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The phrase “be the best version of yourself” has become ubiquitous, with advice offered by countless social media influencers, podcasts, books, and self-help coaches.
But the quest to become the best you can be isn't just a modern phenomenon—it’s something people have been trying to figure out for millennia. Around 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Aristotle introduced the idea of “eudaimonia”, or human flourishing, as the ultimate goal of life.
Being your best self is a lifelong journey of personal development and growth. In this practical guide, you’ll learn:
A little bit of background theory about being the best version of you
Issues to consider
Science-backed methods to unlock your full potential
There are many different ideas about how to be the best ‘you’ you can be. But a good place to start is with Abraham Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs,” introduced in his 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation.
Maslow proposed that human needs are structured in a hierarchy. Basic needs (food, safety, and shelter) must be met first. Once these are fulfilled, you can then begin focusing on higher-level needs like belonging, friendships, and self-esteem. Finally, once all these are met, people can meet their need for ‘self-actualization’.
For Maslow, self-actualization—the desire to fulfill one’s potential—is the pinnacle of human motivation. He described it as: “the desire for self-fulfillment…the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming”.
In essence, being your best self is about striving to achieve your full potential and embracing the qualities that make you uniquely you.
While personal development is a worthy goal, it’s important to consider some potential pitfalls:
The ‘curse of the ideal’: Wanting to be the best you you can be is surely a good thing. But it is easy to slip into trying to achieve an unrealistic ideal. This can lead to people feeling like they’ve failed if they don’t get the “perfect” job, body, or life.
Overemphasis on Individualism: Some critics argue that self-help philosophies can be overly focused on individual achievement rather than contributing to the greater good.
Oversimplification: Some elements of the self-help industry have been criticized for oversimplifying very complex issues or for lacking a scientific basis.
These challenges don’t mean we should abandon the pursuit of self-improvement! But it’s worth bearing them in mind when thinking about your motivations.
Becoming your best self isn’t about a single magical solution—it’s a lifelong journey that requires consistent effort and experimentation. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help you on your way:
One of the most effective ways to be the best you can be is to set goals for yourself. Thousands of studies have consistently shown that setting high and specific goals is a highly effective way of motivating individuals (and groups) and hitting targets.
What is more, writing those goals down means you’re far more likely to achieve them. For example, a study divided participants into five groups with varying goal-setting tasks. Those who:
Only thought about their goals achieved the least.
Wrote their goals down and achieved 50% more.
Combined goal-setting with progress tracking and accountability achieved the most.
The results clearly showed that people in Group 1 achieved the fewest goals, while those in Group 5 achieved the most. But even people in Group 2, who just wrote the goals down, achieved about 50% more goals than those who just thought about them.
The takeaway: To be the best you can be, write out a list of short-, medium-, and long-term goals, and regularly track your progress.
There are many forms of mindfulness and meditation, but at the core, they’re about finding distance between our minds and emotions. By slowing down our breathing, and becoming aware of our mental processes, they help us develop greater self-awareness.
Multiple studies have concluded that practicing mindfulness can reduce negative thinking, improve mental and physical health, and even enhance interpersonal relationships.
The takeaway: Find ways to practice mindfulness daily. A good place to start is with apps—there are several popular apps out there that can guide you through meditation as a beginner.
Related: Tips for brain health
Taking the time to write down your daily experiences, impressions, feelings, and ideas has tons of well-documented benefits. It can improve sleep, boost your immune system, and enhance your self-confidence.
Keeping a journal essentially makes you reflect on the day’s events, put them into context, and organize your thoughts. There is also evidence that practicing gratitude (i.e. writing down the things you're thankful for each day) can improve wellbeing on a range of measures.
The takeaway: Buy yourself a notebook and spend just a few minutes each evening writing down the things you did each day - and any personal wins.
Strong social connections are vital for well-being. Studies link robust social networks to reduced stress, improved health, and even longer life expectancy. Conversely, loneliness is associated with poor health outcomes.
Acts of generosity, such as volunteering or donating to charity, can also enhance happiness and purpose.
Takeaway: Being your best often involves others. Prioritize relationships by spending time with loved ones, joining clubs, or engaging in community activities.
It (almost) goes without saying, but staying fit and eating healthy is an essential part of being your best. There is a rock-solid scientific consensus that regular exercise and a balanced diet are linked to improved physical health, life expectancy, mental health, and beyond.
Key takeaway: Commit to regular exercise (aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week) and follow a balanced diet. With Huel, you can also ensure you’re getting nutritionally complete meals too.
When it comes to self-improvement, there’s no quick fix. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks. Progress may sometimes feel slow, but each step forward brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself. There’s no better time to start than today.
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