We’re all on a journey to become the best versions of ourselves. But how do we know we’re on the right track?

Well, psychology offers some pretty clear markers.

Becoming your best self isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth, learning, and making small positive changes daily.

And there are subtle signs that can tell you you’re doing just that.

Let’s dive into the 8 tell-tale signs that you’re blossoming into the best version of yourself, according to psychology.

1) Embracing life’s challenges

Life brings many challenges to us all. But beneath our external circumstances, how we navigate our inner world of thoughts and feelings matters the most.

Psychology points out that your reaction to adversity is a clear sign of personal growth.

If you find yourself embracing challenges rather than avoiding them, it’s a strong indicator that you’re developing into the best version of yourself.

The way we navigate our inner world of thoughts and feelings drives everything that matters in our lives – relationships, careers, health and happiness.

Here’s a practical tip: The next time you face a challenge, see it as an opportunity for growth instead of an obstacle.

Let me share a personal example. A while back, I was met with an unexpected career hurdle. Instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as a chance to explore new avenues and learn new skills. That challenge turned into one of the biggest growth moments in my life.

So remember, the way you handle life’s curveballs says a lot about your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.

2) Steering your own life

Becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about being guided by external factors, but rather, steering the direction of your own life.

Psychology tells us that a clear sign of personal development is when you start taking full responsibility for your actions and their outcomes. Owning up to your mistakes, as well as celebrating your achievements, means you’re no longer waiting for someone else to dictate your life’s path.

We all have untapped potential within us. Yet, true empowerment comes not from waiting for the right opportunity, but creating it ourselves.

This might mean setting boundaries in relationships, making tough decisions at work, or investing in personal growth. It’s about recognizing that you have the power to shape your own life.

So if you find yourself consciously making decisions that align with your values and goals rather than being influenced by others, it’s a pretty solid sign you’re evolving into the best version of yourself.

3) Becoming your own coach

Shaping yourself into the best version is not just about making the right decisions, but also about developing the skills to guide yourself through any major life changes.

Psychology highlights self-coaching as a significant sign of personal growth. This means becoming aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and consciously guiding them in a direction that aligns with your goals and values.

We’re all capable of becoming our own best coach. It requires practice, patience, and a whole lot of self-love.

Think about it. When you can navigate your way through life’s twists and turns with grace and resilience, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

So if you find yourself regularly practicing self-reflection, learning from mistakes, and making conscious efforts to improve, you’re on the right track to becoming the best version of yourself.

Remember, self-coaching isn’t about being perfect. It’s about embracing the journey of continuous learning and growth.

4) Practicing self-compassion

Developing into the best version of yourself is deeply intertwined with practicing self-compassion. It’s about accepting ourselves, flaws and all, and understanding that making mistakes is a part of the human experience.

Kristen Neff, a renowned psychologist, once said, “Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support you’d show to a good friend.”

That’s powerful, isn’t it?

When we start treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we create an environment within ourselves that is conducive to growth and change.

So if you find yourself becoming more patient and kind towards your own mistakes and shortcomings instead of harshly judging yourself, it’s a strong indication that you’re evolving into your best self.

Remember, self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook. It’s about acknowledging your mistakes, learning from them, and striving to do better next time.

5) Cultivating a growth mindset

In a world where change and disruption are the norm, developing into the best version of yourself often involves cultivating a growth mindset.

This is all about seeing failures not as setbacks, but as opportunities to learn and grow. It’s about fostering curiosity and being willing to step out of your comfort zone.

Psychology tells us that those who embrace a growth mindset are more likely to progress and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

So, if you start viewing challenges as opportunities rather than threats, and if you start seeing failures as lessons rather than mistakes, you’re on the right path to becoming your best self.

Remember, it’s not about never failing—it’s about being resilient enough to get back up, learn from the experience, and keep going. Stepping out of our comfort zone is where real growth happens.

6) Practicing mindfulness

Becoming the best version of yourself often involves learning to live in the present moment. We call this mindfulness.

Mindfulness is all about savoring the present, without getting lost in the past or anxious about the future.

As a practitioner of mindfulness myself, I can tell you that it’s a game-changer. It’s helped me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and respond to life’s challenges with more clarity and calm.

If you’re finding yourself becoming more mindful in your daily life—pausing to appreciate a sunset, savoring a meal, or simply being fully present in your interactions with others—it’s a sign that you’re growing into your best self.

7) Seeking balance

The journey to becoming our best self isn’t just about pushing hard and achieving more—it’s about seeking balance.

This means finding harmony between work and play, rest and activity, giving and receiving. It’s about understanding that our well-being depends on nurturing all aspects of ourselves.

In my journey, seeking balance has been key. It’s helped me stay grounded during times of stress and avoid burnout.

So if you’re making conscious efforts to cultivate balance in your life—prioritizing rest alongside work, or self-care alongside caring for others—it’s another clear sign that you’re evolving into your best self.

8) Embracing authenticity

The final sign that you’re developing into the best version of yourself is embracing authenticity. This means being true to yourself, expressing your feelings honestly, and allowing yourself to be seen for who you truly are.

As Brené Brown says, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

This has been a powerful lesson in my own life—learning to show up as my authentic self, even when it feels scary.

So if you’re beginning to embrace your authenticity, allowing yourself to be seen and heard for who you truly are, it’s a sure sign that you’re blossoming into your best self.

In conclusion, becoming the best version of yourself isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. It’s about constant growth, learning, and self-improvement. It’s about embracing challenges, steering your own life, and developing the skills to become your own coach.

Remember, we’re not aiming for perfection here—we’re aiming for progress.

Becoming the best version of yourself is possible for everyone. So why not start now? The journey towards personal growth is one that’s well worth taking.