There’s a significant difference between just existing and truly living. Being on autopilot, going through the motions, can be comfortable. But deep down, we all crave growth and evolution.
Becoming the best version of yourself is a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. And often, it’s not about becoming a different person, but revealing the person you were always meant to be.
According to psychology, there are certain signs that show you’re on this path of self-development. These signs aren’t always obvious, but when you learn to spot them, they can be incredibly empowering.
As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and mindfulness expert, I’ve spent years studying these signs. And in this article, I’m going to share with you 10 signs that reveal you’re shaping into the best version of yourself.
Let’s embark on this journey together towards self-improvement and personal growth.
1) Embracing change
Life is a constant flux of change, and our ability to adapt to these changes plays a crucial role in our personal growth.
Often, we are confronted with situations that require us to step out of our comfort zones. It can be intimidating, even scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth.
Embracing change is one of the key signs you’re developing into the best version of yourself. It shows you’re not just surviving, but thriving amidst the ebb and flow of life.
According to psychology, those who embrace change are more likely to be resilient and less likely to experience stress and anxiety. They are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and have a more optimistic outlook on life.
As a mindfulness practitioner, I can attest that learning to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat can bring about a profound shift in your mindset. It’s about being present in the moment and accepting what is, rather than resisting or fearing what might be.
If you find yourself embracing change rather than shying away from it, take it as a sign: You’re on your way to becoming the best version of yourself. But remember, personal growth is a journey, not a destination. Keep evolving, keep growing.
2) Cultivating mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness is like tending to a garden. It requires patience, dedication, and a gentle touch. It’s about being fully present in the here and now, and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
As someone who has been practicing mindfulness for years, I can tell you that this practice is transformative. It helps us become more attuned to our inner selves, allowing us to better understand our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
The cultivation of this awareness is another sign that you’re developing into the best version of yourself. It shows that you’re committed to understanding yourself better and living your life more fully.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of mindfulness.
If you find yourself consciously paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgement, take heart. You are on your way to becoming more mindful and ultimately, the best version of yourself.
3) Living with impact and minimal ego
The quest to become the best version of yourself often involves striking a balance between making a difference in the world and keeping your ego in check.
This balance isn’t always easy to achieve. In fact, it’s something I struggled with myself. But over time, I’ve come to realize that true personal growth happens when we learn to live with maximum impact and minimum ego.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the teachings of Buddhism and how they can help us lead a more fulfilling life.
If you find yourself seeking to make a positive change in the world without letting your ego take centre stage, that’s another sign you’re on the path to becoming the best version of yourself. It’s about recognizing that our actions can have a profound impact on others, and doing our part to contribute positively.
Keep striving, keep growing. You’re well on your way to becoming the best version of you.
4) Practicing gratitude
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, focusing on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have.
However, practicing gratitude is a powerful way to shift this perspective. It allows us to appreciate the good in our lives and acknowledge the positive aspects, even in the face of adversity.
As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the transformative power of gratitude.
If you find yourself making a conscious effort to acknowledge and appreciate the good in your life, consider this another sign of personal growth. It shows that you’re focusing on positivity and abundance, rather than scarcity.
Practicing gratitude can be as simple as taking a moment each day to reflect on something you’re thankful for. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.
5) Understanding your core values
Understanding your core values is like having a compass that guides your choices and actions. It’s about knowing what truly matters to you and standing by it, even when it’s challenging.
In my own journey of self-growth, I’ve found that gaining a deep understanding of my core values has been instrumental. It has helped me make decisions that align with who I truly am and where I want to go.
If you find yourself exploring and understanding your core values, that’s another positive sign of growth. It shows you’re committed to living authentically and in alignment with your true self.
Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown has a wonderful exercise, Defining Your Values Exercise, that can guide you through this process. It’s a practical tool that can help you identify and define your core values.
Keep digging deep, keep understanding yourself better. You’re well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.
6) Setting healthy boundaries
Setting boundaries is about understanding and respecting your own needs, and communicating them effectively to others.
It’s not always easy. We often worry about coming off as selfish or unkind. But setting boundaries is a crucial part of self-care and personal growth.
If you’re starting to set healthy boundaries in your life, that’s a clear sign you’re becoming the best version of yourself. It shows you value your own well-being and are willing to advocate for it.
So how do you do it? Start by identifying what drains you – emotionally, mentally, or physically. Then, communicate your needs clearly and assertively. Remember, it’s not about being confrontational, but about fostering mutual respect and understanding.
7) Practicing self-compassion
In our pursuit of personal growth, it’s all too easy to become our own harshest critic. We push ourselves hard and often, forget to show ourselves the same kindness and understanding we extend to others.
As a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve learned the immense value of self-compassion. It’s about acknowledging our own struggles, failures, and shortcomings without judgment and treating ourselves with kindness.
If you find yourself practicing self-compassion more frequently, it’s a clear sign you’re becoming the best version of yourself. It shows you’re learning to love yourself, flaws and all, and that’s a vital part of personal growth.
When you stumble or falter, instead of berating yourself, try offering yourself some compassionate words. Remember, it’s okay to be a work in progress. Keep growing at your own pace. You’re doing just fine.
8) Pursuing lifelong learning
The pursuit of knowledge is never-ending. There’s always something new to learn, a fresh perspective to consider, a unique skill to master.
As Albert Einstein famously said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This quote beautifully emphasizes the importance of maintaining a learner’s mindset throughout life.
If you find yourself continually seeking out new knowledge and experiences, it’s a telltale sign you’re becoming the best version of yourself. You’re not just content with what you know; you’re eager to expand your horizons and grow.
Keep learning, keep questioning, keep exploring. Every new piece of knowledge brings you one step closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
9) Embracing failure
Now, this might sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t failure something to be avoided? In reality, failure can be one of our greatest teachers.
Throughout my life, I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding failure, but embracing it. Each failure is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become better.
If you find yourself viewing failure not as a setback, but as a stepping stone to success, that’s a sure sign you’re evolving into the best version of yourself. It shows resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
When you face failure, don’t despair. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward. You’re on the right track.
10) Prioritizing self-care
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about recognizing your needs and taking the time to fulfill them.
If you find yourself making self-care a priority, that’s an indicator you’re growing into the best version of yourself. You’re recognizing that in order to be there for others, you need to first take care of yourself.
This can be as simple as ensuring you get enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, spending time doing things you love, or even just taking a few moments each day to relax and unwind.
So keep prioritizing your well-being. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. And it’s a crucial part of your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.
Conclusion
Becoming the best version of yourself is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about embracing change, cultivating mindfulness, understanding your core values, setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, pursuing lifelong learning, embracing failure, and prioritizing self-care.
Remember, personal growth isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. So keep growing, keep evolving, and most importantly, be patient with yourself.
As part of this journey, I highly recommend Jeanette Brown’s Defining Your Values Exercise. This practical tool can guide you in identifying and understanding your core values, which are instrumental in shaping you into the best version of yourself.
Remember, becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. So keep taking those small steps towards growth. Each one brings you closer to becoming the best version of you.
