Becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about making tiny, consistent changes that add up to a big transformation.
People who have achieved this often share some simple habits. They’re not complicated or flashy, but they make a dramatic difference over time.
These everyday practices are the engine driving those personal transformations. And the best part? Anybody can adopt them.
Let’s dive into these 7 simple habits that people who become the best versions of themselves often adopt.
1) Rise and shine
There’s a reason why the phrase “the early bird catches the worm” is so ubiquitous.
Many successful individuals have realized the power of starting their day off early. This doesn’t mean they’re always up at the crack of dawn, but they do tend to rise earlier than most.
Because mornings offer quiet, uninterrupted hours. They’re often the best time to focus on personal goals, whether that’s exercise, meditation, reading, or planning the day ahead.
Getting up early gives you a head start on your day. It gives you the opportunity to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
2) Practice gratitude
Another habit I’ve noticed among those who seem to be in tune with their best selves is practicing gratitude.
This isn’t just about saying “thank you” more often, although that’s part of it. It’s about consciously acknowledging the good things in your life on a regular basis.
For instance, every night before I go to bed, I make it a point to write down three things I’m grateful for that day. It could be anything from a good meal, a kind gesture from a stranger, or simply having the time to read my favorite book.
I’ve found that this simple act of recognizing and appreciating the positives in my life has changed my perspective. It has helped me focus less on what’s going wrong and more on what’s going right.
3) Get moving
Physical activity is more than just a way to keep your body in shape. It’s a powerful tool for mental wellbeing as well.
Regular exercise has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can boost your mood, improve your sleep, and even enhance your cognitive function.
Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a yoga class, or a high-intensity interval training session, incorporating some form of physical activity into your daily routine can have profound effects on your overall wellbeing.
4) Lifelong learning
The people who really thrive are the ones who never stop learning. They’re always looking to broaden their horizons, gain new skills, and understand the world in different ways.
This doesn’t mean you need to be enrolled in a formal education program at all times. Learning can take on many forms. It can be reading a book, taking an online course, attending a workshop, or even having deep conversations with people who have different perspectives.
Keeping your mind open and constantly feeding it with new knowledge and experiences is a key habit of those who become the best versions of themselves. It’s a way to keep growing and evolving as a person.
5) Embrace failure
Here’s a truth I’ve had to learn the hard way: failure is a part of the journey towards becoming the best version of myself.
I remember a time when I was so afraid of failing that it kept me from trying new things. But over time, I realized that every failure was a stepping stone towards success. Each stumble taught me something valuable about myself, about others, and about the world around me.
The fear of failure can be paralyzing, but when you learn to see it as an opportunity for growth, it becomes less daunting. It’s not about never failing—it’s about learning from your failures and using them as fuel to keep going.
6) Mindful living
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. But people who become the best versions of themselves often adopt the habit of living mindfully.
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment. It’s about tuning into your senses, your thoughts, and your feelings without judgment. It’s about fully experiencing the here and now, instead of constantly worrying about the past or the future.
Whether it’s while eating a meal, taking a walk, or simply breathing, practicing mindfulness can bring a sense of peace and balance to your life. It can help you better understand yourself, reduce stress, and increase your overall happiness.
7) Prioritize self-care
Last but certainly not least, self-care is a non-negotiable habit for those striving to become the best versions of themselves.
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about setting boundaries, saying “no” when you need to, and taking time to rest and recharge.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself first before you can give your best to the world. So make self-care a priority—it’s not selfish, it’s essential.
Final thoughts: The key is consistency
The journey to becoming the best version of yourself is not a sprint, but a marathon. And the secret ingredient to this journey is consistency.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
In essence, the true power of these habits lies not in their complexity but in their repetition. It’s about showing up for yourself, day in and day out, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.
And with consistency as your guide, there’s no limit to who you can become.
