Ever heard that old saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?”

Well, there’s a grain of truth in it.

Life can be tough. It throws curveballs, flips the script, and sometimes it feels like it’s hitting below the belt. But here’s the silver lining.

It’s during these challenging times that we grow the most.

And often, we’re evolving into better, stronger versions of ourselves without even realizing it.

How do you know if you’re becoming a better and stronger person?

After reflecting deeply on my personal growth and the growth of those around me, I’ve put together a list of 10 signs that could help you recognize the positive changes in your life. Even if you don’t feel it, these signs might indicate that you’re evolving into a better version of yourself.

1) Embracing change

Change is inevitable, but how you react to it says a lot about your personal growth.

In the past, did you find yourself resisting change, clinging to your comfort zone? If you notice that you’re starting to accept change, even if it’s uncomfortable or scary, this is a sign of growth.

Embracing change shows that you’re becoming flexible and adaptable. It means you understand that change is a part of life and is often necessary for growth. This doesn’t mean it’s easy, but the fact that you’re willing to face it head-on shows incredible strength and progress.

Remember, becoming a better and stronger person doesn’t mean you’re never scared or uncomfortable. It means that despite these feelings, you’re willing to push forward and evolve.

2) Learning from failure

Failure is often seen as a negative, something to be avoided at all costs. But have you ever considered that failure might actually be a good thing?

If you find yourself looking at your failures not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth and learning, this is a clear sign of personal development.

Recognizing the value in failure means that you’re no longer letting it define you or hold you back. Instead, you’re using it as a stepping stone to become better and stronger. It’s not about never failing, but about getting back up every time you do.

So if you’re starting to see failure in a new light, give yourself some credit. It’s a sign that you’re growing into a more resilient and tenacious person.

3) Practicing self-love

In a world where we’re often our own harshest critics, practicing self-love can feel like an uphill battle.

If you notice that you’re starting to be kinder to yourself, that’s a major sign of personal growth. Are you treating yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would give to a friend? Are you acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how small they might seem?

Self-love is not about being narcissistic or self-centered. It’s about acknowledging your worth and treating yourself with respect. It means recognizing your strengths and also accepting your flaws.

If you’re learning to love yourself more each day, even amid imperfections and mistakes, then you’re definitely on the right track to becoming a better and stronger person.

4) Having healthier relationships

Did you know that the quality of your relationships can greatly impact your happiness and well-being?

If you find yourself putting more effort into maintaining healthy relationships and distancing yourself from toxic ones, this is a significant sign of growth.

Valuing relationships doesn’t mean you’re dependent on others for your happiness. It means you understand the importance of connection, empathy, and mutual respect. You’re willing to invest time and energy in relationships that uplift you and let go of those that drain you.

This shift towards valuing meaningful connections over superficial ones signifies personal growth and emotional maturity. It’s a clear sign that you’re becoming a better, stronger person.

5) Confronting your fears

Let’s face it, we all have fears. They lurk in the shadows, often holding us back from reaching our true potential.

If you’re taking steps to face your fears, no matter how small those steps may seem, you’re showing immense strength and growth. Confronting your fears isn’t about becoming fearless. It’s about acknowledging your fears and deciding to move forward despite them.

This journey is not easy. There will be moments of doubt and uncertainty. But every time you choose to stand up to your fears, you’re proving to yourself that you are stronger than any obstacle in your path.

So if you’re starting to face your fears head-on, know that you’re becoming a person of great courage and resilience. You’re becoming a better, stronger version of yourself.

6) Accepting imperfections

In a world that constantly pushes us towards perfection, accepting our imperfections can be a radical act.

If you’re learning to accept your flaws and stop chasing the illusion of perfection, you’re showing significant personal growth. Accepting imperfections isn’t about settling for less or not striving for improvement. It’s about recognizing that being human means being imperfect.

This acceptance can liberate you from the constant pressure to be perfect. It allows you to make mistakes, learn from them, and continue growing.

So if you’re embracing your imperfections and seeing them as part of your unique self, then you’re indeed becoming a better and stronger person.

7) Showing vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness, but in reality, it’s a testament to our strength and humanity.

If you’re becoming more open about your feelings and experiences, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary, you’re demonstrating immense personal growth. Showing vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or seeking attention. It’s about being honest with yourself and others about your thoughts and emotions.

It takes courage to be vulnerable. It means risking judgment and criticism. But it also paves the way for deeper connections and self-understanding.

So if you’re starting to let your guard down and show your vulnerability, rest assured that you’re on the path to becoming a better, stronger person.

8) Setting boundaries

Boundaries are an essential part of any healthy relationship, whether it’s with friends, family, or colleagues. They help us communicate our needs clearly and prevent us from feeling used or violated.

If you find yourself increasingly comfortable with saying “no” when necessary and communicating your limits to others, this is a fantastic indication of personal development.

Setting boundaries can be tough. It often requires difficult conversations and might lead to temporary discomfort. But in the long run, it’s crucial for our mental health and well-being.

So if you’re confidently asserting your boundaries and prioritizing your needs without feeling guilty, pat yourself on the back. This is a sure sign of a better and stronger you.

9) Cultivating gratitude

If you find yourself cultivating gratitude, increasingly appreciating the good in your life – both big and small – it’s a sign of personal growth.

Gratitude is more than just saying ‘thank you’, it’s a mindset, a way of looking at the world that can significantly impact our overall well-being.

Practicing gratitude can shift focus from what is lacking to what is abundant. This change in perspective can lead to a more positive outlook on life, especially during challenging times.

 Being thankful for what you have instead of constantly striving for more indicates a healthy perspective on life and a stronger sense of self-worth.

So if you’ve been starting your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for or simply taking a moment to appreciate a beautiful sunset, give yourself some credit. You’re becoming a better and stronger person.

10) Showing empathy towards others

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a skill that requires us to step outside of our own experiences and imagine what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.

If you’ve found yourself becoming more understanding and compassionate, it’s a sign of emotional growth and strength. You’re not just focused on your own world; you’re acknowledging and valuing the experiences of others.

This isn’t always easy. It can be painful to truly feel for others, especially in their moments of sorrow or struggle. But this ability to connect with others on a deep level is a true mark of personal growth.

Your increasing empathy shows that you’re not only becoming a better and stronger person, but also making the world around you a little bit better too.

Embracing the journey of personal growth

Personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously evolving, learning, and expanding your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Sadly, we often overlook our personal growth because it happens gradually and subtly. But if you pause and reflect on where you were a year ago, five years ago, or even ten years ago, you’re likely to see that you’ve come a long way.

Remember that personal growth isn’t linear. There will be highs and lows, progress and setbacks. You may feel like you’re moving forward one day, and then feel stagnant the next. But every step you take, every challenge you overcome, every lesson you learn brings you closer to becoming a better and stronger person.

It’s also important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. What growth looks like for one person might look different for another. So don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

And finally, don’t rush the process. Personal growth requires patience and persistence. It might require making difficult decisions or stepping outside of your comfort zone. But remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.

So take a moment to honor yourself for the progress you’ve made so far. Recognize your strength in confronting your fears, your courage in showing vulnerability, and your wisdom in learning from failures. Acknowledge your journey of embracing change, practicing self-love, accepting imperfections, and valuing relationships.

You are becoming a better and stronger person each day, even if you don’t always see it. So keep going, keep growing, and most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. Your journey is yours alone, and it’s one worth taking.