Becoming The Best version of YOU
It is true what they say, every day is a new beginning. We have the opportunity each and every day to start something new. However, every 365 days we celebrate the beginning of a new year and for some reason, that day is different. Everything feels possible with the start of a new year.
What if this year, instead of trying to mold yourself into someone you are not, you simply tried becoming the best version of you? We have each been given one life. One chance to grow, love, experience, and enjoy this world. So why not take some time and make sure you are doing all you can with the best version of yourself?
Becoming the best version of yourself can seem like a pretty overwhelming challenge. We think you’re up for it though, so we’ve created a list of 7 simple steps to guide you on your way to becoming the best version of you!
1. Envision What It Means To Be The Best Version of You
Becoming the best version of you is a journey, an adventure. It is an adventure that is specific to you and only you. Every new adventure starts with a vision or a dream. Take some time to envision what this adventure holds for you and what you would like the end result to be. Reflect on who you actually are and think about what you would like to be better. Do you want to be more mindful? Do you want to be more assertive? More fit? More adventurous? Whatever the end result, take some time to dream about it and really fall in love with that vision. Once you can see it clearly, you can begin to take daily steps toward realizing the best version of you.
2. Take Care of Your Body
We have all been given this amazing tiny universe called a body. Each body is completely unique. You are the ONLY you. Right down to your DNA, the very building blocks of your tiny universe, there is no one else like you. It’s truly a marvel when you think about it. Since there is only one you and you only get one body, why not take incredible care of it? Are you feeding your body the best foods? Filling it with the nutrients it needs? Giving it the exercise it needs to perform at it’s best? Are you keeping it free from disease and pain? Be honest with yourself and if you can improve, do it. It doesn’t have to be huge changes. Take small steps to improve every day. If you take the very best care of your body, your mind and spirit will flourish. Give it a shot, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
3. Be Present Every Moment
A mentor of mine used to say ‘It’s not a dress rehearsal’. She would say this when I was distracted by a future task or event. She was one of the top event planners in Las Vegas and we planned elaborate parties for clients with endless disposable income. We would be at an over the top birthday party or wedding, surrounded by the most incredible decor, food, and people. I would be spinning out about all the little details and what needed to happen next, and she would grab my shoulders and say, ‘It’s not a dress rehearsal’. She meant relax, be here, look around and appreciate what is happening now. Life is not a dress rehearsal. We only get one shot. Often we find ourselves thinking five steps ahead and it robs us of where we are at this very moment. Take the time to be present every moment, you may find that you are already a better version of yourself than you originally thought.
4. Take Care of Your Mind
If your body is your own private universe, your mind is the center of that universe. Allow yourself time each day to check in with your mind. Just a few moments to center your thoughts and affirm your intentions. Your mind and your body work together and if they are both being taken care of, they will flourish. If one is not being taken care of, it will negatively impact the other. Try to let go of negative thoughts. Forgive yourself and others if you feel disappointed by an action or event. Feed your mind new knowledge. Read, journal, listen to a lecture. Think of it this way, knowledge is food for your mind and meditation is exercise for your mind. Make sure you give it plenty of both.
5. Practice Gratitude Daily
Take some time each day to appreciate where you are. Be intentional throughout the day to notice small things that you are grateful for. A delicious cup of coffee or tea. A beautiful sunrise or sunset. A super cozy sweater or blanket. It’s easy to become fixated on what we do not have or where we fall short. However, when we appreciate and show gratitude for what we do have and our small wins, we become much more satisfied. We realize how good life is, even at its hardest.
6. Prioritize Your Day
Time is precious. Make sure you are spending your time doing the things that mean the most to you and make you the happiest. Sure, the laundry needs to get done, but is it more important than enjoying that yoga class you love so much? Can you do the laundry later while you cook dinner? I’m not saying let your work and daily tasks fall by the wayside. How about making the activities and tasks that nurture the best version of yourself a priority? There’s an old saying that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. So maybe it’s time you allow yourself to be priority number one for a while. If you’re tired, take a nap. If your favorite person is in town and wants to see you, make it happen. Make your happiness, your physical and mental wellness your priority.
7. Love Yourself
You are the only you. Love yourself. Sure, you have imperfections, but don’t we all? Don’t waste your precious time and energy obsessing over them. Learn to embrace all of the little quirks and ticks that make you special. Just as learning to practice gratitude will make you more aware each day of how wonderful life really is, learning to love yourself will make you realize how amazing YOU really are. Treat yourself kindly, think positive thoughts, take amazing care of your body and just love yourself.
Above all else, remember that the best version of you is the one you choose to cultivate. It is not up to anyone else. That is, after all, what makes this lifetime so special. We are all different and we all have very unique strengths and weaknesses. Yet, we are all here together to share in this beautiful time together.
So, go forth and do it. Become the very best version of YOU, we cannot wait to see it!
