Personal growth often happens gradually, and sometimes, we don’t even realize how much we’ve changed for the better.

According to psychology, there are subtle signs that indicate you’ve evolved into a better version of yourself.

In this article, I’ll highlight eight of these signs. You might not have noticed them, but these small shifts can reflect the positive strides you’ve made in life.

So, if you’re curious about how far you’ve come, keep reading—you might just recognize yourself in these examples.

1) You’re more self-aware

Self-awareness is a critical aspect of personal growth and self-improvement.

According to psychology, becoming more self-aware is one of the key signs you’ve become a better individual. It’s an important aspect of emotional intelligence and a necessary ingredient for personal development.

Why, you may ask? Well, the answer lies in the mirror.

When you’re self-aware, you have a clear perception of your personality – your strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.

This understanding allows you to make changes in the areas that need improvement.

It’s like having an internal evaluation system. You are your own critic. And this can be a game-changer.

2) You’re more empathetic

Empathy is a powerful sign of personal growth. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

I remember a time when I used to be more focused on myself, on my own needs and desires. I was sort of in my own bubble, oblivious to the feelings and experiences of those around me.

Then one day, I found myself in a situation where a close friend was going through a tough time.

Instead of offering solutions or advice as I would have done before, I simply listened. I let her share her feelings without interruption, stepping into her shoes for a moment.

In that moment, I realized how much I had grown. I was no longer just thinking about my own world. I was genuinely concerned about the well-being of someone else, feeling their pain and offering comfort.

That’s empathy. Being more empathetic is one of the subtle signs that you’ve become a better person in life.

So if you find yourself being more in tune with others’ emotions and experiences, know that you’re on the right path.

3) You handle criticism better

Handling criticism can be tough. It’s easy to get defensive or take it personally. But if you’ve noticed a shift in how you react to criticism, you’re likely growing as a person.

In psychology, it’s known that more emotionally mature individuals have a healthier approach towards criticism. They view it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a personal attack.

Interestingly, a research study found that people who are open to negative feedback tend to perform better in their respective fields. They use criticism as a tool for self-improvement.

So, if you find that harsh words no longer sting as they used to or that you’re open to feedback and eager to learn from it, congratulations!

You have become more resilient and are likely becoming a better version of yourself.

4) Your relationships are healthier

One clear indicator of personal growth is the state of your relationships. As we mature and grow, so do our relationships.

In the past, you might have found yourself in toxic or one-sided relationships, or perhaps you struggled with setting boundaries.

But as you grow, you start understanding the value of healthy relationships. You become better at communication, setting boundaries, and understanding the needs of others.

A key aspect of becoming a better person often involves becoming a better friend, partner, or family member. It’s about understanding that every relationship requires effort and compromise.

If you find that your relationships are more balanced, respectful, and fulfilling than they used to be, it’s a good sign that you’ve grown as a person.

It means you’ve learned to value yourself and others in a healthier way. So keep nurturing those relationships – they’re a testament to your personal growth.

5) You practice forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful act of grace. It’s about letting go of past grudges, bitterness, and resentment.

It’s not always easy to forgive, especially when the hurt runs deep. Yet, as you grow, you begin to realize that holding onto pain does more harm to you than it does to the person who caused it.

When you start to forgive, not just others but also yourself, it shows a tremendous amount of personal growth.

You’re choosing to free yourself from the chains of the past and open your heart to the possibilities of the present.

If you’re finding it easier to forgive and move on from the hurts and disappointments of the past, take it as a sign that you’re becoming a better person.

You’re learning one of life’s most valuable lessons: that forgiveness is less about the other person and more about your peace of mind and emotional well-being.

6) You’re less judgmental

There was a time when I would form opinions about people from their first impression.

Their clothes, their speech, even their choice of coffee would prompt me to make quick judgments.

Then, as years passed by, I found myself changing. I started to realize that people are much more than what they appear to be on the surface. Every person has a story, a journey that has shaped them into who they are today.

Now, I try to understand people before forming opinions about them. I remind myself that everyone is fighting their own battles and that it’s not my place to pass judgment.

7) You’re more patient

Patience is a virtue that comes with personal growth. If you find yourself more patient than before, it’s a sign that you’ve grown as a person.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned or when people don’t act the way we want them to.

However, becoming a better person often means learning to be patient and understanding that everything has its own time.

Patience also shows maturity and the ability to handle situations without letting your emotions take control. It means you’re learning to accept things as they are, without rushing or forcing them to happen.

So if you’re finding yourself more patient in dealing with life’s ups and downs, take it as a sign of your personal growth. You’re becoming a better, more understanding person, and that’s something to be truly proud of.

8) You’re happier with yourself

The most profound sign that you’ve become a better person is a deep-seated sense of contentment and happiness with who you are.

You’re no longer constantly comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else. You’re content with your journey, your growth, and the person you’ve become.

This doesn’t mean you don’t have aspirations or areas you want to improve. It just means you appreciate how far you’ve come and are excited about who you’re becoming.

Your happiness is no longer tied to external factors but comes from a place of self-love and self-acceptance. And that, my friend, is the epitome of personal growth.

Final thoughts

In the words of Carl Rogers, a prominent American psychologist, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

So if you find yourself relating to these signs, take a moment to appreciate your progress.

You’re on the right path. But don’t stop there. Keep growing, keep learning, keep striving to be the best version of you.

After all, life is about growth and becoming better every day. So embrace your journey and enjoy the process.