Changing yourself for the better can be a challenging but ultimately a rewarding journey. The hard part is knowing where you should start. Fostering positive change in your life doesn't have to be drastic, and in some cases it shouldn't be. Working towards becoming your best self should always be slow and subtle, rather than overwhelming. That's why we've come up with a few of the best changes you can make for yourself this year as you try to become a better you:
Reevaluate Who You Surround Yourself With
Before making any personal changes to your daily routine and style, make sure you first take a long hard look at who you surround yourself with. As difficult as it might be to accept, sometimes the people closest to you are the ones holding you back from your full potential. This doesn't mean you should immediately cut certain people out of your life, but it mean that in the new year, you might want to consider asking yourself the following questions about some of your loved ones:
- Does this person bring positivity into my life?
- Is there an equal amount of give and take?
- Do they celebrate my successes?
- Do they listen to me when I need them?
While there's no hard and fast way to identify a real friend versus a fake one, these questions are a good place to start. If you've been putting a lot of energy into a relationship with little to no gratification, it might be time to change the dynamic and put yourself first. Alternatively, try to look inwardly and ask the questions above about yourself as well. A big part of changing yourself for the better is knowing your own flaws and working to fix them for the sake of your loved ones.
Upgrade Your Look
Fashion is a form of freedom like no other and is an exciting and fun way to express yourself. If you haven't been owning who you truly are through your current sense of style, there are probably still parts of you that feel covered up or hidden. Since we're still quite early on in this new year, now is the perfect time to change this. Create a mood board of your favorite colors, styles, and patterns, and really try to nail down an aesthetic that radiates . Not sure where to start? Try upgrading the basics:
New Underwear: Some say you should buy new underwear every six to twelve months, while others argue that you only need to invest in a new pair if the ones you own are faded or ripped. Regardless, having quality underwear in your dresser drawers is non-negotiable. Make smart style changes this year by stocking your drawers with classic but comfortable underwear that will effortlessly set the tone for the rest of your look, so that you can show off the real you!
Nails, Nails, Nails: Nails are the perfect subtle way to really showcase your personality. From neutral tones to matte finishes, nail art is a fun way to express yourself and a surefire confidence-booster for when you're feeling down. Even if you aren't someone who does your nails often, it's still worthwhile to see what a fresh set of gels or acrylics might do for your look.
Signature Shoes: Everyone should have a signature pair of shoes that go with everything but also embody who they are as a person. You don't have to wear heels everyday to feel your best in your clothes, a trendy pair of platform white sneakers can also do the trick! Do some research on footwear options that are both stylish and functional to help you find a new pair of kicks that match your upgraded sense of style.
Eat Better
Changing your eating habits for the better often gets lumped in with dieting or cutting out junk foods altogether, but this doesn't always have to be the case. Eating better truly boils down to the phrase heard around the world "everything in moderation." As much as you might hate hearing this mantra, it's been popularized for a reason. Controlling your meal portions and snacking less can end up giving you more energy and in some cases, a better diet can even help you get more done in your workday . Monitoring what you put into your body is a change that is positive for both your mental and physical health. So, instead of completely altering your diet and cutting out all the foods you love, explore new, healthier options that you'll enjoy just as much. You can begin this process with something simple, like monitoring your portions during the weekdays but giving yourself a break on the weekends. It really is that easy!
Try Something New
The final change you can make for yourself this year is a bit broader, but just as impactful: try something new. And no, we don't mean try wearing bootcut jeans over skinny jeans, we mean try something new that requires commitment . Teach yourself guitar, try out cross stitching, play a video game campaign from start to finish- do something that excites you and will make you proud. Having something to call our own allows us to feel more confident and connected to ourselves because it gives us a sense of meaning. If you already have a hobby that gives you purpose, consider investing a bit more time and money into it to revitalize your love for it. Painters can purchase some new watercolors or gamers could buy a quality headset- as long as you aren't blowing your bank account, investing in what you love is a more than worthwhile endeavor.
However you tackle your journey of changing yourself for the better, don't shy away from putting at least one of these changes into practice. If you give yourself the time you need to grow and develop, you're sure to thrive this year. Remember that we're all a work in progress, so don't compare your growth to someone else's, just try to enjoy the ride and take things as they come. Don't worry, you got this!
