The pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself by improving yourself does not contradict the core values of self-love and self-acceptance of who you currently are, as it might seem at first. These concepts are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. In fact, becoming the best version of yourself is a natural consequence and manifestation of self-love.
Self Love
The best version of yourself has a huge capacity for love, towards yourself and others, which is manifested in everything you do. So becoming the best version of yourself is in complete alignment with self-love.
Growth Mindset
Becoming the best version of yourself does not imply that your current self is not good enough, flawed, or unworthy of love – that is impossible as every person has inherent worth and value. Instead, the concept reflects a growth mindset, which recognizes that personal development is an ongoing processes. The possibility of a “better” version of yourself simply refers to your capacity for personal growth and the pursuit of your full potential to develop your values and cultivate positive qualities and skills. There is always room for further growth, and you can be open to evolve, learn and enhance various aspects of yourself and your life.
Discovering and Aligning with Your Values
Becoming the best version of yourself involves listening to yourself to find out what your core values are, and then figuring out how to manifest these values practically in daily life. The more you do it, the more you actually practice self-love.
Desire for growth
Self-love encourages acceptance of who you are at your core. Importantly, your core includes your immense desire for self-growth and self-evolution, which are also the driving forces of all plants and animals in nature, and can be easily observed in all babies and children. So working to improve yourself is actually honoring your core values and is thus a way of loving yourself.
Self Kindness and Compassion
Self-love entails treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Striving to become the best version of yourself requires these qualities so that you approach your journey with patience, forgiveness, and a focus on progress rather than perfection. By loving and accepting yourself as you are, you create a nurturing, non-judgmental environment where improving yourself actually becomes possible and you can thrive.
Honoring Personal Potential
Self-love recognizes your inherent potential. You have unique gifts, talents, and aspirations that deserve to be nurtured and expressed so that you can live a fulfilling and purposeful life. When you pursue self improvement, you are honoring your personal potential. Self-love propels you to invest in your growth, push your boundaries, and unlock the limitless possibilities within you.
Personal Empowerment
Self-love is about empowering yourself and making choices that align with your well-being. It involves setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, prioritizing your needs, and cultivating a balanced life. Taking control of your life, setting meaningful goals, and doing actions towards achieving them. By investing in self-improvement, you are actively shaping your own destiny, which is an empowering expression of self-love.