7 steps to become the best version of yourself

Becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about the small, intentional choices that shape who you are. Real transformation comes from shifting your mindset, building habits that align with your values, and embracing growth as a lifelong process.

But this kind of change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes self-awareness, focus, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. While the process isn’t always easy, it allows you to live with purpose, confidence, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. 

The right mindset, paired with intentional action, is the key to becoming the best version of yourself. No one else can define your potential, but how you show up each day determines how far you’ll go.

How do I become the best version of myself?

Some people think being your best self means achieving specific goals or following a strict routine. But personal growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about aligning your mindset and habits with the person you want to become. 

For example, instead of forcing yourself to wake up at 5:00 AM because it seems productive, you might focus on creating a morning routine that supports your unique goals and needs. Becoming the best version of yourself means building a life that fits your personal values, not doing what you think you “should” do. 

Why becoming your best self feels hard (at first)

Think about the last time you tried to overhaul your routine overnight. Maybe you tried to cut out sugar or commit to an intense workout plan. Whatever your goal was, it probably felt exhausting, unsustainable, and frustrating when you slipped back into old patterns. 

That’s because real growth doesn’t come from willpower alone. The brain craves familiarity, often perceiving even positive change as a potential threat. This is called status quo bias, a psychological tendency to stick with what feels safe, even when better options exist. 

Status quo bias makes it easy to stay the same, even when you want to grow. In one study on decision-making, researchers found that when faced with difficult choices, people were more likely to default to inaction, even if change would benefit them. 

The brain instinctively resists uncertainty, which is why breaking old habits can feel like an uphill battle. But growth isn’t impossible. You just need to learn how to work with your mind instead of against it. 

You can do this by developing a growth mindset and starting small. As you consistently move forward, you’ll build momentum and show your brain that change is safe and it’s okay to be uncomfortable sometimes. 

7 practical steps to become the best version of yourself

Becoming your best self won’t happen overnight, but with a clear plan, growth is easier. These seven steps will help you build a strong mindset, develop habits that align with your values, and step into the life you truly want.

1. Get clear on your big “why.”

Changing your life is tough, so you need a clear vision to stay motivated when things get hard. Your why should be strong enough to push you forward, even when it doesn't feel good at the moment. 

For example, if you're striving to become the healthiest version of yourself, identify the “why” behind that desire. Maybe you want to feel more energized, prevent disease, or have the strength to keep up with your kids. Then, visualize what life would look like as the best version of you. The clearer your vision, the easier it is to stay committed.

Instead of dwelling on the struggle of what you have to do to reach your goals—waking up early for a workout, making challenging career moves—a clear vision empowers you to focus on how incredible it will feel once you reach your goal. 

2. Set clear goals.

Once you have a clear vision, it's time to set goals. Research from Michigan State University shows that writing down your goals increases accountability and makes success more likely. A goal in your head is just a wish, but putting it on paper makes it real.

You might be tempted to improve everything in your life at once, but it's important to focus on one area at a time. Whether health, career, relationships, or mindset, directing your energy toward a single goal prevents overwhelm and builds momentum. 

To get started, use a framework like SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). For example, instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” set goals like, “I will exercise three times a week and cook five homemade meals per week.” This will help you stay on track and make measurable progress. 

3. Develop a growth mindset.

A growth mindset is the belief that your skills and abilities can improve with effort and persistence. When you have this mindset, you're more likely to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to grow. 

This is in contrast to a fixed mindset, which is the belief that your skills and abilities are predetermined and can't be improved. People with this mindset may see setbacks as proof of their limits rather than a chance to grow and learn something new.

These habits can help you develop a more resilient mindset: 

• Positive self-talk
• Mindfulness 
• Emotional regulation
• Gratitude
• Self compassion

Improving your mental fitness will help you overcome feelings like fear and self-doubt. It will also help you identify (and push past) limiting beliefs. The stronger your mind gets, the easier self-improvement becomes. 

4. Prioritize what truly matters to you. 

You’ll never feel fulfilled if you live trying to meet someone else's expectations. Instead, channel your effort and energy toward what matters to you. This is a crucial step on the journey to becoming your best self.

Reflect on what the best version of yourself would prioritize. Maybe it's exercise, family, travel, or reading a good book regularly. Only you can determine what’s most important for your happiness and sense of purpose in life. 

If it's hard at first, remember that putting yourself first is a skill. We all need to practice saying no to external pressures, setting boundaries, and focusing on the people and passions that align with our life goals. Over time, it will get easier to focus on yourself and stop comparing yourself to others.

5. Create healthy habits and routines.

Motivation fades, but discipline keeps you moving forward. To become the best version of yourself, it's important to develop daily routines and habits that support your growth. 

These routines and habits make it easier to be the best version of yourself, even on the hard days. Being your best self doesn't always feel good, but the tough moments will pass. When you have positive habits to fall back on, you'll build your confidence and continue to become the person you truly want to be. 

6. Don’t give up—fail forward.

To become the best version of yourself, you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone. You’ll never develop new skills, discover new interests and passions, or experience personal growth without risks. That means you might experience failure sometimes.

However, failure can be the best teacher if you take the time to reflect and learn from it. Instead of letting failure stop you in your tracks, adjust your approach to see if things turn out differently. Better yet, develop a belief that failure means you're on the right path—because it's often a sign that you're overcoming your fears and moving closer to what you really want from life. 

It takes courage, but remember, progress comes from persistence.

7. Celebrate your wins and reflect regularly.

The journey to becoming your best self isn’t always linear, and it’s easy to focus on how far you still have to go. Instead, take time to appreciate how far you’ve come. No matter where you are right now, acknowledge the effort you’re putting in. Starting is often the hardest part.

Unexpected events will undoubtedly arise as you go through this experience. You’ll make errors and embarrass yourself. That’s okay. Learn from your mistakes and setbacks, and be grateful for the progress you’re making. And don’t forget to celebrate yourself daily! 

Activities to help you become your best self 

The things you do every day shape who you become. To become the best version of yourself, explore activities that challenge your mind, strengthen your body, and expand your perspective. 

• Join a team sport: No matter your age, sports can help you become the best version of yourself. Research shows that playing sports improves mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Team-based sports, specifically, can strengthen confidence, resilience, and social connection.
• Make learning a habit: Seeking out new ideas and perspectives is essential for personal growth. Research shows that continuous learning strengthens cognitive flexibility, helping you adapt to change, solve problems, and maintain a growth mindset.
• Prioritize mindfulness and meditation: Studies show that mindfulness practices help reduce stress and enhance focus, making it easier to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. To get started, try a meditation app or mindfulness podcast.
• Lean into creative expression: A poll from the American Psychiatric Association found that nearly half of Americans use creative activities to relieve stress and anxiety, and those who engage in them more often tend to report better mental health. If you’re ready to become a better version of yourself, a new hobby might be the key—because when you feel your best, you show up as your best, too. 

Leaning into the best version of you

Learning how to be the best version of yourself is a life-long journey. You’ll grow and change in each new chapter—and with these seven tips, each iteration will be better than the last. It’s a lot of work, but your personal growth is worth it.

We believe that everyone is capable and deserving of this transformation. We’ll help you cultivate and balance that go-getter mindset with smart moves to boost your well-being. 

Contact us today to learn how a BetterUp coach can help you become the best version of yourself.