10 signs you’re developing into the best version of yourself, according to psychology

Self-improvement isn’t always a clear-cut process. It can be hard to know if you’re actually growing or just going through the motions.

But psychology has some clues for us. There are specific signs that show we’re evolving into the best possible versions of ourselves.

In this article, I’m going to share 10 of these signs. These are not just random thoughts, but scientifically-backed indicators that you’re on the right track to becoming your best self.

Let’s dive in and discover what these signs are.

1) Embracing change

Change is a constant part of life. But how we react to it can say a lot about our personal growth.

According to psychology, those who are developing into the best version of themselves embrace change rather than resist it.

It’s not always easy. Change can be scary, and it’s natural to want to stick with what’s comfortable and familiar.

However, those who are growing understand that change is necessary for growth. They see it as an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become better.

If you find yourself looking forward to change, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging, it’s a good sign that you’re on your way to becoming the best version of yourself. Just make sure you’re not forcing change for the sake of change, but rather embracing it as part of your personal evolution.

2) Increased self-awareness

Another sign of personal growth is increased self-awareness. It’s the ability to understand your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Let me share a personal example. I used to be someone who would react instantly to situations. If something upset me, it was evident right away. But over time, I realized that this immediate reaction often led to regret later.

Studying psychology opened my eyes to the importance of self-awareness. I made a conscious effort to understand my emotions better. Instead of reacting immediately, I started giving myself time to process my emotions.

Now, when something upsets me, I take a step back. I ask myself why I’m feeling this way and how I should respond. This change in approach has improved my relationships and overall quality of life.

3) Empathetic understanding

Empathy is more than just understanding another person’s feelings. It’s feeling with them, experiencing their emotions alongside them. It’s a key component of emotional intelligence and a sign of personal growth.

Here’s something you might not know: the human brain actually has specific areas dedicated to empathy. These areas light up on brain scans when we’re feeling empathetic.

If you find yourself naturally understanding and sharing the feelings of others more frequently, it’s not just a sign of personal development but also your brain’s evolution. This empathy not only helps you in navigating social situations better but also enriches your personal relationships.

4) Setting healthy boundaries

Personal growth isn’t just about developing positive traits – it’s also about learning to protect yourself and your energy.

Setting healthy boundaries is a crucial part of this process. It’s about knowing your limits and making sure others respect them too.

If you find that you’re more comfortable saying “no” when you need to, and you’re not constantly feeling drained or taken advantage of, it’s a sign that you’re setting healthy boundaries.

This can be in any aspect of your life, from work to relationships. The key is to recognize that your time, energy, and well-being are valuable, and it’s okay to protect them. This shows that you’re developing a strong sense of self-worth, another sign that you’re becoming the best version of yourself.

5) Seeking personal growth

One of the most significant signs that you’re developing into the best version of yourself is simply the desire for personal growth.

If you find yourself actively seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve, it’s a clear sign that you’re on the right track. It shows that you’re not content with stagnation, and you’re committed to becoming the best version of yourself.

This could mean picking up a new skill, seeking feedback from others, or even just reading a book on self-improvement. The key is that you’re taking active steps towards personal growth, and that’s something to be proud of.

6) Cultivating gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It can transform our perspective, making us focus on the positive aspects of our life. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being.

When we start developing into the best version of ourselves, we naturally cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude. We begin to appreciate the small moments, the everyday blessings, and the people in our lives.

If you find yourself feeling genuine gratitude more often – for both big and small things – it’s a beautiful sign of personal growth. This heartfelt appreciation for life contributes to your journey of becoming your best self, adding joy and contentment to your daily experiences.

7) Accepting imperfections

Perfection is an illusion. We all have flaws and make mistakes. But it’s how we deal with these imperfections that truly defines us.

I used to be quite hard on myself, always striving for perfection. A small mistake could ruin my day, and I would dwell on it for hours. But over time, I realized that this was neither healthy nor productive.

Accepting my imperfections didn’t mean settling for less. Instead, it meant acknowledging that I am human, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What’s more important is learning from these mistakes and using them as stepping stones towards growth.

If you find yourself accepting your flaws and treating mistakes as opportunities for learning, it’s a significant sign that you’re developing into the best version of yourself.

8) Celebrating others’ success

It might seem odd, but another sign of personal growth is the ability to genuinely celebrate the success of others.

In a world that often pits us against each other, it’s easy to feel envious or threatened by someone else’s success. But as we grow and develop into the best version of ourselves, we start to see other’s achievements as inspiration rather than competition.

If you find yourself feeling happy for others when they succeed, and using their achievements as motivation to reach your own goals, it shows a certain maturity and self-confidence. It suggests that you’re secure in your own journey and that you understand everyone has their own path to follow.

9) Taking care of your health

Your mental and physical health play a significant role in your overall well-being. As you develop into the best version of yourself, you start to understand the importance of taking care of both.

This might mean making healthier food choices, incorporating regular exercise into your routine, or practicing mindfulness and meditation for mental well-being.

If you find yourself prioritizing your health more than before, and making conscious choices to nurture your body and mind, it’s a clear sign of personal growth. It shows that you value yourself and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is integral to becoming the best version of yourself.

10) Living authentically

The most significant sign that you’re developing into the best version of yourself is living authentically. This means being true to who you are and not pretending to be someone you’re not.

Living authentically involves recognizing your values and aligning your actions with them. It’s about expressing your true feelings, even if they might be unpopular. It’s about pursuing your passions, even if they might not be conventional.

When you live authentically, you’re not only happier and more fulfilled, but you also attract people who appreciate the real you.

Final thoughts: The journey within

As we embrace change, cultivate gratitude, celebrate others’ success, and live authentically, we’re not just becoming better versions of ourselves; we’re literally reshaping our brains.

As you embark on this journey of self-improvement, remember that becoming the best version of yourself isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous process. It’s about striving every day to be a little better than you were yesterday.

So, keep exploring, learning, and evolving. After all, as Carl Rogers, one of the founding fathers of humanistic psychology, once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”