We are all works-in-progress. And it takes effort and dedication to grow and evolve in a positive direction. Fortunately, there is never a bad time to set new goals for yourself, and it's never too late to pick up a habit that can improve your well-being for the rest of your life. Whether you are dealing with stress, working through relationship struggles, or simply trying to change your life in small ways, there are many strategies available to help you be the best version of yourself.
There is no single answer to this question, so it's important to find the strategies that work for you, whether that involves learning a new skill, exercising more, or taking up meditation. Many times, the effort alone is enough to make you feel better.
While this varies by person, research suggests it can take two months or longer for new behaviors to become ingrained. The more difficult the change, the longer it may take for a habit to form.
At Verywell Mind, we like to recommend setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound goals—which can help promote a sense of ownership over your self-improvement, increase motivation, and lead to small steps toward lasting change.
Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits.
Self-actualization is the state or act of reaching your full potential, which can involve self-acceptance, independence, and a life of worthwhile experiences.
Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is frequently used to describe why a person does something, whether it is work at a certain job, form a certain hobby, or maintain a romantic relationship.
Mindfulness is the practice of being and staying aware of the present moment, and usually involves a heightened awareness of your sensory stimuli, such as the sounds you are hearing, or how your body feels in a given moment.
Radical acceptance is the ability to accept situations that are outside of your control without judging them, which can help you focus on the future.