HOW TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF IN 2023
The dawn of a new year means that those dreaded new year’s resolutions are on their way. But becoming your best self in 2023 shouldn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it should be an exciting opportunity to get better at the things you care about.
Whatever role you take on at home (a daughter, mother, partner, sensational lover) or work (a full-time, part-time, self-employed grafter), you’ll get more out of life when you’re amazing at what you do. That’s why we’ve got ten tips to raise your level of self-compassion and help you succeed at what you love.
1. Research
Whatever you’re trying to achieve, there is likely someone out there that has already done it. Whilst this might seem demotivating at first, taking professional advice from someone that’s been down a similar path will make your journey easier. Search for some useful books, podcasts, blog articles (ahem!) to get you going.
2. Don’t Rush Yourself
Getting frustrated with your progress will only slow you down or, even worse, make you give up. It can be helpful to set goals that get you out of your comfort zone but are achievable. It’s healthier if anxiety is not your only motivator because small victories work just as well. We don’t care what anyone says, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
3. Plan Creatively
Lists are overrated, but preparation isn’t! You can find imaginative ways to gently improve any area of your life. These methods can include rewards, digital alerts, daily motivational speeches, and mind maps. Colour coded whiteboard planning isn’t just for true crime documentaries.
4. Use Social Media Wisely
Any successful Youtuber can warn you about negative comments online, but sometimes boastful social posts hurt just as much. We suggest that you stop comparing yourself with others and focus on your progress. Join Facebook groups, workshops and virtual lectures for advice instead of bragging.
5. Self-reflection
Mirrors don’t lie, but we do…to ourselves! Any of us rarely take a few moments to relax and reflect on our outlooks. If you do, you’ll realise that many of your worries and negative thoughts have less impact than you expected. You’ll gain a calm approach to problem-solving and be back on track in no time!
6. Friends and Family
It’s no secret that the support of close friends and loved ones make us feel good. But lots of people fail to carve out this time in their busy schedules. Being with people of different backgrounds, ambitions and perspectives is key to understanding your own.
7. It’s Ok To Fail
Failure is never easy to handle but your development counts on it. Mistakes make the route to self-fulfilment even clearer. Sometimes it can be helpful to take a look back at your own mistakes and track the different ways they led to positive outcomes. Just don’t think too far back, cringy nightclub memories aren’t helpful for anyone.
8. Relaxation
Some of the greatest ideas are born in moments of relaxation. It can be helpful to let your ambitions simmer in the background while you watch TV, take a bath, clear that plug hole, whatever your idea of peace is. Research shows the benefit of breaks so if you don’t believe us, check out a study on the matter (whilst relaxing).
9. Be Your Biggest Supporter
Whilst it’s important to share your progress and plans with other people, don’t rely on them for a sense of self-worth. Only you know your journey and what it’s taken for you to come this far. Take any helpful feedback but don’t get hung up on opinions from people you wouldn’t take advice from!
10. Give Back
When you’re getting closer to reaching your potential, be the person you wish you had help from. Celebrate your successes online and in-person but offer help for people to follow in your footsteps. Trust us, you’ll feel much more fulfilled when you give back to others.
Whether it's towards yourself or other people, kindness and understanding is key to self-improvement. So when those bells ring at the start of January 2023 take a deep breath, give yourself a well-earnt break and then…get to work!