ALLEN Career Institute
Everyone aspires to be their best selves, but few truly succeed in doing so. When it comes to achieving success, pursuing our aspirations, and leading lives that are passionate and fulfilling, we often become our own worst opponents.
What Does It Mean to “Be Your Best Self”?
Now that you have decided to work on being your best self, what does it mean?
The concept of one’s “best self” is subjective. It is possible that your family or close friends do not share your perception of your ideal self. Because of this, resist the need to compare yourself to other people. Instead, focus on what your best self means to you personally.
Furthermore, your “best self” does not have to remain constant over time. Embrace adaptability because, with time, your idea of who you are at your finest will evolve in all areas of your life.
How to Motivate Yourself to Be Your Best Self?
The reasons you have for wanting to develop into your best self are a crucial part of your motivation. If you embark on your path without first having a clear understanding of your motivations, you risk losing sight of why you are trying to improve yourself.
There are two different forms of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation:
Your beliefs and values serve as the foundation for your intrinsic motivation. For instance, you may desire to improve because you enjoy challenges and personal growth.
Extrinsic motivation:
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is driven by external factors such as rewards, recognition, or the desire to avoid punishment. Do not lose sight of your motivation to improve, whatever it may be. Use it as a compass to stay on course toward your objectives.
How to Develop Your Best Self?
- Define a Vision of Your Future Self
Imagine yourself in your ideal state. How do you appear? How do you engage with others, think, communicate, and live? What qualities or skills does your future self – possess that you currently lack?
Take the time to write down these aspects and keep them somewhere accessible that you can revisit at least once a week. This will serve as a helpful reminder of your goals.
While it’s great to have a long list of things to work on, try to focus on one aspect at a time and intentionally work on it. This will give you a sense of the type of person you can become with time and effort.
- Set Achievable Goals
Start with goals that have short deadlines. It may only take a week or two to establish a habit like “I will floss every day,” while a goal like “I will run a marathon” may take several months.
Begin with goals that you are confident you can achieve quickly. With each new habit, you incorporate into your newly designed lifestyle, you will get closer to discovering your best self.
- Ensure Your Goals Align with Your Purpose
Remember that each of your goals should have a purpose. As time goes on, you may find that a particular goal no longer aligns with your interests or priorities.
Take some time to review your goals at least once a month to ensure they are still guiding you toward your priorities and life purpose. Adjust your vision and plan if necessary.
- Overcome the Fear of Failure
Failure is a necessary part of the journey because it teaches you important lessons that motivate you to achieve great things in life.
To conquer your fears, consider all potential possibilities, maintain a positive outlook, create a worst-case scenario to help you relax, and practice goal setting.
Closing Thoughts
With each goal achieved and implemented in various aspects of your life, you will get one step closer to discovering how to be your best self. Each triumph will remind you of the choices you made, the strategies you implemented, and the personal growth you achieved. Celebrate each success, as it will boost your self-confidence and make it easier to move on to the next objective. As you acquire new skills and develop your focus, you will continuously evolve and become the best version of yourself. Embrace the journey of self-improvement and enjoy the fulfillment that comes with living your best life.
