Making necessary changes in your life can be daunting, and we've all experienced this feeling. It's an unpleasant reality that can't be sugarcoated. However, in order to improve yourself, you'll need to face difficult challenges. While it may seem painful, you will come out stronger on the other side. Despite the heartache, you'll eventually become the best possible version of yourself. Remember that you deserve to lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
1. Break up with your significant other
Despite your affection for your partner, you may sense an absence in the relationship. For instance, you may desire marriage and children, but your partner doesn't. Alternatively, your attempts to improve yourself might be met with criticism and guilt from your partner. Such behavior could be a hindrance to achieving your aspirations, and it may cause you to feel insecure about yourself. Although it can be tough, it's essential to end the relationship if you're unhappy. Staying in the relationship longer will only make things worse for both you and your partner.
2. Move away from all you know
It's common to feel like you've surpassed your hometown. Although your loved ones may reside there, your heart yearns for something elsewhere. The prospect of moving can be daunting and induce feelings of loneliness, but isn't it worth it to pursue your dream job or discover your true identity? Your friends and family will remain, and you can always visit them. Refrain from allowing your past to restrict you to one place. Moving is a natural part of life, and if you aspire to something, go for it.
3. Find a new group of friends
Our companions significantly shape who we are. Surrounding yourself with negative friends who consistently criticize others will not aid in self-improvement. Although a person may have been your closest friend for years, if they do not inspire the best in you, they are not worth keeping around. Such friends only serve as an emotional burden that you do not require. You can always make new friends, and it's crucial not to let negative companions impede your progress.
4. Admit you're wrong
In our early 20s, we often believe we know everything. However, one day we may wake up and feel lost, wondering how we got there. This is a time for reflection and honesty. Acknowledging past mistakes is the first step towards self-improvement. Although it may have appeared fun to spend nights partying with friends, those hangovers may have cost you employment opportunities. Perhaps you overlooked people who genuinely cared about you for those who exploited you. Ponder on what went wrong and take measures to improve yourself moving forward.
5. Start over completely
There are times when circumstances become so unbearable that a completely fresh start is necessary. This could entail relocating to a new city, finding a new job, and making new friends. This is often a challenging decision to make, particularly when various aspects of your life are intertwined. For example, if you and your partner worked together, and you discovered that they were unfaithful, being around them daily would be overwhelming, particularly if you shared mutual friends or lived together. The most effective approach to move on from the past and free yourself from the burden is to start over. Let go of everything and begin anew in a new place.
6. Focus on your negative traits
Typically, we're advised to concentrate on the positives, which is relatively straightforward to do. However, examining our negative traits is a laborious process. It may leave us feeling dejected. So why bother? We can't improve ourselves if we're unaware of our flaws. Consider how you treat others, the progress you're making towards your objectives, your self-care, and every other aspect of your life. It's acceptable to briefly indulge in self-pity. But once you're finished, get to work on making changes.
7. Let others criticize you
Struggling to identify any flaws in yourself? Congratulations, are you perfect? Let others have the liberty to criticize you. Believe me when I say that your friends, family, and co-workers have no qualms about being brutally honest with you. Inform them that you want to improve yourself and need assistance figuring out where to begin. Don't be offended. Listen to their critiques. Not everything they say will be relevant, but a lot of it will be. It's a humbling experience - just don't let it destroy any relationships. Swallow your pride and allow others to assist you in becoming a better person.
8. Open yourself up to others
You've been hurt before, and as a result, you've closed yourself off to others. You don't trust anyone, push people away, and keep to yourself. However, to be truly happy, you need to open up again. Yes, you might get hurt again because not everyone is kind, but not everyone is a jerk either. It's okay to feel vulnerable and raw at first. Start small, and slowly build trust with one person at a time. Keeping yourself closed off won't help you become the best version of yourself.
9. Step out of your comfort zone
You might have a comfortable job and a predictable routine every weekend, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're truly happy. It's time to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone. It may be difficult, especially if you're someone who's afraid of change, but it's worth it. Ask for a promotion, pursue a new job opportunity, try a new hobby, plan a trip with friends, or even approach that person you find attractive. Starting with something small can help. Think of it like ripping off a band-aid: it hurts, but only for a moment.
10. Admit you're not perfect
Striving for perfection is a common goal for many people, but as a former perfectionist, I had to accept that I am not perfect and will make mistakes. Admitting this to yourself can be a challenge, and it can be even harder to put it into practice. The key to becoming a better version of yourself is to let go of the idea of perfection. You cannot be truly satisfied with yourself or your choices until you release the need for perfection.
Starting to make changes in your life can be difficult, but it's definitely worth it. Take a deep breath and get ready to begin the journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.
