Mindfulness: The Best Version Of You

 

Part 8 of a 10 Part Series

The Best Version of You: A Journey to Self-Actualization

For the longest time, I struggled with the idea of becoming "the best version" of myself. What did that even mean? Was it about success, wealth, or external validation? Or was it something deeper—something that required me to look inward rather than chase after an ideal someone else had set for me?

It wasn't until I explored my own needs and different versions of myself that I began to understand what it truly meant to evolve. Today, I want to share that journey with you.

Understanding Your Needs: The Foundation of Growth

Becoming the best version of yourself isn't just about changing habits or setting goals. It starts with meeting your basic needs, just as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests. I learned that when certain needs in my life were unmet, growth became difficult.

Physiological Needs: The Basics of Survival

At one point, I was so focused on self-improvement that I ignored my most basic needs—sleep, proper nutrition, and rest. I thought pushing myself harder would make me better, but in reality, neglecting these essentials made me anxious, unmotivated, and exhausted.

The best version of me didn’t just read self-help books and wake up at 5 AM. The best version of me listened to my body, ate well, exercised, and rested when needed.

Safety Needs: A Sense of Stability

For a long time, uncertainty in my life made me feel stuck. Financial worries, job instability, and even emotional insecurity created an underlying fear that held me back. I couldn’t focus on self-improvement when I was constantly anxious about my future.

I realized that the best version of me needed a sense of security—financial, emotional, and physical. I started budgeting, saving, and creating a stable daily routine. I also worked on emotional safety, surrounding myself with people who uplifted me rather than drained me.

Belongingness and Love Needs: The Power of Connection

I used to believe that becoming the best version of myself was a solo journey. But isolation only made me feel lonely and uninspired. I needed relationships—meaningful ones.

Instead of chasing validation from others, I focused on nurturing genuine connections. I built deeper friendships, spent more time with family, and surrounded myself with people who supported my growth rather than questioned it. I learned that the best version of me wasn’t just independent but also deeply connected with others.

Self-Esteem Needs: Building Confidence and Worth

For years, I tied my self-worth to external achievements—how much I earned, what people thought of me, or whether I met society’s definition of success. But no matter how much I accomplished, I always felt like something was missing.

It was only when I started valuing myself for who I was—not just what I did—that I gained real confidence. I learned to appreciate my progress rather than compare myself to others. The best version of me understood that my worth wasn’t defined by success but by how I saw myself.

Self-Actualization: Becoming Who You Are Meant to Be

Once I met my fundamental needs, I could finally focus on what truly mattered—growth, purpose, and self-expression. Self-actualization wasn’t about perfection but about constantly evolving, learning, and becoming more aligned with my true self.

I asked myself:

What makes me feel alive?

What values truly matter to me?

How can I contribute meaningfully to the world?

The best version of me wasn’t a fixed destination—it was an ongoing journey.

Exploring the Four Versions of Ourselves

As I worked toward self-actualization, I realized I was constantly juggling different versions of myself. Understanding them helped me bridge the gap between who I was and who I wanted to be.

The Public Self: The Version Others See

For a long time, I prioritized my public self—the version of me that people saw on social media, at work, or in social settings. I wanted to appear put together, successful, and confident. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t the full picture.

I learned that while my public self mattered, it shouldn’t be a mask. The best version of me embraced authenticity, showing up as I truly was, rather than pretending to be someone I wasn’t.

The Self-Concept: The Version I Believe I Am

Self-concept is how we see ourselves, and for years, I held onto limiting beliefs about who I was. I told myself I wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t capable, that I didn’t deserve happiness.

But these were just stories—ones I had the power to change. When I shifted my mindset and started believing in my strengths, my reality changed too.

The Actual or Behavioral Self: Who I Am in Action

I used to say I wanted to be disciplined, healthy, and kind, but my actions didn’t always align with those desires. That’s when I realized the gap between my ideal self and my actual self.

The best version of me didn’t just dream—it took action. I started making small, consistent choices that aligned with the person I wanted to be. I exercised even when I didn’t feel like it. I read even when I wanted to scroll endlessly. I practiced kindness even when it was difficult.

The Ideal Self: Who I Aspire to Be

My ideal self was the person I envisioned when I thought of my highest potential—the version of me that was disciplined, passionate, and purpose-driven.

At first, my ideal self seemed unreachable, but then I realized something: the best version of me wasn’t about achieving a perfect state. It was about consistently striving toward that ideal with patience, resilience, and self-compassion.

Becoming the Best Version of You

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best version of me isn’t someone I find—it’s someone I become, step by step. It’s about:

Meeting my basic needs and creating stability

Building meaningful relationships and valuing myself

Taking daily actions that align with my values

Striving toward my ideal self while embracing my imperfections

Your journey may look different from mine, but one thing remains true: becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about becoming more of who you were always meant to be.

And that journey? It starts today.