Be the Best Version of YOU!

by Taylor Smith, CHOP5 Nutrition & Wellness Blogger

Have you ever wished to be someone else?  Have you ever looked at your friend and wished you were more like him/her?  Have you sat in your bed at night and imagined what you or your life could have been like if you went down a different path? 

I think we all have at one point or another—some more than others.  I especially have dwelled on these thoughts a lot.

Many of us spend so much time wishing our lives were different and comparing ourselves to other people and other possible versions of ourselves.  It’s true that there are an infinite number of alternative lives for each of us, depending on what choices we make.  But we must realize that we are where we are, and we are who we are and that’s beautiful.  Instead of focusing on other people and dwelling on the “what ifs”, we must focus on the now.  We must focus on our current self and the various paths in front of us, not behind us.  We must strive to be the best possible version of ourselves, for ourselves. 

Nevertheless, striving to be the best version of YOU can be daunting.  Choosing to chase your potential can be scary.  You may not know where to start.  You may not know what being the “best version of you” even means.  So, let me give you some words of wisdom!

Do not compare your life to those around you.  Everyone is on their own journey.  Everyone has different experiences, goals, interests, preferred lifestyles, etc. 

• Remember that social media is a highlight reel.
• Focus on who you want to be as a person and why.
• Do not worry about others’ opinions.  You cannot let external judgements prevent you from living your truth.
• Be confident in who you are and OWN your choices.

You must analyze your habits and intentions often—-self-reflection!

• Think about how you can be a better YOU—write down intentions and hang them up where you can see them every day to hold yourself accountable.
• Reflect each night on things that you did that day to support your intentions and get you closer to who you want to be.
• Reflect each night on things that you can work on to be a better you.

You cannot give up on working on yourself when things get tough!

• Remember progress does not happen over night.
• Things add up over time—good or bad—so be mindful in the decisions that you make every single day.
• Don’t get ahead of yourself—focus on one day at a time. Take actions that serve you each day.
• Do not be afraid to fail. Go outside your comfort zone.  Look silly at first. Learn, do better. It’s the only way to level up to a higher version of you.

Accept everything in your life for what it is.  I do not mean you have to settle for anything, but I do mean that you must acknowledge your past to move forward.

• Understand that you cannot change the past or the innate characteristics that make you who you are.
• Acknowledge your flaws and appreciate your positive qualities, while realizing that you have so much potential in you.
• Realize that your past has shaped you into who you are today and helped you to learn what you want and don’t want.
• Control what you can control—your actions, attitude, perspective, etc.

Key Takeaways:

The grass isn’t greener on the other side.  It’s green where you water it.  So don’t wish for the best version of you; make it happen.  Embrace YOUR potential.  You have the power to choose how you move forward! Commit to the process today!