How do I become the best version of myself?

This question has several components. Overall, to be the best human being that you can be, I truly believe it is as simple as always treating others the way that you want to be treated. I worked one job for twenty-five years, took a year off, and then started working again. During that one year that I was "retired," I noticed how much more laid back I was. No longer rushing to squeeze 25 hours into a day, it was easy to let other cars go ahead of me leaving the parking lot, for example. We get too caught up in the rat race sometimes. And when it comes to dealing with jerks, I try to make excuses for them in my head, which guides me in treating them better. Everyone is dealing with their own set of stressors - perhaps this person just got bad news, or is being evicted, etc etc etc. As to professional growth, try to expose yourself to a variety of viewpoints, and not be judgmental. Read, listen, ask questions, learn. If you are a goal oriented person, constantly be setting new goals for yourself, even if little ones. And while I do not practice it, exercise is important. A good flow of oxygen to the brain keeps you sharp.

hope this helps. Great question!!

This an awesome question! Here are my thoughts, observations, and experiences from my 20 years on this earth: it totally is possible to be your best self but you always have to want to strive to improve and learn more and more.

Let me explain more. Life is journey if you're just going through the motions then no you're NOT the best version of yourself. But if you are motivated to succeed, accomplish your goals, learn more, etc. Then I want to say you are being the best version of yourself. You may fail sometimes and that's totally fine. Sometimes failure is good because it give us the chance to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. I am not sure what your dreams and goals in life are but as long as you are pushing forward to meet those goals you are being the best version of yourself. Also another thing that indicates that you are being the best version of yourself is when you reach the end of the year and you tell yourself "WOW I had a great year, best year of my life, I got so much accomplished, I am proud of myself for doing all these things, etc.." And you want to do that year after year. The next year should be better than the previous one. In summary as long as you are improving yourself, you are the "best version of yourself" Hope this helps!

Hi Tiffanie! Wow Powerful question. First I don't think we ever reach our full potential. Each of us are ever evolving ever expanding individualized physical expressions of energy in some process of self discovery. We each have a unique guidance system that is geared to direct us on the best path for us. Is this working for me or not working for me is the best question for learning to trust its accuracy. Your talents, gifts, interests and preferences are unique to you.

My own journey has been college, owned and read 1,000's of books on sales, leadership. personal growth, biographies, etc. Even now I read, watch video's on You tube - Kyle Cease, Mike Dooley are a couple of people I watch among many. I am certified as DISC, MAPP assessment provider, went through a 3 year Coaching program, 3 years of personal therapy, 3 years of ACOA meeting, divorced and married same woman after 8 years apart, been financially in deep doo doo 4 times, fired from at least 4 jobs. A lot of pain, fear, confusion, depression and self doubt.

I've discovered that being different works better then being better. Different is you being you not you being better to meet someone else's expectations. I've learned that contrast is my friend. It is a great mirror for discovering what I do want - The opposite of what I don't want , don't like and things I express as "my current problems". Be easy with your self. One of the early books I read was How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Check out Mile Dooley on u tube. Have fun with this. You won't get out of it alive anyway! The best! Paul

Hi Tiffanie!

You asked a very important question that not many of us think about. Here are some answers:

https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-steps-to-becoming-a-better-version-of-yourself
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/starting-today-stop-these-6-things-become-the-best-version-yourself.html