How to Be Your Best Self

Love yourself

There’s no denying that love is the most powerful emotion in the entire world. A lot of people believe that love makes the world go around, and they are not wrong in believing so. So while you’re loving people around you, how about you also practice self-love? There is not much you can achieve if you loathe yourself, or even think poorly of yourself.

Think loving yourself is too much? Then begin with accepting yourself and then progressing to liking who you are. It’s a slow and tedious process, yes, but once you’ve showered yourself with adoration, light, warmth and healing energy, there’s no stopping you.

Keep forgiving

Moving on and being a better person become increasingly difficult if you’re holding on to grudges in your heart. Think about it – what will holding grudges do, apart from making you feel angry or sad? Is the other person going to apologise to you for putting you through what they put you through? No. So why hold on to something that is not giving you anything positive?

The same principle applies to you – learn to forgive yourself for all the mistakes you’ve made. You are who you are because of all those mistakes, and let them be life lessons for you.

Let go of criticism and welcome inspiration

Have you heard of the saying “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar”? The same principle applies here. You can achieve a lot more if your passion and ambition are fuelled by inspiration rather than self-criticism. Stop judging yourself constantly. You’re human and you’re bound to make mistakes. And it’s okay. Get confident and be inspired by positive things and that's how to be your best self.

Have small talks with people

The more you talk to different people, the more you broaden your horizon. Granted, these small talks will not always be pleasant or even remotely useful, but even your failures will do nothing but add to your experience and help you mature as a person. And who knows? Maybe you’ll make a lifelong friend or even meet your soulmate in this manner.

Cherish your life

You have to learn to be grateful. There are millions of people in this world who would love to be in your position, and that includes all your problems (mortgage, heartbreak, exam tensions, alcoholism, etc.). We often forget that we’re leading very privileged lives, and we become so focused on what we don’t have that we seldom have the time to cherish what we do have. This kind of brings us to our next point……

Smile more and laugh more

Because first off, what do you have to lose? Second, laughter is the best medicine. And have you ever seen a genuinely happy person sad? Like, ever? Notice the love and joy all around you, and immerse yourself in it. Become a more positive person, if you can; it’s the best way of how to be your best self.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery

Sometimes, immersing yourself in completely new surroundings is the best way to know who you are and what your true potential is. A new setting resets your brain and allows you to function in a manner you normally wouldn’t (thanks to your inhibitions). So let go of your self-definition and find your real self in a new city or country by immersing yourself completely in an entirely new culture.

Meditate

Don’t have enough time or money to plan a journey of self discovery? No problem. Turn to meditation. And you don’t need a lot of time for this – a minimum of 15 minutes per day is MORE than sufficient to bring mental peace to your troubled mind, not to mention bringing you closer to who you really are. Other good effects of meditation involve becoming more patient, less reactionary, and less easily triggered.

Learn to let go

You can’t move ahead if you’re still clinging on to the past, or even clutching to negative emotions that you should let go of. This is one of the most important steps to take when considering how to be your best self.

Take care of the temple, your body

We’re using the word “temple” here deliberately. Your body needs to be treated with nothing short of reverence. We take our bodies for granted and often fill it up to the brim with stuff that is literally crap. Don’t be that person. Such people seldom become their best self, simply because obesity and a myriad of health problems are nobody’s best versions of themselves. Instead, stay in shape and make sure you follow a healthy diet and workout regimen.

Take a poll

Sometimes, our emotions get too muddled for us to assess our own strengths and failures without any bias. In such cases, turn to friends and family for help. Ask them what they think you should improve about yourself, and then work on those areas with love and dedication.