There’s a huge gap between simply existing and truly living.
This chasm is bridged by personal growth, which isn’t always easy to quantify. But as it turns out, there are psychological indicators that can hint at whether you’re morphing into the best version of yourself.
Growing into your best self is about consciously shaping your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. And psychologists have identified certain signs that indicate this transformation.
Let’s dive in.
1) You’re embracing self-awareness
There’s a world of difference between living on auto-pilot and being mindfully present in your own life.
Psychologists emphasize the transformative power of self-awareness. It’s about tuning into your thoughts, emotions, and actions, and understanding the reason behind them.
Consider it like this: It’s the opposite of mindlessly scrolling through social media or reacting impulsively to situations. Instead, you’re consciously observing your own behavior and thought patterns.
As you develop into the best version of yourself, you’ll notice an increased sense of self-awareness. You start to understand why you react the way you do and can make deliberate changes to enhance your life experiences.
But remember, this change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process of introspection and self-discovery.
2) You’re making peace with your past
They say time heals all wounds, but I’ve found that it’s more about what you do with that time.
I remember a few years back, I was caught in a loop of past regrets and “what ifs”. It felt like I was dragging a suitcase full of past mistakes behind me.
Then, one day, I stumbled upon a quote by psychologist Carl Jung: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” It struck a chord with me.
So, I began consciously working towards letting go of my past and forgiving myself for my mistakes. It’s not that my past changed – it’s that my relationship with it did.
According to psychology, making peace with your past is a clear sign that you’re evolving into the best version of yourself. It means you’re no longer letting your past define you or limit your potential. Instead, you’re using it as a stepping stone to grow and learn.
It’s not an easy journey, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort.
3) You’re consistently setting and achieving goals
Ever heard of the Harvard MBA study on goal setting? It’s quite a story. In 1979, the graduating class was asked if they had set clear, written goals for their future and made plans to achieve them. Only 3% had.
Fast forward ten years, the researchers interviewed the same group of people. They found that the 3% who had set clear, written goals were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97% combined.
Setting and achieving goals is more than just a means to success. According to psychology, it’s a hallmark of personal growth. It shows that you’re taking charge of your life, aiming for progress instead of perfection.
As you develop into the best version of yourself, you’ll find yourself not just dreaming, but mapping out a path to turn those dreams into reality. And don’t worry if you stumble along the way – every step, even a misstep, is a part of your journey towards becoming your best self.
4) You’re cultivating resilience
Life is a roller-coaster, complete with exhilarating highs and stomach-churning lows.
And when life throws a curveball, it’s not about how hard it hits, but how well you can bounce back. That’s where resilience comes into play.
Resilience, in psychological terms, refers to our ability to adapt and recover from adversities. It’s like being a bamboo – bending but not breaking in the face of a storm.
As you develop into the best version of yourself, you’ll find that you’re better prepared to handle life’s challenges. You’ll start seeing them not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth.
Building resilience doesn’t mean avoiding hardships; it means learning to thrive amidst them. And as you cultivate this skill, you’ll find yourself inching closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
5) You’re nurturing positive relationships
There’s an old saying that goes, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”
The company we keep can influence our attitudes, behaviors, and even our outlook on life.
As you grow into the best version of yourself, you’ll notice a shift in your social circle. You’ll gravitate towards relationships that uplift you, inspire you and contribute positively to your personal growth.
Simultaneously, you may find yourself distancing from toxic or negative relationships. It’s not about being superior, it’s about understanding the value of positive influences in your life.
Fostering healthy relationships is a clear sign of personal growth. It shows that you respect yourself enough to surround yourself with positivity and mutual respect. And that, my friend, is a major stride towards becoming your best self.
6) You’re embracing vulnerability
There’s something incredibly powerful about vulnerability. It’s like stripping down to your core, showing your authentic self, flaws and all.
In our society, vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. But psychologists beg to differ. They view it as a strength, a stepping stone to deeper connections and personal growth.
As you evolve into the best version of yourself, you’ll find comfort in your vulnerability. You’ll no longer feel the need to wear a mask or put up walls. You’ll allow yourself to feel deeply, to love passionately, to hope without reservation.
Embracing vulnerability is about accepting that it’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to not have all the answers. And in this acceptance, you’ll find a strength you never knew you had.
It’s a beautiful transformation, one that brings you a step closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
7) You’re practicing self-care
Have you ever found yourself so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of the most important person – you?
I recall a time when my days were filled with never-ending to-do lists, work deadlines, and social commitments. It was a constant race against the clock. Until one day, I realized I was running on empty.
That’s when I learned the importance of self-care. It’s not about indulging in luxurious spa days or extravagant vacations. For me, it started with simple acts like taking a quiet walk in the park, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying a cup of tea without any distractions.
According to psychology, practicing self-care is a powerful indicator that you’re growing into your best self. It shows that you value yourself enough to prioritize your own physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
As you evolve, you’ll understand that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessary act of self-love that fuels your growth and empowers you to be the best version of yourself.
8) You’re comfortable with saying no
In a world that often equates being busy with being successful, it’s easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything.
But here’s a little twist – sometimes, growth actually lies in the power of saying no.
As you develop into the best version of yourself, you’ll realize that time is your most precious resource. You’ll start to discern between what truly matters and what doesn’t. And that means learning to say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals.
Saying no isn’t about being rude or selfish. It’s about setting boundaries and respecting your own needs.
It may seem like a small thing, but mastering the art of saying no is a big step towards becoming your best self. It’s about taking control of your life, and that’s a sure sign of personal growth.
9) You’re seeking out new experiences
Life is a grand adventure and part of that adventure involves stepping out of your comfort zone.
As you evolve into the best version of yourself, you’ll develop a thirst for new experiences. You’ll find yourself drawn to new places, new ideas, and new challenges.
Psychology tells us that actively seeking out fresh experiences is a sign of personal growth. It shows you’re not afraid of change and are willing to learn from every situation.
Remember, it’s not about the magnitude of the experience. Trying a new cuisine, learning a new skill, or even changing your daily routine can be just as impactful.
So keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing. Each new experience brings you one step closer to becoming the best version of yourself.
10) You’re cultivating self-compassion
At the heart of personal growth lies a simple yet profound concept – self-compassion.
As you grow into the best version of yourself, you’ll learn to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer to a dear friend.
Psychology underscores the power of self-compassion in our journey of personal growth. It’s about acknowledging your mistakes, accepting your flaws, and understanding that it’s all part of being human.
Cultivating self-compassion means giving yourself permission to be imperfect. It means celebrating your progress, not just your accomplishments.
Remember, the journey to becoming the best version of yourself is not a race, it’s a lifelong journey. And with self-compassion as your companion, you’re already on the right track.
Final thought: It’s a journey, not a destination
The beauty of personal growth is that it’s not a finite process, but a continual journey of evolution and self-discovery.
One of the most profound observations by Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, asserts that “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
This encapsulates the essence of our journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves. It’s about the growth we experience along the way, rather than an end point we need to reach.
Each sign we’ve discussed is not just a milestone, but an integral part of this ongoing process. It’s about embracing self-awareness, making peace with your past, setting goals, building resilience, nurturing relationships, opening yourself to vulnerability, practicing self-care, learning to say no, seeking new experiences, and cultivating self-compassion.
As you journey through life and navigate its ups and downs, remember that every step you take brings you closer to your best self. And the beauty lies not in reaching this ideal self, but in the journey of becoming.
So here’s to you and your ongoing journey of growth. Keep going. Keep growing. The best is yet to come.