your self-esteem.
8. Be Vulnerable and Authentic
If you wonder how to become the best version of yourself, don’t hide behind a mask or try to conform to other people’s expectations. Try to allow yourself to express your genuine thoughts, emotions, and needs.
While it may feel uncomfortable at times, vulnerability may lead to deeper connections, authentic relationships, and personal transformation [7].
9. Learn to Manage Your Time Wisely
Based on a study by King’s College London, 49% of adults felt their attention span had shortened, and 47% believed deep thinking was fading [8].
That’s why it’s important to take control of your time by prioritizing tasks that align with your goals to become the best version of yourself.
Use tools like to-do lists, time-blocking, or the Pomodoro technique to stay organized and productive.
As a result, by managing your time well, you may have more energy for what matters most.
10. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions, as well as empathize with others.
Developing EQ helps people communicate effectively and build stronger relationships. People with high emotional intelligence are able to respond thoughtfully to obstacle-filled situations and conflicts rather than reacting impulsively [9].
Moreover, EQ can directly impact career success. A TalentSmart study found that, on average, people with high emotional intelligence earn $29,000 more annually than those with low emotional intelligence.
Want to gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and feelings? Breeze’s free emotional intelligence test will open up new opportunities in your journey of self-discovery and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.
11. Achieve Work-Life Balance
Becoming the best version of yourself requires finding a healthy balance between different areas of your life—work, relationships, rest, and self-care:
- Work-Life Balance: It’s essential to divide your time between work and personal life in a way that doesn’t compromise your happiness or health. Whether it’s taking breaks during the day, making time for hobbies, or having regular downtime, balance can help you stay focused and energized.
- Relationships: By balancing time with loved ones, you’re reminded of the value of connection, love, and shared experiences.
Naturally, taking time to spend with loved ones, setting aside moments for yourself, and making sure you’re not overworking can help you feel more grounded and ready to tackle your goals with fresh energy.
When you strike the right balance, you’re able to give each area of your life the attention it deserves, without making sacrifices.
12. Set Boundaries
How to become the best version of yourself? Set boundaries to clearly define what is acceptable and what is not in your relationships, work, and personal life.
Boundaries are not about shutting people out but about protecting your time, energy, and emotional stability.
By learning to say “no” when necessary and prioritizing your needs, you can give yourself the space to show up fully in all areas of life without exhausting yourself.
Typically, when you set boundaries, you create a structure that supports your personal growth [10]. Boundaries allow you to be present for others without neglecting yourself and to work hard without feeling depleted.
For example, if you find yourself constantly checking emails or working on weekends, it may be a sign that your boundaries around work may be too loose. To regain balance, set a clear boundary like “no work emails after 7 p.m.” or “weekends are for family time.”
Eventually, this may help you protect your personal time, allowing you to recharge and be fully present with loved ones.
Then, when you return to work, you’ll feel more rested and focused, boosting your productivity. In the end, maintaining balance and setting healthy boundaries are essential steps in becoming the best version of yourself, as they give you the foundation for growth in all areas of life.
How to Find the Motivation to Be the Best Version of Yourself?
Ultimately, becoming the best version of yourself is an ongoing process, not a fixed destination [10]. It’s about consistently showing up for yourself and your growth while embracing both your progress and your imperfections.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, try to shift away from leaning on motivation to change yourself. Motivation is fleeting; it’s an emotional state that can inherently wax and wane. Instead, strive to cultivate a sense of discipline. Instill habits that you can build upon regularly and practice self-compassion when your inevitable humanness arises.
Sources
- Harvard Business Review. “To Become Your Best Self, Study Your Successes”. May, 2019.
- TEDx Talks. “The Ultimate guide to becoming the best version of yourself.” February, 2023.
- ScienceDirect. “Do mindful people set better goals? Investigating the relation between trait mindfulness, self-concordance, and goal progress”. October, 2020.
- Southern New Hampshire University. “What is Self-Care and Why is it Important For You?” January, 2024.
- Stanford University. “Growth Mindset and Enhanced Learning”.
- ResearchGate. “Mindfulness as a Potential Tool for Productivity.” May, 2019.
- ResearchGate. Empowered Transformation – Integrating Vulnerability, Risk, and Accountability for Personal Growth. January 2024.
- King’s College London. “Are attention spans really collapsing?” February, 2022.
- Forbes. “The Importance Of Emotional Intelligence At Work”. July, 2023.
- ResearchGate. “Personal boundaries: definition, role, and impact on mental health.” March, 2024.
