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Most people would like to be the best possible version of themselves, but everyone has a different concept of what that looks like. Although it might be hard to define, there are a few concrete steps you can take to improve your life every day. Read through these tips and tricks to learn how you can become the happiest version of yourself.

1

Figure out what makes you happy.

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  1. Maybe you want to get your dream job and live across the globe. Maybe you want to have kids and settle down in a big house in the country. Maybe you want to become an artist and share your craft with the world. Whatever it is, you should keep it at the forefront of your mind as you go along the path to be the best you can be.[1]
    • Not everyone has a dream or a huge goal in life, and that’s okay. Your dream might be becoming financially stable and living a happy life. Whatever works for you is what you should strive toward.
    • Pursuing your dreams won’t happen in a day, and that’s okay. However, if you identify what your overarching goal is, you can break it down into smaller ones and work toward it over time.
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5

Say no to things you don’t have time for.

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  1. Only put things on your to-do list that you actually have the time (and the will) to do. If you have more work than you can handle, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed and stretched thin.[5]
    • For example, if your child's teacher requests that you direct the school Christmas play but you know that you are especially busy at Christmas time, feel confident saying “no.”
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7

Work on your weaknesses.

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  1. Maybe you get nervous about public speaking or you aren’t the best driver. Make it a goal to better yourself and turn your weaknesses into strengths instead of hindrances.[7]
    • For example, if you’re nervous about public speaking, you could take a public speaking class to practice.
    • If you aren’t the best cook, buy a few cookbooks and look up tutorials online for some basic recipes.
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9

Learn from your mistakes.

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  1. If you mess up or stumble, take a moment to think about what you learned. In the future, you can use your lesson to avoid the same mistakes and stay on the right path.[9]
    • For example, maybe you applied for a promotion in your workplace and you didn’t get it. You might have learned that you need more on-the-job experience before applying to a management position.
    • Or, maybe you went back to school and failed one of your classes. Now you know how to manage your time better and that you need to dedicate more time to studying.
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10

Take constructive criticism.

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  1. It’s easy to get defensive or be offended when you hear something negative about yourself—however, try to use it as a learning opportunity. If someone means well and they’re trying to help you, consider taking what they said as an opportunity to learn and grow.[10]
    • For example, your boss might tell you that your presentation lacked conviction. You can use that criticism to make your next one more personal and convincing.
11

Keep a positive attitude.

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  1. If you keep a positive attitude, you can reduce your stress and improve your outlook on life. If you catch yourself thinking something negative, challenge it with a positive thought.[11]
    • For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’ve never done this before,” replace it with, “This is a good opportunity to learn.”
    • Or, if you catch yourself thinking, “There’s no way this will work,” try thinking, “I can try to make this work.”
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12

Surround yourself with positive people.

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  1. If you admire them and think they’re good role models, they’re probably good people. If you find yourself getting down or thinking negatively after spending time with someone, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship.[12]
    • You might also consider why you admire certain people. What qualities do they possess that you would like to have? You can try to incorporate them into your daily life.
    EXPERT TIP
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC

    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist

    Being a positive person can help your relationships. Make an effort to build strong connections with the people who matter most. Bringing humor, kindness, compassion, and fun into your interactions can make a big difference.


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I be on top in life?
    Lauren Krasny
    Lauren Krasny
    Life Coach
    Lauren Krasny is a Leadership and Executive Coach and the Founder of Reignite Coaching, her professional and personal coaching service based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also currently coaches for the LEAD Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and is a former Digital Health Coach for Omada Health and Modern Health. Lauren received her coaching training from the Coach Training Institute (CTI). She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan.
    Lauren Krasny
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Come up with a list of things you're grateful for as well, which can help you be more mindful and positive.
  • Question
    How can you be a pro at Xbox even if your console sucks?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or better yet get a console that suits you and become a pro at a specific game.
  • Question
    My hard work is not acknowledged in my company and I feel they underestimate me. What can I do to change this?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    If you don't find your work fulfilling or they don't acknowledge you, it might be time to consider another job or career that is more personally rewarding.
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About This Article

Lauren Krasny
Co-authored by:
Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Lauren Krasny and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Lauren Krasny is a Leadership and Executive Coach and the Founder of Reignite Coaching, her professional and personal coaching service based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also currently coaches for the LEAD Program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and is a former Digital Health Coach for Omada Health and Modern Health. Lauren received her coaching training from the Coach Training Institute (CTI). She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan. This article has been viewed 325,645 times.
20 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 35
Updated: June 21, 2024
Views: 325,645
Categories: Self Fulfillment
Article SummaryX

The quickest way to become your best self is to set specific, achievable goals that reflect the person you want to be. Avoid broad goals like “being healthy” or “dressing better” and instead make goals like “go to the gym 3 times a week” or “eat a salad every day.” Write your goals down so you can keep track of your progress. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to say no to things that don’t make you happy, scroll down!

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 325,645 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Akriti Verma

    Akriti Verma

    Dec 12, 2016

    "I like that we should surround ourselves with positive people, as if we do this, then we don't have to bother..." more
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