What does” Become the best version of yourself,” mean?

Dear Sweet Friends,

So what does it mean to “Become the best version of yourself?” This is a motto I have either heard or used most of my adult life, and recently I wondered what it even means to “Become the best version of yourself? When a question like this pops into my head and piques my curiosity, I go to my good old reliable source, Google. My search yielded many articles about what it means to “Become the best version of yourself,” and here are some of my findings and my thoughts.

What does” Become the best version of yourself,” mean?

Before I fired up the Google search engine to research the meaning of “Become the Best version of yourself.” I first thought about what the motto meant to me? I never felt the need to research what it really means until now. I defined or interpreted the motto through the lens of self-development/personal growth.

I interpreted the meaning of “Become the best version of yourself” as taking stock of the person I truly want to be in this world. Taking steps to become this version of myself by working on myself, addressing my weaknesses, fears, and anything else holding me back from pursuing a life that brings me fulfillment, joy, happiness, and peace of mind. 

However, when I searched the Internet, this is what I found:

“Being the best version of yourself means being authentic and true to yourself, as well as treating others with kindness and respect. When you do this, you become a better person who can make positive changes in your life. Being the best version of yourself means being honest with yourself and others about what you want in life.” Acerahealth

The definition of “best self” is subjective. Your version of your best self may not be the same as your family or close friends. Considering this, do not give in to the temptation of comparing yourself with others. Instead, remember your personal definition of your best self. Additionally, your “best self” does not need to be the same thing forever. Over time, your definition of your best self will change in all areas of your life so do not be afraid to be flexible.” Julian Hayes II

“Become the best version of yourself is just another one of modernity’s hollow self-help mottoes. Don’t fall for it. Rather, really get to know yourself, and you will uncover the perfect version that you already are. “So, you see, the very desire to become the best version of yourself is the recipe for endless running between blind alleys. Because it is a motto that has no real meaning. It sounds nice and encouraging, but offers no real guidance. It is the self-help version of ‘get rich by investing in the stock market or bitcoin or whatever’. Harsha Perera

It does not have to be all or nothing

I chose these three points of view because they pretty much summed up the sentiments of the other articles I read about the meaning of “Become the best version of yourself.” 

I am of the belief that it does not have to be all or nothing. We can learn from each person’s take on the definition of what this motto means to them. All three (3) points of view can help guide us in defining what it means to be the “Best version of yourself.”

Based on each point of view, we can conclude that the meaning is unique and personal to each person. There is no one size fits all definition of what it means to be the best version of oneself. These points of view suggest we should engage in some self-reflection and soul searching and develop our own meaning for what it means to “Become the best version of yourself? ” 

One of the interesting parts of this research was the number of results it yielded. It made me realize that this was a popular topic, and my curiosity again got the best of me, so I wondered, are we as human beings wired to seek the best version of ourselves, or is this an ideological construct created by society?

Are we wired this way?

So I paid another visit to Google and looked into whether there is a natural desire or instinct for human beings to seek improvement, change and evolve, and this is what I found:

“We are designed to hunger for growth to achieve our full potential.” Kenneth Acha

“As a humanist, Maslow believed that people have an inborn desire to be self-actualized, that is, to be all they can be.” 

So there, it can be argued that this is instinctively human to want to change and evolve. 

Where “Become the Best Version of Yourself” goes off the rails

I think where the idea of “Become the best version of yourself” goes off the rails is when the pursuit of it creates anxiety, stress, a feeling of lack, and brokenness. Whether we start from these mindset or end up there throughout our journey to “Become the best version of yourself.” So what do we do if these emotions and thoughts start to surface?  

First, I would suggest checking in with yourself when you feel these emotions. Addressing these emotions as they surface is one way to battle against them. Another way is to go back to the beginning. Revisit your “Why.” Why are you pursuing the Best Version of Yourself in the first place?

Determine if it is coming from a place of lack or brokenness. If that is the case, write down why you believe this pursuit to “Become the best version of yourself “comes from a place of lack or brokenness, take the time to process and sit with this information. Next, you can start to counter these emotions or negative thoughts. One way to counter these emotions is through the daily practice of positive self-affirmation. Another way to counter and work through these emotions and negative thoughts is to ask for help. This help could come from a trusted friend, family member or a mental health professional. Be patient with yourself, overcoming these emotions and negative thoughts will take time. It’s best to acknowledge that exploring and addressing these emotions and thoughts is not a pause in the journey, but a part of it. The work to counter these emotions and thoughts can assist and be extremely helpful with the transformation you seek.

Not everyone needs fixing!

Yep, I said it, or rather wrote it! Not everyone needs fixing. I agree with Harsha’s sentiment that “we need to understand ourselves today without judgment.” We need to embrace who we are right now. Harsha advised that you should “… really get to know yourself, and you will uncover the perfect version that you already are.” Believe it or not, there are people on this earth who are content and fulfilled with who they are and their life. I believe we don’t have to be in a perpetual state of self-improvement. As they say, there is a time to reap and a time to sow. It’s okay to be content with where you are, be okay with who you are, be okay with your circumstances, and take the time to really sit and luxuriate in these periods of your life.

For those who are content with who you are and where you are in the here and now, that is GREAT! You inspire those of us who are on this journey to become the best version of ourselves.

If you still want to “Become the Best Version of Yourself, where do you start?

1. Self-Acceptance 

So let’s start from a place of acceptance. Accepting who you are and where you are in the here and now. Take the time to do a life audit. Record all the good things that happened or is happening in your life, acknowledge all your good qualities, and all you have overcome thus far on this journey of life. Sit with them, celebrate how far you have come and how much you have grown.  

2. Define and envision the “Best Version of Yourself.” 

Envision and get clear on this “Best version of yourself.” What qualities, skills, and relationships do you want to possess as this version of yourself. Get clear on Why you want to change or become the best version of yourself. Continue asking yourself WHY and make sure your responses is coming from a place of positivity and not lack, shame or brokenness.

3. Change is the only constant:

Embrace the fact that Change is the only constant. I agree with Julian that the idea of the best version of yourself will change throughout your life because you are evolving, improving, and growing as you experience life. As you experience life, your thoughts, perspectives, dreams will evolve and change. Embracing that change and uncertainty are inevitable and can be very freeing, so identify the tools and practices that you can use while you are on this journey.

4. Some Affirmations to help you on your journey

I embrace who I am and where I am in the here and now.

I love and celebrate the beautiful phenomenal human being I am here and now.  

I give myself permission to celebrate what I have already accomplished by taking stock of my accomplishments and celebrating them.

I am enough!

I encourage you to come back to these affirmations on those days you are feeling unmotivated and discouraged while on your journey to “Become the best version of yourself.”  

Final Thoughts

As you can see, researching “Becoming the best version of yourself” sent me on a journey of analyzing and introspection. I continue to pursue the best version of myself, however, I now know to check in with myself by revisiting my “Why” and ensuring my pursuit of becoming the best version of myself is not coming from a place of lack or brokenness. Instead, it comes from a place of inspiration and curiosity that permits me to enjoy the journey. Two things can be true, and Sophia Bush said it best “You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.”

Have a fantastic journey, Sweet Friends!

Sweet Lyfe Daily

Let us know your thoughts about this post. 

Do you pursue the “Best Version of Yourself? Are you content with who you are and where you are in the here and now?