Take a moment and ask yourself: Is this really your best self? Before you roll your eyes or brush it off with a quick “Of course!”—let’s dig a little deeper. This question isn’t about whether you’ve checked off every box on the “perfect life” checklist. It’s not about being flawless, rich, or winning a Nobel Prize. It’s about you. The real you. Are you living in a way that makes you proud, happy, and connected to your purpose?
The Honest Truth About “Your Best Self”
Let’s get one thing straight: no one feels like their best self 24/7. Life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally downright unfair. Some days, you’re rocking it. Other days, putting on pants feels like an Olympic event. That’s okay! Being your best self isn’t about perfection; it’s about making the small, consistent choices that bring out your best qualities—while forgiving yourself for the off days.
Here’s where it gets interesting: most of us settle. We settle for habits that drain us, relationships that hold us back, and routines that feel safe but stifle growth. Why? Because change is scary. And being your best self means stepping out of your comfort zone. But trust me, the rewards are worth it.
How Did We Get Here?
Life has a sneaky way of piling things on. Work stress, family responsibilities, bills, and that never-ending to-do list can leave you feeling like you’re spinning plates—and one of them always crashes. When was the last time you paused and thought about what you actually want?
Chances are, you’ve been running on autopilot. Wake up, go to work, scroll through your phone, sleep, repeat. Sure, it gets the job done, but is that all you’re meant for? Is this really it?
Here’s a cheeky reminder: if your 8-year-old self could see you now, would they be impressed or roll their eyes?
Signs You’re Not Living Your Best Life
Not sure if you’re showing up as your best self? Here are a few red flags:
- You’re always tired. It’s not just about needing more sleep. Emotional and mental exhaustion can weigh you down.
- You’re stuck in the “someday” trap. Someday I’ll get healthy. Someday I’ll chase my dream. Someday I’ll try yoga. Spoiler alert: “someday” isn’t a day of the week.
- You’re avoiding mirrors. And not just the physical kind. Reflecting on who you are can be uncomfortable when you know you’re out of alignment.
- You feel like something’s missing. That nagging sense of “there’s got to be more” is your inner self begging for attention.
The Good News: Your Best Self Is Still In There
Before you start spiraling into self-doubt, let me assure you: your best self hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s still there, waiting for you to clear away the clutter and let it shine. Think of it like polishing a dusty diamond—it’s still valuable; it just needs a little TLC.
Here’s how you can start digging it out.
1. Reconnect With What Matters to You
What lights you up? What makes you lose track of time? What did you love doing before life got so “adult-y”? Whether it’s painting, dancing, hiking, or solving puzzles, rediscovering your passions is like feeding your soul a gourmet meal.
Make a list of five things you love doing but haven’t done in a while. Then pick one to do this week. Yes, this week. No excuses.
2. Upgrade Your Inner Dialogue
If your inner voice were a person, would you hang out with them? If the answer is no, it’s time for an upgrade. Beating yourself up doesn’t motivate change; it just makes you feel worse.
Start small. Instead of saying, “I’m so lazy,” try, “I didn’t have the energy today, but tomorrow is a fresh start.” It might feel cheesy at first, but kindness builds momentum.
3. Surround Yourself With People Who Lift You Up
Ever noticed how spending time with certain people leaves you feeling drained while others make you feel like a superhero? Your environment matters more than you think.
Seek out relationships that inspire, challenge, and support you. If someone’s energy feels toxic, it’s okay to set boundaries. Your best self deserves a cheering squad, not a critique panel.
4. Move Your Body Like It Loves You Back
This isn’t about getting six-pack abs (unless that’s your thing). Moving your body is about celebrating what it can do and boosting your mood. Walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen—whatever feels good.
Bonus points: exercise floods your brain with feel-good chemicals. You’ll start thinking clearer, feeling happier, and maybe even sleeping better.
5. Declutter Your Life
No, this isn’t just about cleaning out your closet (though that helps). Decluttering is about removing anything that doesn’t add value to your life. That could mean saying no to obligations that don’t serve you, quitting that doomscrolling habit, or letting go of outdated goals that no longer excite you.
6. Set Goals That Actually Excite You
Forget the goals you think you “should” have. What do you want? Maybe it’s starting a side hustle, learning to play guitar, or finally booking that dream vacation. Big or small, the point is to aim for something that makes your heart skip a beat.
Pro tip: break it into baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your best self won’t be either.
7. Embrace Your Imperfections
Here’s a fun fact: your flaws are part of what make you interesting. Nobody relates to perfection—it’s boring. Owning your quirks and missteps shows strength, not weakness.
Remember, being your best self isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being authentic.
8. Celebrate the Small Wins
We tend to focus so much on the big picture that we forget to celebrate the little victories along the way. Drank enough water today? High-five! Took the stairs instead of the elevator? Go you!
Every step counts, and recognizing them keeps you motivated to keep going.
A Cheeky Challenge
Here’s a little dare for you: for the next seven days, do one thing each day that brings you closer to your best self. It could be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier, calling an old friend, or swapping soda for water.
Write down what you did and how it made you feel. By the end of the week, you might just feel a spark of something you thought you’d lost.
Final Thoughts
So, is this your best self? If the answer is “not yet,” that’s okay. Life isn’t a straight path—it’s a series of twists, turns, and opportunities to grow. The important thing is that you’re here, reading this, and thinking about what’s next. That’s already a step in the right direction.
Remember, your best self isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. A messy, beautiful, worth-it journey. So take a deep breath, give yourself a wink in the mirror, and go make some magic. Your best self is waiting!
