What Does It Mean To Be Your Best Self? 

Congratulations! You’ve decided you want to be your best self… Now what! What does it actually mean to be your best self? How will you know you’re moving in the right direction? How do you know if something really is your best? 

Good news, we’re going to answer these common questions [and more] in this article. 

But first things first…

As far as your ‘best self’ goes, there is no one-size-fits-all definition. Instead, the description is entirely personal. Your best self will never be the same as someone else’s - so resist the temptation to go down the comparison route. That never feels good! Instead, remember that we’re all different. We all have different talents, skills, challenges, and journeys. So when it comes to defining your best self, know that you get to choose what that means for yourself. 

Better still, your definition doesn’t need to be fixed in stone. Instead, it will almost certainly change over time. As you achieve goals, check through your bucket list, and revise your ambitions, you’ll uncover more and more about who you really are. 

And as a result, your best self definition will expand. 

I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about being human. We’re never really ‘done’. There’s always more we could do and explore. In short, our comfort zones can expand infinitely, which makes your best self a journey, NOT a destination. That’s right; there’s nowhere specific you need to reach because your best self is a state of BEING. 

That said, there are ‘best self’ indicators that can help you feel confident you’re moving in the right direction. Let’s explore some of these now…

1. Taking full ownership for your life

It’s harder to be your best self when someone else is calling the shots. When you’re holding the reins, you’re empowered to make the choices and decisions that ensure your best self thrives. 

2. Knowing you’ve given things your best shot

Your best self isn’t about winning all of the time. That simply isn’t how life works. If you’re exploring the edges of your comfort zone, it’s almost inevitable that some things won’t work out the way you planned. But that doesn’t matter. You can still be your best self - even during chaos and failure - if you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have. 

If you’re proud of your efforts and the way you showed up, that’s you being your best. 

3. Moving forward with your life  

As individuals, we have the opportunity to grow constantly. Every day presents earning opportunities that inspire us to make new distinctions about ourselves and the world. 

Your best self wants to extract what it can from these experiences. That way, you can go to bed knowing you’re a little bit better than you were yesterday as a result of living another day. 

4. Committed to the right habits

What’s more important than the big showcase sprints, is your daily actions. How are you cultivating energy and enthusiasm to be your best self - no matter what? How are you taking care of your health and your wellbeing? How are you nurturing your creativity and excitement? 

If your chosen habits bring out your best, that’s a sure-fire sign your best self is thriving. 

5. Feeling good about who you are

Are you able to pat yourself on the back, or do you rely on other people to do that for you? Self-love is a catalyst for so much. When you appreciate and love the person you are, you show up in the world in a different way entirely than someone who doesn’t feel worthy or good enough. 

That’s why becoming your best self involves learning to love yourself too. 

6. Investing in yourself

Your best self is infinitely curious to know what else is possible. You can nurture this desire by investing in tools, courses, relationships, books, education, communities, and mentors etc. that inspire you to keep learning, sharpen your skills, and explore your passions.

Knowledge is a key that throws open the door to new possibilities - and that potential excites your best self immensely. 

7. Your own your strengths and talents

There are things you can do better than anyone else you know. Your best self owns and appreciates these attributes instead of playing them down - because they help you show up more skillfully and impactfully in the world. 

8. Recognize your limits

Your best self knows you can’t do everything by yourself. They’re not afraid to ask for help or seek support because they know this can be a catalyst to get to the next step. 

9. Living with integrity

Your best self does the things they say they’re going to do - even if no one is watching.  This level of commitment to your promises helps fuel unstoppable self-confidence because you know you can rely on yourself to do what’s necessary. 

10. Be kind to yourself

Your best self learns quickly from mistakes - and while no one likes to get things wrong, your best self doesn’t use failure as an opportunity to be hard on itself. A little bit of kindness goes a long way - and this inspires the confidence that it’s OK to take bigger risks. 

11. High energy

When you feel physically tired and mentally drained, it’s hard to think straight and act with conviction. That’s why your best self does what it can to create and conserve energy, so you don’t get burnt out. 

12. Time for you

While you love being of service to others, your best self knows that it needs self-care time to rest, repair, and replenish too. Your best self doesn’t feel guilty for taking time out or for doing things that are just for you. Instead, your best self protects this time. It’s non-negotiable because it makes it easier for you to be your best. 

13. Feeling good about how you spend your time

Time is your most valuable, non-renewable resource. Once spent, you can't get those minutes back. Your best self respects the time and is purposeful about where minutes go. This diligence fuels a higher level of happiness and satisfaction in your life.   

14. A life well-lived

Your best self turns your bucket list and life goals into real-life experiences. You get the important things done and in turn create your best life. 

15. Stretch goals

You don’t settle for mediocrity or the status quo. Instead, your best self sets challenging goals, which excite and inspire you to step up. More importantly, your best self knows that if you can think it, you can also achieve it, so they don’t get stopped or bogged down in doubt. 

16. Creates work-life harmony 

Work is important to your best self, but it’s not everything. Instead, your best self consciously invests time and energy into all life areas because they’re looking for all-round fulfillment - not a one-dimensional life. 

17. Being your best for others

Life is better when you're around people we love - and who love us for who we are. When you're at your best, you consciously connect with the right people. You cultivate the deep connections and conversations that leave you feeling loved, seen, and heard by others for who you are. 

18. You have time for the things you love

You don't delay things you enjoy for another time. Instead, you proactively make time for your passions, hobbies, and interest on your schedule. 

Be your best self

The idea of unlocking your best self is a commitment that can take a lifetime [if you choose]. It’s a journey that brings you closer to yourself every single day and empowers you to think bigger and achieve more while you enjoy today. 

Your best self can be anything you can imagine. 

So go fun on this journey and make it your own. And remember you’re not alone, we’re here to help you wherever we can.