10 subtle signs you’re becoming a better version of yourself

We’ve all heard the saying, “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

But how do you know if you’re really becoming a better version of yourself?

Personal growth isn’t always marked by dramatic changes.

Often, it’s the subtle shifts in our thought patterns and behaviors that that quietly signal you’re evolving into a stronger, wiser, and happier individual.

This journey towards self-improvement is deeply personal, yet there are certain common signs that suggest you’re on the right path. These signs might not be flashy, but they are the quiet victories and small shifts that indicate you’re moving in the right direction.

In this article titled “10 subtle signs you’re becoming a better version of yourself”, we’ll delve into these indicators of personal growth. Let’s see if you recognize any in your own journey.

1) You become increasingly self-aware 

Increased self-awareness is a fundamental component of becoming a better version of yourself. 

 You’re more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses shows personal growth and the ability to self-reflect.

Increased self-awareness helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what you are good at and where you need improvement is crucial for personal development. It allows you to leverage your strengths effectively and work on areas that need growth.

Increased self-awareness means that you are more attuned to your emotions and how they influence your thoughts and actions, which leads to an improved emotional intelligence and stronger relationships. 

Increased self-awareness also results in better decision-making. When you are more aware of your values, preferences, and biases, your decision-making process becomes more informed and aligned with your true self. This leads to choices that are more reflective of who you are and what you want in life.

Self-awareness reflects a deeper understanding of your inner world and how it interacts with the external world, leading to more effective personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

2) You set boundaries and are not afraid to say “No”

 The ability to say no is a sure sign of personal growth. You are not afraid to say no to something that doesn’t serve you or aligns with your values. It is a sign that you value your time and energy. You’re not letting people walk all over you.

If you’re finding it easier to say no, that’s a great sign you’re stepping up and setting healthy boundaries.

The process of establishing clear boundaries forces you to understand and articulate your own needs and preferences. This clarity of boundaries means knowing your limits and ensuring you can give your best in everything you commit to.

Without boundaries, you may find yourself overcommitted, overwhelmed, or in situations that cause discomfort or resentment. Boundaries help you avoid these feelings by clearly defining what you are comfortable with and what you are not.

Saying “no” can be hard, but it’s an essential part of self-care, prioritizing your own needs, and effective time management.

The ability to say no to what’s unimportant or insignificant allows you to direct your time and energy only towards what brings you closer to your goals, what’s truly meaningful and matters the most to you.  It’s a sign you value yourself and your well-being and that you are in control of your life and decisions.

Setting and maintaining boundaries in personal and professional relationships indicates self-respect and a clear understanding of your needs and limits. Setting boundaries can actually lead to healthier, more respectful relationships. It clarifies expectations and fosters mutual respect.

People often treat you based on how they see you treating yourself. By setting boundaries, you teach others how you expect to be treated.

If you’re finding that you’re no longer overcommitting yourself, or letting others take advantage of your time, then it’s a significant step towards becoming the best version of yourself.

3) You make better choices and decisions

Becoming a better version of yourself reflects in your ability to make better choices and decisions that typically align more closely with your personal values and long-term goals.

This alignment signifies that you are more in tune with what you truly want and are taking steps to achieve it. You make choices and decisions based on a thoughtful evaluation of outcomes and personal values, rather than impulsively or solely based on others’ opinions. 

Improved decision-making often comes with increased life experience, self-knowledge, and understanding. Improved decision-making reflects maturity and wisdom.

It shows that you are learning from past experiences to make more informed choices. It shows that you are able to assess situations, weigh options, and foresee potential consequences more effectively.

Making decisions confidently and effectively can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with uncertainty and indecision.

It brings a sense of control and peace of mind, knowing that you are making the best choices you can with the information available.

Better decision-making is a clear indication of personal growth. It shows that you are developing a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, learning from your experiences, and applying this knowledge to make choices that better serve your life and goals.

Improved decision-making naturally leads to better outcomes in various aspects of life, including career, relationships, health, and personal well-being. 

4) You show commitment

Showing commitment is definitely a sign of becoming a better version of yourself.

Staying committed to something bigger than yourself, whether it’s a personal goal, a relationship, a job, or a cause, can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Being committed to your goals shows a goal-oriented mindset and clarity of purpose, which is essential for achieving success in any area of life.

Showing commitment indicates your clear priorities and goals. It demonstrates that you know what is important to you and are dedicated to pursuing it.

Commitment involves a level of consistency and discipline that signifies a focus on long-term achievement over short-term gratification, and guides your actions and decisions towards meaningful outcomes. It’s about staying the course in the face of challenges or even when immediate rewards are not visible.

Mark Manson, the Number 1 New York Times Best-selling author, wrote in his mega-success book titled “The Subtle Art of not giving a Fu*ck” about commitment: 

“Commitment gives you freedom because you’re no longer distracted by the unimportant and frivolous. Commitment gives you freedom because it hones your attention and focus, directing them toward what is most efficient at making you healthy and happy. Commitment makes decision-making easier and removes any fear of missing out; knowing that what you already have is good enough, why would you ever stress about chasing more, more, more again? Commitment allows you to focus intently on a few highly important goals and achieve a greater degree of success than you otherwise would.”

When you show commitment, it indicates that you take your responsibilities seriously and can be relied upon.

Commitment to your goals, work, or relationships reflects a strong work ethic and dedication. It shows that you are willing to put in the effort required to achieve success and maintain meaningful connections. 

Whether in personal or professional relationships, commitment builds trust. People are more likely to trust and respect someone who shows they are committed to their word, their work, and their relationships.

Showing commitment is indicative of a more developed, responsible, and mature personality. It reflects a person who is willing to invest their time and energy into what they believe in and is a clear sign of becoming a better version of yourself.

5) You’re accepting who you are 

At the end of the day, becoming a better version of yourself isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about accepting who you are, flaws and all. 

When you are no longer your harshest critic, you acknowledge that you are enough, just as you are right now.

Acceptance is a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and self-confidence. This shift wasn’t overnight. It’s taken time and conscious effort to practice self-love. It’s about celebrating your uniqueness and embracing your individuality. 

This acceptance of yourself, with all your strengths and weaknesses, can make a world of a difference in your overall happiness and self-esteem. 

Accepting yourself is the ultimate sign that you’re becoming a better version of yourself. It’s about accepting who you are, embracing your uniqueness and being gentle with yourself. It’s a journey, but it’s definitely worth it.

6) You prioritize your well-being 

If you’re taking steps to look after your overall well-being, that’s a sign you’re becoming a better version of yourself.

Regularly engaging in self-care activities shows that you value your well-being and understand the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health.

Maybe you’ve started incorporating regular exercise into your routine, or perhaps you’re seeking help for mental health issues. Or it could be as simple as ensuring you get enough sleep each night.

Prioritizing your well-being shows that you value yourself and recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in life. This focus on your well-being is a subtle, yet significant sign of personal growth.

7) You’ve learned to let go

Letting go isn’t easy. We all have things or people in our lives that hold us back. It could be a toxic friendship, an unhealthy relationship and a fixed mindset.

If you’ve learned to let go of what no longer serves you, it’s a strong indicator that you are becoming a better version of yourself. 

Holding onto grudges and past hurts can weigh heavy on your heart. But if you’re finding the strength to forgive and let go, that’s a profound sign of personal growth.

Forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning someone’s actions, but about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. It’s about choosing peace over bitterness and pain. 

Letting go of what no longer serves you allows you to focus on the present and look forward to the future with an open mind. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s one that leads to a stronger, happier version of yourself.

8) You become more resilient 

Enhanced resilience is undoubtedly a critical component of personal growth and development.  Enhanced resilience is the ability to bounce back quicker from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of difficulties. 

 This resilience signifies emotional strength and adaptability to changing circumstances. Being adaptable is a sign of flexibility and openness to change, essential qualities in an ever-evolving world.

Resilient individuals often possess a growth mindset. They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Instead of being derailed by short-term setbacks, resilient individuals keep their eyes on their long-term goals. This mindset fosters continuous personal development and a positive approach to life.

Resilience involves developing a set of skills and attitudes that allow you to navigate life’s ups and downs effectively and emerge stronger from each experience. Therefore, cultivating resilience is definitely a sign of becoming a better version of yourself.

9) You embrace continuous learning 

Embracing continuous learning is a significant sign of becoming a better version of yourself.

The world’s most successful people share a common trait – they never stop learning. From Bill Gates reading 50 books a year, to Oprah Winfrey’s well-known love for reading, continual learning is a key component of personal growth.

A desire to learn new things, expand your knowledge base and cognitive skills is a sign of intellectual growth and a quest for personal development. This intellectual expansion fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

In a rapidly changing world, continuous learning helps you stay adaptable and relevant. It enables you to keep up with new trends, technologies, and methodologies, making you more versatile and capable.

In a professional context, continuous learning can lead to career advancement. Keeping your skills and knowledge updated increases your value in the workforce and opens up new opportunities for growth and advancement.

If you’re finding yourself more curious and eager to learn, that’s a clear sign you’re becoming a better version of yourself. Continual learning not only expands your knowledge but also keeps your mind sharp and open to new ideas. It’s a subtle, yet powerful sign of personal growth.

10) You take accountability 

Taking accountability is a sign of becoming a better version of yourself. It means you own up to your actions, understand the impact they have on others, and are willing to face the consequences. 

Accountability is deeply connected to honesty and integrity. It involves being truthful with yourself and others about your actions and intentions, which builds character and trust.

In a professional context, taking accountability can greatly enhance credibility and strengthen your reputation. It shows that you are dependable, responsible, and can be trusted with important tasks or decisions.

Taking accountability for your mistakes or failure is indicative of maturity. It reflects a person who is committed to honest self-evaluation, continuous learning, and ethical behavior, all of which are integral to becoming a better version of yourself.

Final thoughts: The journey within

The path to becoming a better version of ourselves is not a straight line, nor is it the same for everyone. It’s deeply personal, often littered with challenges and moments of self-doubt.

Yet, it is in these moments of self-awareness and confrontation with our weaknesses that we discover our true potential. As renowned author and motivational speaker, Robin Sharma once said, “The fears we don’t face become our limits.”

Growth isn’t always about making drastic change, but taking small, consistent steps everyday. Each subtle sign of personal growth we’ve discussed in this article is a step towards breaking these limits, towards self-acceptance, and ultimately towards becoming the best version of ourselves.

It is about embracing the journey with all its ups and downs, celebrating small wins, learning from setbacks, and continuously striving for progress, however incremental it may be.

As you reflect on these signs within your own journey, remember that the path to becoming a better version of yourself starts from within, because that’s where the real magic of personal growth lies.

Every day presents a fresh opportunity for growth. Every moment is a chance to learn something new, to be kinder, to understand deeper. Every step you take on this journey is a testament to your strength and resilience.

In this pursuit of becoming better, remember to be gentle with yourself. After all, we’re all works in progress.