How To Be a Better Version of Yourself Everyday
Too often we see people shine and believe it happened overnight, they were born with it, and they’re “special”. To be frank, no one is “special”. Those who make something of themselves were a curation of persistence, productive habits, and the will to keep going even after failing…repetitively. This is why I want to get real about fundamental ways you can be a better version of yourself every day so you can make something of YOU.
This is a wake-up call to do better because you deserve the best. Too many people want the world, but too few are willing to do the things that are required to get it. So let’s get into some key things you need to be changing or adding to your life to reach your goals.
Surround yourself with people you want to be like.
We all like our friends, at least most of the time ;). But I’m sure you’ve heard many times that most people can be summed up by looking at the people they hang around. What would we say about you? Well, not we, there is no we, but you get the point. There is a lot of research done on how we develop as humans depending on the people we are around. Really think about what it’s like to spend a lot of time with a friend. You bond, pick up some of their traits and even adopt some of their lingo.
Here’s an example, I have a friend who used to talk negatively all of the time about others, and she would constantly tell self-deprecating jokes, and would just say really mean stuff to herself. After being around her for only two months, I started calling myself a “dumb b*tch” when I would make small mistakes (jokingly but all jokes have a little truth behind them) and I would say even more awful things when I had NEVER said things like that to myself in the past. The point is, your friends do influence who you are.
Think about it like this… What’s the worst that could happen if you surround yourself with more positive, kind, and hardworking people? Are you becoming more self-appreciative? Are you constantly inspired by the talent of those around you? You pick up good habits and maybe even become better at skills that will give you a more fulfilling life? Sounds awful. 😉
I am sure your friends are nice. But are they challenging you? Do they motivate you to want to work harder? If not, you are around the WRONG people.
I also know it is HARD to let go of friends that don’t inspire or help you in a positive way. Even family members can be a part of your downfall mentally. If this is you, have more positive friends than negative ones. If you can’t get away from those friends or you live with someone who drains your energy, I recommend still finding people who live the life you want to live or have the mindset you want to have. Because at least surrounding yourself with more positive people than negative will help you out as you find the opportunity to let go of the ones that bring you down.
Say NO more often.
Another thing that I’m currently working on is saying no to things more. For example, I just started a job that I enjoy. I don’t plan on it being my forever career but for the moment it’s fulfilling and stable for me. I also recently started volunteering, which I love. But I found that I pour my everything into things that I join because I don’t want to seem unreliable or let anyone down. I have learned that I don’t have to be unreliable, but I DO have to decrease the number of things I say “yes” to. It’s all about balance.
I know that my time needs to be committed to a few things. Like studying for a big test, finding a new career, and working on my blog. This means I don’t have to say no to volunteering ever, I just have to only allow myself to volunteer when I have the time to.
Exception: If you find yourself not being able to say no, you have to cut extra things out cold turkey. Which means you can no longer allow yourself to participate in things that aren’t a priority. If you have a big test or project at work, you cannot allow yourself to be distracted by other things until it’s complete. This can also include minimizing potential distractions on your phone. But that’s a whole other topic I have written about.
Related article: How To Stop Getting Distracted By Your Phone Tips and Tricks
Create routines for the things that are priorities for you. Once you have stuck to those routines, you can add one extra thing you want to do to the routine. Then after you stick to that you can add another. But if you have NO structure in your life, you have to start by sticking to a routine that only includes priority tasks.
Create routines.
This may sound repetitive, but creating routines is crucial to success. I have a complete tutorial on how to create routines and stick to them. So I won’t go too in-depth on routines here. But if you are starting from ground zero and you feel like you don’t have the time-management skills you want, start with scheduling the priorities ONLY first. Stick to that for at least 2-3 weeks and then you can add another thing in the mix!
Related article: How To Time-Block Using Google Calendar To Get Control Of Your Time
Have reflection time.
You may be religious like me and follow bible plans specifically geared toward gratitude. Maybe you believe in the power of the universe. Even if you don’t believe in any of that stuff, it’s important to reflect on your days and progress. If you are always unhappy because of where you want to be, you’ll never enjoy the journey. Finding positivity in every situation is not always the easiest, but you will stress less, live more, and grow if you can learn how to be optimistic.
Put effort into being healthier.
Be healthier in every aspect of your life. I recently listened to an incredible podcast episode with Andrew Huberman. It detailed the importance of getting enough sleep, why you shouldn’t drink caffeine after 2 PM, and even why you should keep your lights dim around your bedtime. If you want to check it out, listen below! I generally love a lot of the Skinny Confidential episodes.
Link: The Best Podcasts For Motivation, Wellness, and Productivity
But, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthier, and even thinking healthier thoughts all improve your mood and work ethic. And to be a better version of yourself means treating yourself with care and respect to get through the day.
Understand that it’s always OK to be at day 1 of your productivity goals. Take it day by day and realize that it’s up to you and ONLY you to build your reality. Keep working towards what you want, and I know you’ll get it.
