Phrases like “Be the best version of you that you can be” or "Be your best self", used to make me so confused! They would literally put me in a state where I would try so hard, feeling as if somebody was watching me and always wondering if I was indeed, succeeding at being the "best" me and making the "best" choice. These messages are well-intentioned, but they brought up so many questions for me: Who is to decide what the best version of me is? Whose standards am I working with or against when I strive to be my best self? My own? Society's? My parents? Teachers'? Partners'?
Is being your best self just about embracing the qualities you think will make you the best person possible in others' eyes? Whose approval are you seeking when you try to be your best self? No one gets unanimous approval. So, who are you going to choose to please? What if you don't get that approval? One day I finally realized, being my best self is not only complicated but also quite subjective and probably not going to get me where you want to be: feeling good about myself.
So instead of going after an imagined better version of me, I decided to consciously step into the version of myself that I love the most—the version I admire, celebrate, and strive toward. And you know what happened? My life changed and people noticed. I got rid of all the pressures and the feeling of never being good enough, I stopped ruminating about things I had or hadn't said or done. My relationships improved, my happiness and satisfaction too. I wish someone had told me about this earlier. And here I am now to tell you how you can do this too!
Think of your favorite self as a version of you that combines your authentic self and your highest aspirations. It’s not about perfection, but about embracing the aspects of yourself that you admire most—those parts that make you feel fulfilled, strong, and capable. For example, maybe your favorite self is someone who is confident, compassionate, and creative. Perhaps they’re organized, mindful, and in tune with their purpose. The key is recognizing that who you are when you feel the most aligned with your values and strengths is worth nurturing and celebrating.
When you consciously choose to embody this version of yourself, you’re essentially deciding to show up as the person you most want to be, even if that person hasn’t fully emerged yet. It’s about becoming the person you know you’re capable of being, rather than the person you feel society expects you to be.
What happens when you become Your Favorite Self:
1. You Become More Aligned with Your Purpose
When you act from a place of deep self-love and alignment, you naturally move closer to your true purpose in life. Being your favorite self means knowing what matters most to you and intentionally shaping your choices and actions to reflect that. As you align with this version of yourself, you will naturally attract opportunities and people that support your growth, because the energy you project is more positive and authentic.
2. You Develop Confidence and Inner Peace
Stepping into your favorite self gives you the confidence to take risks, make decisions, and move forward without the constant self-doubt that often holds you back. When you embrace the person you most admire, you’re less likely to be swayed by outside criticism or fear of failure. Instead, you’re guided by a deep inner peace that comes from knowing you are living in harmony with your true self.
3. You Are More Likely to Reach Your Full Potential
When you actively choose to embody your favorite self, you give yourself permission to grow. This means that rather than settling into old habits or limiting beliefs, you push the boundaries of what you think you’re capable of. By envisioning and striving to become the version of yourself you like the most, you open up the possibility of realizing your true potential—whether it’s in your career, personal life, or relationships.
4. Your Relationships Thrive
Being your favorite self doesn’t just improve your relationship with yourself, it enhances your relationships with others. When you show up as the person you love most, you bring a more positive and vibrant energy to those around you. People are drawn to your authenticity, which creates deeper, more meaningful connections. Your favorite self embodies kindness, understanding, and respect, which in turn nurtures your bonds with others.
5. You Cultivate Joy and Fulfillment
Living as your favorite self is an act of self-compassion. It’s about letting go of self-criticism and embracing the aspects of yourself that bring you joy. You begin to focus on your strengths and passions, which boosts your energy and sense of fulfillment. The result is a more joyful life, as you make choices that truly resonate with your core values and desires.
How to Start Being Your Favorite Self?
Identify Your favorite qualities
Begin by identifying the traits, habits, and characteristics you admire in yourself. What parts of you make you feel proud? What actions or qualities do you wish you exhibited more often? Write these down and reflect on what they mean for your life. If you are having trouble, think of the times when you felt good about yourself. What were you doing in these situations? Chances are you were acting in accordance with your deeper values. This is what you want to duplicate.
2. Visualize Your Favorite Self
Take time to imagine what your favorite self looks like in various areas of your life. What does this version of you do daily? How does this person carry themselves? How do they respond to challenges, opportunities, and setbacks? Visualization is a powerful tool for setting an intention and calling forth the energy you need to be your favorite self.
3. Embrace Self-Compassion
As you embark on this journey, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. You won’t always feel like you’re living up to your favorite self, and that’s okay. Self-compassion means accepting where you are while nurturing the parts of you that need growth. Acknowledge your progress and allow yourself to evolve at your own pace.
4. Make Conscious Choices
Every day is an opportunity to make choices that align with your favorite self. Whether it’s deciding how you approach your work, how you treat others, or how you care for your body and mind, choose actions that reflect the person you want to become. Over time, these choices will become habits, and those habits will lead to your transformation.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Being your favorite self isn’t about reaching an end goal; it’s about enjoying the process of becoming. Celebrate your growth along the way—whether it’s learning something new, overcoming a fear, or simply showing up as your most positive, authentic self each day.
Being your favorite self will not only make you happier, but it will also free you from all the pressure you and others put on yourself. It will increase your confidence and self-esteem and make failure and mistakes so much more manageable. It will enable you to focus on what you really want for yourself instead of what you think you should want. It is one of the best feeling I have ever experienced, and I highly recommend you give it a try!
Gaelle Chatenet March 2025
Комментарии