5 Ways to Pursue Your Best Self This Year

2020 probably didn’t end up the way you expected it to. You experienced some hardships, disappointments, and unmet expectations that you want to leave behind.

Here’s the good news. We all have the potential to be better today than we were yesterday and become positively unforgettable!

If you want this year to be different, treat it differently! Decide that this is going to be your best year yet and go make it happen. As I’ve said before, the best way to predict your future is to create it! Set an intention to go all-in on your personal growth this year.

Use these five ideas to get started in pursuing your best self in 2021!

1. Get healthier. As we were reminded in 2020, health is an investment you can’t afford to forget about. If you don’t know how to get started on your health journey, start with the basics. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Cut out one habit or food group that’s contributing to your health issues. Try to move your body for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Always remember: your health is your wealth!

2. Prioritize personal learning. You don’t have to create a complicated routine for personal growth and development! Keep it bite-size and manageable and shoot for a goal of 5-10 minutes of learning a day. Read more non-fiction books. Listen to podcasts. Subscribe to a website or publication that interests you and helps you increase your knowledge.

3. Improve your mental health. You have more control over your attitude and mental health than you know! If you want to improve your anxiety and become more joyful, start practicing routines that will help you make that a reality. Start gratitude journaling on a daily basis. Incorporate meditation and affirmations into your weekly routine. Invest in therapy or group counseling. I also recommend exploring some of the mental discipline resources on my website such as the 30-Day Mental Diet practice!

4. Deepen your relationships and cultivate more meaningful interactions. Instead of trying to widen your circle of friends and loved ones, focus on creating deeper connections. Choose a few people to really invest in this year. And when you’re around people you don’t know or in a new setting, make it a point to do one small act of kindness. Make it your daily goal to make one person smile!

5. Don’t be afraid to dream! While it may feel selfish to think about the big goals you have for yourself, it’s one of the most important things you can do to be a present and joyful family member, friend, and professional. Carve out 10 minutes in the next week and DREAM BIG! List out your big ideas and goals. After you do this, write down WHY you want to accomplish them. Post this list of dreams where you can see it and look at it weekly!

No matter what goals you choose to pursue your best self this year, don’t try to go it alone! Find accountability partners and coaches who can help you stay committed to making progress throughout the year. Having people around you who will cheer you on and hold you accountable will almost guarantee you’ll create positive changes for yourself!