How to Become the Best Version of Yourself: 8 Actionable Steps

May 29, 2025

By Will Moore

Do you ever feel like you're living beneath your potential? Like, there's a gap between who you are today and who you could become? You're not alone. We all have moments when we glimpse our highest self—the person we're truly capable of being, only to wonder why that version seems just out of reach.

I've been there. A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a cycle of unfulfilling work, neglected health, and relationships that weren't serving me. I knew I wanted more, but the path forward seemed overwhelming. Where do you even begin when you want to transform multiple areas of your life?

The truth is, becoming the best version of yourself isn't about perfection or overnight success. It's about consistent growth across the key areas that make up a fulfilling life: your mindset, career, relationships, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. It's about replacing limiting habits with empowering ones that compound over time.

In this article, you'll receive these powerful upgrades:

A clear framework for defining what "best self" means for YOU
8 Actionable strategies backed by science and behavioral psychology
Simple techniques to make transformation enjoyable rather than overwhelming
A personalized approach that works with your unique strengths and lifestyle
Practical guidance on how long the transformation process really takes
Tools to track your progress and stay motivated throughout your journey

By the end, you'll have a comprehensive roadmap on how to become the best version of yourself—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Let's dive in.

How long does it take to become the best version of yourself?

There’s no fixed timeline—it depends on where you're starting and how consistent you are. Research shows that habits take an average of 66 days to become automatic, but real transformation usually happens over months, not weeks. Focus less on how long it takes and more on building daily momentum. Progress compounds.

8 STEPS TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

1. Define Your Vision of Your Best Self

Before you can become the best version of yourself, you need clarity on what that actually means to you. Many people struggle because they're pursuing someone else's definition of success or excellence. Your "best self" isn't a generic ideal—it's deeply personal and aligned with your unique values, strengths, and purpose. As the ancient Greek aphorism advises: "Know thyself."

Start With Self-Awareness

The foundation of personal transformation is honest self-assessment. Research from organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich found that while 95% of people believe they're self-aware, only about 10-15% truly are. This "self-awareness gap" can prevent meaningful growth.

To close this gap, ask yourself:

What are my personal core values? (What principles matter most to me?)
What are my natural strengths and talents?
What activities make me lose track of time?
When do I feel most alive and energized?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?

Record your answers in a dedicated journal or digital document that you can revisit and refine over time. This becomes your personal North Star, guiding your decisions and actions.

Use our free Strengths List and Passions List to spark ideas.

Clarify Your Purpose

Studies show that people with a clear sense of purpose exhibit greater resilience when facing obstacles. Your purpose doesn't need to be grandiose. It simply needs to answer the question: "Why do I want to grow and improve?" Maybe it's to be a better parent, to make a difference in your community, or to express your unique gifts.

Try this exercise: Write a purpose statement that completes the sentence, "I want to become the best version of myself so that I can..."

Want help getting specific? Download our free Back to the Future Planning Guide to visualize your future and map the steps to get there.

2. Overcome Limiting Beliefs

Before building new habits, you must address the invisible forces holding you back. Transforming limiting beliefs is crucial for becoming your best self.

Identify Self-Limiting Narratives

Internal narratives like "I'm not creative" or "I'm too old to change" create neural pathways your brain automatically follows. To uncover these beliefs:

Notice self-talk during challenges, especially statements with "always," "never," or "can't"
Identify areas where you feel consistently stuck
Recognize beliefs inherited from family, culture, or past experiences
Spot patterns of self-sabotage or procrastination

Challenge and Reframe

Once identified, question and reconstruct these beliefs:

Gather contradicting evidence: Find real examples that disprove each limiting belief
Question the origin: Ask, "Where did I learn this? Is the source still relevant?"
Create empowering alternatives: Replace "I'm not good at networking" with "I'm developing my social skills with each conversation."
Adopt a new identity: See yourself as someone who embodies your desired qualities—behavior follows identity

Read in detail about How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research on mindset reveals that people with a "growth mindset"—those who believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—achieve more than those with a "fixed mindset." By doing the inner work of confronting limiting beliefs and cultivating a growth-oriented perspective, you create the mental foundation necessary for lasting transformation in all other pillars of life.

3. Master Daily Habits and Routines

Your daily habits are the invisible architecture of your life. As James Clear writes in "Atomic Habits": "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." The quality of your life doesn't improve through occasional grand gestures but through consistent, small actions performed daily.

Design a Power Morning Routine

How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. A thoughtfully designed morning routine primes your mind and body for success. Research found that morning routines help reduce stress and increase feelings of control and accomplishment, which are key factors in personal growth.

Start with these core elements:

Mindful Awakening: Take 2-3 minutes to set positive intentions before reaching for your phone
Physical Movement: Even 5-10 minutes of stretching or exercise signals to your body it's time to engage
Mental Preparation: Journaling, meditation, or visualization to frame your mindset
Nutritional Foundation: A balanced breakfast that fuels your body and brain

Remember that the perfect morning routine is the one you'll actually follow. Start with just 15-20 minutes and build gradually.

Want a head start? Download our Morning Routine Checklist for Adults to design a routine that fits your lifestyle.

Implement Habit Stacking

Habit stacking is a powerful technique where you link a new habit you want to develop with an existing habit you already perform consistently.

For example: "After I brush my teeth (current habit), I will do 10 pushups (new habit)."

This approach leverages your brain's natural tendency to form neurological connections, making the new behavior more likely to stick. The key is selecting the right trigger—a consistent existing habit—and keeping the new addition small enough to ensure success.

Want help building your own stacks? Download our Habit Stacking PDF Sheet to start creating friction-free routines today.

Create Evening Reflection Rituals

Just as important as how you start your day is how you end it. An evening ritual helps you process the day's events, celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and prepare for tomorrow.

Try this simple 10-minute practice:

Review: What went well today? What could have gone better?
Record: Journal 2-3 lessons or observations
Reset: Clear your mind through brief meditation or deep breathing
Ready: Prepare for tomorrow (review calendar, set out clothes, etc.)

This routine creates closure for the day and sets you up for success tomorrow.

Check out 50 Habit Quotes to transform your life.

4. Set SMART Goals

Research shows that effective goal setting dramatically increases your likelihood of achievement. The SMART framework ensures your goals provide clear direction and measurable progress:

Specific: Define exactly what you want to accomplish (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
Measurable: Include concrete criteria to track progress and know when you've succeeded
Achievable: Set goals that stretch you but remain within reach given your resources
Relevant: Ensure goals align with your broader vision and core values
Time-bound: Establish a clear deadline to create urgency and focus

For example, instead of "improve my fitness," a SMART goal would be: "Complete a 5K run in under 30 minutes by June 1st by following my three-day-per-week training plan."

When setting SMART goals:

Write them down - research shows written goals are 42% more likely to be achieved
Break larger goals into smaller milestones
Review goals regularly to maintain focus and adjust as needed
Create accountability by sharing your goals with others

Track and Measure Progress

What gets measured gets managed. Creating simple systems to track your habits dramatically increases your chances of maintaining them. Research found that participants who tracked their habits were significantly more likely to stick with them long-term.

Options include:

Digital apps like Habitica or Weekly Habit Tracker
Simple calendar methods like Jerry Seinfeld's "Don't Break the Chain" technique, aka Seinfeld's strategy.

Remember that establishing new habits typically takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days, with an average of 66 days for a habit to become automatic. Be patient with yourself during this process—consistency matters more than perfection.

5. Build Physical Vitality

Your body is the vehicle through which you experience life. No matter how ambitious your goals or how brilliant your mind, your physical condition significantly impacts your ability to become your best self.

Prioritize Movement Over Exercise

Many people resist physical activity because they associate it with grueling workouts or competitive sports. Instead, focus on consistent movement that you enjoy. Harvard Medical School research shows that even modest amounts of physical activity, regardless of intensity, can extend lifespan and improve quality of life. The key is consistency over intensity.

Try these approaches:

Find enjoyable activities: Dancing, hiking, swimming, or gardening all count
Implement "movement snacks": Short 2-5 minute bursts of activity throughout the day
Make it social: Join classes or activities where you can connect with others
Start small: Begin with just 5-10 minutes daily and gradually increase

Remember, the best exercise is the one you'll actually do regularly. Honor your preferences rather than forcing yourself into activities you dread.

Fuel Your Body Intentionally

Nutrition profoundly impacts your energy, mood, cognitive function, and long-term health. Yet, the overwhelming amount of conflicting dietary advice can make this area particularly confusing. Instead of following rigid diets, focus on fundamental principles supported by consistent research:

Emphasize whole foods: Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats
Stay hydrated: Aim for approximately 2-3 liters of water daily
Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to hunger cues and satisfaction signals
Plan ahead: Prepare healthy options when possible to avoid impulse choices

Small, sustainable changes to your healthy eating habits will yield better results than extreme approaches that are difficult to maintain.

Master Your Sleep

Sleep isn't a luxury—it's a biological necessity. Neuroscientist Matthew Walker, author of "Why We Sleep," describes sleep as "the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day." Quality sleep affects everything from cognitive function and emotional regulation to physical recovery and immune health.

To optimize your sleep:

Establish consistency: Aim for the same sleep and wake times, even on weekends
Create a wind-down ritual: Signal to your body it's time to relax 30-60 minutes before bed
Optimize your environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
Limit screen time: The blue light from devices interferes with melatonin production

Most adults need between 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Finding your optimal amount and protecting that time is a non-negotiable aspect of becoming your best self physically.

6. Strengthen Mental Resilience

Mental resilience—your ability to navigate challenges, manage emotions, and bounce back from setbacks—is perhaps the most critical component of becoming your best self. Without it, progress in other areas becomes fragile and unsustainable.

Cultivate Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain, common obstacles to personal growth.

Start with just 5 minutes daily of focused breathing or guided meditation. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer structured programs for beginners. The goal isn't to eliminate thoughts but to observe them without becoming entangled.

Practice Positive Self-Talk

The conversations you have with yourself shape your reality. Research shows that positive self-talk improves performance, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence. To transform your inner dialogue, create positive affirmations that match your goals: If your goal is consistency, say: “I show up even when it’s hard.” For confidence: “I can handle what comes next.” The goal isn’t fake positivity—it’s realistic, empowering self-talk that builds momentum.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing your emotions is crucial for becoming the best version of yourself mentally. Start with these steps:

Identify your triggers: For example, notice if tight deadlines spark anxiety or if certain feedback makes you defensive.
Pause before reacting: When emotions rise, take a deep breath instead of firing off a response.
Name the feeling: Labeling your emotion—“I feel frustrated,” or “I feel disappointed”—helps you manage it.
Build empathy: When someone else reacts strongly, ask yourself, “What might they be feeling right now?”

As you build emotional intelligence, you'll find yourself responding rather than reacting to life's challenges—a hallmark of your best self.

7. Nurture Meaningful Relationships

No person becomes their best self in isolation. As Harvard's landmark 80-year study on adult development concluded: "Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period."

Cultivate Your Inner Circle

The people you spend the most time with shape your mindset, habits, and ambitions. Jim Rohn's often-quoted wisdom that "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with" has substantial truth.

Take inventory of your closest relationships:

Who inspires you to grow?
Who consistently supports your goals?
Who challenges you constructively?
Who drains your energy or undermines your progress?

Invest more time in relationships that elevate you while setting healthy boundaries with those that don't.

Need help mapping your circle? Download our Top People List Guide to get clear on who’s moving you forward—and who might be holding you back.

Develop Communication Skills

Effective communication is the bridge between your inner world and meaningful connection with others. Strong communicators not only express themselves clearly but also listen deeply—a rare skill in today's distracted world.

To enhance your communication:

Practice active listening without planning your response
Ask thoughtful questions that deepen understanding
Express needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully
Acknowledge others' perspectives even when you disagree

These skills not only improve your relationships but also enhance your professional opportunities and personal influence.

8. Create Personalized Systems for Success

Generic self-improvement advice often falls short because we're all uniquely different in our personalities, circumstances, strengths, and challenges. Becoming the best version of yourself requires personalized systems that work with your natural tendencies rather than against them. That’s why the Moore Momentum approach centers around 3 Momentum Boosting Methods that make change stick:

Make It Obvious Use clear visual cues to remind yourself to take action. → Example: Place your journal on your pillow as a bedtime trigger.
Make It Easy Design habits that feel frictionless. Start small and scale gradually. → Example: If you struggle with workouts, start with just 5 pushups.
Make It Fun Attach positive emotions to your habits so they feel rewarding. → Example: Only listen to your favorite podcast while walking.

Step 1: Define Your Personal Variables

Before creating your system, list three things:

Lifestyle Factors: (e.g. age, job type, daily schedule, family status)
Strengths: (e.g. creativity, focus, discipline, empathy)
Passions: (e.g. music, writing, nature, learning, fitness)

Keep this short and honest—your system should fit your reality, not a trend.

Step 2: Use AI to Build a System That Fits

Once you’ve listed your variables, use this plug-and-play AI prompt:

“Based on my lifestyle as a [insert lifestyle], with strengths in [insert strengths] and passions like [insert passions], give me a personalized daily routine to improve [insert focus area like fitness, productivity, or mindset] using the Momentum Boosting Methods: Make it Obvious, Make it Easy, Make it Fun.”

Example Prompt:

“I’m a 35-year-old remote worker with strengths in organization and creativity, and I love hiking and music. Create a morning routine to boost my energy and focus using the Momentum Boosting Methods.”

The result? A system built for you, not copied from someone else’s lifestyle.

Step 3: Run Weekly Momentum Reviews

Every Sunday, ask yourself:

What worked well this week?
Where did I face resistance?
How can I adjust one habit using the 3 Momentum Boosting Methods?

These quick reflections help you fine-tune your system over time.

Conclusion: How to Become the Best Version of Yourself

Becoming the best version of yourself is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and refinement. The approaches outlined in this article provide a comprehensive framework for transformation, addressing your mindset, habits, physical vitality, mental resilience, relationships, learning, and personalized systems.

Remember these key principles:

Start with clarity: Define what "best self" means specifically to you
Focus on systems: Build habits and routines that make growth inevitable
Personalize your approach: Work with your unique strengths and circumstances
Balance ambition with patience: Transformation takes time—typically months, not days
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge how far you've come while staying committed to growth

The journey to becoming your best self isn't always linear. You'll experience breakthroughs and setbacks, clarity and confusion. What matters most is your commitment to continued growth and your willingness to adjust course when needed.

Introducing the Moore Momentum System - Your All-in-One Solution

If you're serious about becoming the best version of yourself across all areas of life, the Moore Momentum System offers a comprehensive framework designed to make transformation not just possible, but inevitable.

The Moore Momentum System combines:

AI-Powered Personalization: Tailored advice based on your unique lifestyle, strengths, and goals
Science-Backed Habit Formation: Leveraging behavioral science to make change easier and more effective
Gamified Progress Tracking: Turn your personal growth journey into an engaging game with rewards and challenges
Community Support: Connect with like-minded individuals on the same journey
5 Core Areas Focus: Ensure balanced growth across mindset, career, relationships, physical health, and emotional wellbeing

Take our free Core Values Quiz to get a personalized assessment of your current mindset

Start Your Journey to Your Best Self TODAY