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Becoming a better person is a lifelong commitment – changing how you feel, think, and act is not something that can happen overnight. If you are truly interested in how to become a better version of yourself, you need to take specific steps and be patient – just like a healthy lifestyle is a value you are supposed to uphold every day, a healthy mind will require genuine effort.
In this article we will explore various adjustments you can make to your perception of yourself and others – self-improvement can begin today if you really want it to happen.
Letting Go of Anger and Practicing Emotional Resilience
The longer you hold a grudge and maintain resentment, concentrating on grievances from the past, the harder it will be for you to feel free from the trauma you have experienced. While there are unforgivable transgressions, and it is up to you whether to make peace with someone who hurt you or never talk to them again, you can make a conscious decision to no longer feel angry about the things that should not define you in the present and future.
Figuring out how to react to distressing events and unexpected circumstances is a skill you should develop – emotional resilience and your ability to adapt to external demands will allow you to calm yourself down after a negative confrontation with someone, cope with disturbing things you have gone through or witnessed, and focus on optimism instead of feeling hopeless and numb every time something goes against your wishes.
Supporting Others and Building Meaningful Relationships
Being better by interacting with others is crucial for your psyche – without genuine connections, a person is more prone to anxiety and depression. Here is what you can do to be a better family member, friend, and partner:
| Advice | Description |
Make an Effort | Do not take your loved ones for granted – even if you cannot spend much time with people you care about, any gesture of love and affection like a short text message, love note, or a small gift will brighten their day |
Become a Better Listener | While your first instinct may be to look for ways to help a person cope with their troubles, sometimes all they are looking for is someone to hear them out with compassion and respect. Encourage your partner or friend to speak up, do not interrupt them, and simply remind them you are there for extra support |
| Anticipate the Needs of Others | Think ahead about what your partner, relative, or friend needs – whether you are giving them a present they have wanted for a long time or coming to see them at an important event without them expecting you to show up, you can strengthen your bond |
Set Boundaries | Determine what is and is not allowed in your relationship – for instance, respecting the privacy of your household members or setting expectations in your relationship with your partner is essential for everyone’s comfort |
Recognizing Your Strengths and Using Them for Growth
Playing to your strengths is a vital skill not only in your professional life but also in your personal development. Whether you prefer to examine your abilities by looking back at your life up to the present moment, take a personality assessment test to identify the abilities and skills that help you stand out among others, or ask people around you what your strengths are in their opinion, there are always ways to understand what you excel at and what can be improved. For instance, a person with empathy and high emotional intelligence can manage their own stress and help others, resolve conflicts quicker, and make decisions knowing negative feelings will not affect their judgment.
Applying the Stages of Change Model to Self-Improvement
You should take practical steps to implement lasting change – once again, you cannot just snap your fingers and turn into a better person. The stages of the change model are as follows:
- Precontemplation means the problem is not yet acknowledged – you may deny there is anything wrong with your behavior.
- Contemplation refers to pondering – you scrutinize your choices and life and see what can be improved.
- Determination is a stage of preparation – you get to decide how to be a better person.
- Action means making a tangible effort to change whether you work on yourself privately or collaborate with others to help you be better.
- Maintenance is the longest phase – stick to the rules and principles you have set for yourself and enjoy a new version of yourself.
- Relapse is inevitable – we are all human, and it is natural to make a mistake or return to a bad habit that made your life difficult. Still, it is about how many times you can get up – do not despair and try again.
Prioritizing Self-Care to Be a Better You
Self-care is essential for personal growth – the process of bettering yourself includes a self-care routine that reduces your anxiety, enhances your concentration, minimizes your anger, and improves your energy. Learn how to be a better person for yourself with the following practices:
| Advice | Description |
Change Your Sleep Habits | The role of sleep in mental and emotional well-being cannot be overstated – when you cannot fall asleep at night or lack sleep in general, you may have to deal with mood disorders and aggressive behavior that will put a strain on your psyche and relationships with others |
Build a Healthy Diet | Poor nutrition affects your ability to improve yourself both physically and emotionally. If your diet includes enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your body to be strong and healthy, your mood is influenced in a positive way as well |
| Strengthen Social Connections for a Healthier Mindset | Strong social ties are vital for every person who wants to develop emotional maturity – take care of other people, stay in touch with old friends, and do not deny yourself an opportunity to make new friends |
Find Balance Through Downtime and Reflection | Taking a break from your busy schedule can be the key factor for you to work on your inner world – you become more creative, productive, and self-aware. When you analyze your actions and interactions, you get a chance to recognize negative behavioral patterns you should get rid of and see what can be improved |
Take the Next Step With Treat Mental Health
A journey toward self-improvement starts with a single step – if you are serious about your intention to be a better you, there are ways to do it on your own as well as enlist the support of a mental health professional equipped to guide you. Reach out to Treat Mental Health today – our team of therapists and psychiatrists can show you what you can do to be a better person for your own sake and the sake of others.
FAQ
How do I train myself to be a better person?
While the transformation is supposed to take part in your mind, there are things you can do to keep track of your progress: write down the goals you want to accomplish, journal your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to look back on them and see what was right or wrong, and hold yourself accountable when you make a mistake to avoid repeating your errors.
How do I improve myself as a person?
Remind yourself to take a break and recharge when you are physically or mentally exhausted, open your mind to new ideas and points of view, be grateful for the good things you already have, work on your cognitive function through learning languages and reading books, and do random acts of kindness for no reason at all.
How do I become a nicer person?
If your goal is to spread positivity and kindness, we advise you to take specific measures when you are dealing with other people. Focus on kindness and compassion instead of irrational anger and constant criticism, define your values and principles and follow them in every social interaction, and teach yourself to be open-minded – when you embrace a different perspective and prepare for a compromise, everybody wins.
How do I stop being a difficult person?
Identify negative thoughts and urges, stop taking things personally for no valid reason, practice active listening, and try being more vulnerable in conversations with people you trust. If your emotions get the best of you no matter how hard you try to regulate them, consider talking to a therapist who can help you manage your mood and behavior.
What habits can help me become a better version of myself?
There are things you can implement in your daily routine to redefine your life – socialize with people that make an effort to see you, set objectives for yourself, plan how to achieve your goals, and learn to reflect on your choices by analyzing your decisions on your own and with feedback from other people. Most importantly, remember: personal growth never ends, and it is not about reaching enlightenment – it is all about working on transforming yourself into a better person every day.
