14 Simple Steps To Be A Better You

9 Simple Steps To Be A Better You

Make becoming a better you non-negotiable.

We all want to be a better version of ourselves – or at least we should. Whether it’s for health, social or professional reasons, there are areas where we could improve. But, becoming a better you is easier said than done. If you’re looking for some simple – yet effective – steps to get there, you’re in the right place.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for becoming a better person, these general principles are guaranteed to help you on your journey.

Self-actualization is the engine that allows you to reach your full potential.

Self-assessment is the single most important factor for growth.

Jain et al., 2015

1. Be honest with yourself about where you need to improve

Whether it’s your work, your relationships, or your health, identifying areas that need attention is the first step towards making positive changes. This can be a difficult task, as it requires facing your shortcomings head-on. However, only by acknowledging your weaknesses can you hope to overcome them.

Once you’ve identified your areas for growth, you can begin to take steps to improve them. This might involve seeking out new challenges, seeking feedback from others, or simply being more mindful of your behaviors and choices.

2. Expand beyond your comfort zone

Expanding beyond your comfort zone can be achieved in a number of ways, such as trying new things, meeting new people, and learning new skills. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new experiences, successes and perspectives.

Ultimately, you’ll achieve more and learn more about yourself and the world around you. Lots of people stay in their comfort zone because they’re afraid of change and failure. But if you keep challenging yourself it will pay off.

Identify when you are making excuses for yourself. Focus on the potential benefits and enjoy the journey.

3. Be open to experiences

You become a better version of yourself when you expose yourself to new experiences. It allows you to grow and learn in ways that you never would have before. You become a more well-rounded and global citizen.

You’re also able to become more empathetic and understanding of others because you have a wider perspective. Additionally, new experiences help fight off boredom and monotony. They can provide a sense of adventure and excitement that enriches your life.

Consider finding a mentor or role-model so you can also learn from their experiences and expertise.

4. Have a plan to be a better you

It’s imperative that you have a vision for your life. Without a plan, it is easy to become frustrated and give up on your goals. However, with a plan in place, you can better track your progress and stay motivated. When creating your plan, be sure to set realistic goals that you can achieve.

Trying to accomplish too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to discouragement. At the same time, do not set goals that are too limiting or do not allow you to expand to greater heights.

Do you want to lose weight, or get in shape? Do you want to be more patient with your kids? Do you want to save more money? Once you have some goals in mind, write them down and put them somewhere you’ll see them every day.

Read this article before identifying your goals: Thinking About New Year’s Resolutions & Goals for 2023? Read this!

“Maybe self-improvement isn’t the answer, maybe self-destruction is the answer.” — Chuck Palahniuk
“Self-improvement is the name of the game, and your primary objective is to strengthen yourself, not to destroy an opponent.” — Maxwell Maltz

High achievers take time to stop, think and plan. Choose an outcome, evaluate the means to get there, choose a course of action, then evaluate and modify as needed.

van Woerkom & Meyers (2019)

The main reasons why you may be unable to execute your plans include:

  • Fear of failure
  • Lack of motivation or commitment
  • Procrastination
  • Having too many goals
  • Poor time management
  • Lack of self-discipline
  • “Analysis Paralysis”
  • Inadequate Planning
  • Lack of resources (real or perceived)
  • Fear of wasted efforts

Read also: 10 Key Ways To Improve Self-discipline That Actually Work

5. Have a growth mindset

People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, good teaching, and persistence. This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which holds that ability and intelligence are set traits that cannot be changed.

Research has shown that people with a growth mindset are more likely to thrive in the face of challenge and setbacks. They are also more likely to take on new opportunities and develop a love of learning. Therefore, if you want to be a better you, it is essential to develop a growth mindset.

Read also: 17 Reasons Why It’s Important To Change Your Mindset

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6. Reflect to be a better you

Reflection is a powerful tool that can help you to become a better version of yourself. By taking the time to reflect on your past actions and thoughts, you can learn from your mistakes and make positive changes in your life.

Additionally, reflection can help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations. It can also be a useful way to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Instead of self-evaluation which leads to judgment and criticism, perform self-assessments which are growth-oriented and focused on improvement.

To be a self-assessor you must be growth-oriented with a genuine desire to be a better version of yourself every single day. Identify the factors that are important/relevant for you, be aware of the challenges and notice the details without bias…

van Woerkom & Meyers (2019)

7. Perseverance and determination

Thomas Edison once said, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” This quote is a perfect embodiment of what it means to have perseverance and determination.

It’s easy to give up when we’re feeling tired or discouraged, but if we push through and keep going, we stand a much better chance of achieving our goals.

Remember that progress is rarely linear. There will be ups and downs along the way, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’ll either get to where you want to be or someplace better.

Grit involves courage, conscientiousness, endurance, resilience, and excellence over perfection.

van Woerkom & Meyers (2019)

8. Passion will lead to a better you

Passion is a strong emotion that can drive you to become a better version of yourself. It can push you to work harder, learn new things, and take risks that you might not otherwise be willing to take. Passion can also be a source of inspiration and motivation, helping you to stay focused and driven even when the going gets tough.

When you are passionate about something, it becomes an important part of your identity. It helps to define who you are and what you stand for. Passionate people are often the ones who make the world a better place, because they care so deeply about making a difference.

If you want to be a better you and have a greater impact, start by finding something that you’re passionate about and go after it with everything you’ve got. Have a strong belief in who you want to be.

9. Pay attention to feedback

Feedback – whether it’s from a coach, colleague, friend or stranger – can be an invaluable tool for growth. It can be difficult to hear criticism, but by paying attention to feedback, you can learn how to become a better version of yourself.

Feedback can help you identify areas in which you need to improve, and it can also provide motivation to make changes. When you take the time to listen to feedback and act on it when needed, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better you.

10. Be committed to learning

Learning should be a lifelong commitment. When you commit to learning, you open yourself up to new ideas and new ways of thinking. You become more flexible and adaptable, and better able to deal with change.

You also become more knowledgeable and skilled, which can make you more successful in your career. So if you want to improve your life, start by committing to learning.

“Change equals self-improvement. Push yourself to places you haven’t been before.” — Pat Summitt
“I’m addicted to self-improvement. The thing is, there’s so damn much about myself to improve.” — A.J. Jacobs

11. Keep working on your strengths

Everyone has their own unique skills and talents, and by honing these strengths, we can become better people. Of course, this isn’t to say that we should ignore our weaknesses altogether. However, by focusing on what we’re good at, we can become more confident and successful individuals.

What are your signature strengths?

Scholars claim that each person typically has three to seven signature strengths.

van Woerkom & Meyers (2019)

12. Just do it

Just do it. It’s a simple phrase, but it’s one that can make a big difference in your life. When you just do it, you become a better you. So what’s stopping you from just doing it?

Take that first step and see where it leads you. You might be surprised at what you’re capable of. Whatever approach you take, remember that making even small improvements can lead to big results.

13. Celebrate your victories

Many people go through life without ever really stopping to celebrate their victories. Instead, they focus on their failures and allow them to define their worth as a person.

This is not only detrimental to your mental health, but it can also prevent you from becoming a better you. The next time you achieve something, no matter how big or small, take a moment to be mindful and savor your victory. Allow yourself to feel proud of what you have accomplished.

Doing so will not only make you feel happier and more fulfilled, but it will also give you the motivation to keep pushing forward in life.

14. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Nobody becomes a better person overnight, and there’s no shame in seeking guidance from others. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, there are people who can help you reach your goals and be a better you.

Final words on simple steps to be a better you

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful in your journey to be a better you. Remember, small steps can make a big difference over time and it’s never too late to start making positive changes in your life.

What are some of the things you plan on doing differently from today? Please share with me in the comments below!

Related topics

Here’s why you should change your mindset

Whether you realize it or not, your mindset plays a big role in your day-to-day life. It affects the way you see yourself, the way you interact with others, and the choices you make on a daily basis. If you’re stuck in a negative mindset, it can hold you back from reaching your full potential. Here’s why you should change your mindset. Read more

Want to become more self-disciplined?

Becoming more self-disciplined can seem like a daunting task, but it is definitely achievable with some effort and planning. However, self-discipline is a critical life skill that can help you achieve your goals, both big and small. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to let distractions and bad habits get in the way of your best intentions. If you find yourself struggling to stay on track, there are a few things you can do to become more self-disciplined. Read more

References

Jain, Chaya & Apple, Daniel. (2015). What is Self-Growth?. International Journal of Process Education. 7. 41-52.

van Woerkom, M. and Meyers, M.C. (2019), Strengthening personal growth: The effects of a strengths intervention on personal growth initiative. J Occup Organ Psychol, 92: 98-121. 

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