In life, we go through trials and tribulations that can deter us from becoming the best version of ourselves. Whether it relates to health, fitness, relationships or mental health, all factors can take a toll on our well-being. It’s important that we protect ourselves from being consumed by societal pressures that can inhibit us from becoming the best versions of ourselves. Check out these 10 helpful tips that can be useful for self-development and self-improvement:

1.  Learn How To Be Your True And Authentic Self

Learning how to become your true self can be a hard task to take on in a world that’s set on conforming to certain ideals and formalities. Because of this, people tend to lose who they truly are.  In order to take control of your life, it is important to celebrate your individuality by establishing your own values, beliefs and identity. A great way to embrace who you are is accepting your flaws and imperfections. Take the time to compliment yourself every day, no matter how simple it may be. Something as simple as complementing your outfit, hairstyle or physical features can give you the boost that you need to get through the day and help you become happier. Also, learning who and what you can tolerate can help you become more at peace by having enough courage to create the boundaries to protect yourself.

2.  Be Open to Change

Changing your environment and trying new things can be beneficial for your self-development and personal growth. New endeavors can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying them out alone, but it can definitely improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. Getting out of your comfort zone and accepting change can introduce you to a new world of possibilities and open your mind. Some things you can try is going to eat a restaurant by yourself, learning a new skill, or meeting new people. Doing so can add positivity in your life and help you connect with different people, breeds confidence and challenges you to combat fear. Changing your daily routine will help you let go of bad habits and instead find new habits that will benefit you.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is crucial to helping you become the best version of yourself. Not taking the time to tend to your physical and well-being can take a toll on various aspects of your life, including your health. Even if you’re going through stressful situations, make sure that you’re taking the proper measures to take care of your mind and body. Proper rest, diet, exercise are all important for self- improvement and your physical health. When you make those things a priority, that’s when you can be your healthiest and happiest self. Also, learning what you can tolerate in social situations is important too. Deciding when you need alone time or when it’s best to be around others is important as well. Meditation is a good practice to develop too. Meditating helps you declutter, become more calm and liberated.

4.  Set Goals

Creating goals can help with motivation and provides a purpose. Writing down small and big goals and visualizing where you can be can put you in a much happier space than before. When you act on your goals, It gives you the mindset that you are working towards something. Accomplishing tasks will put you in a much happier space.

5. Let go of the past

Holding on to grudges and events in the past are not great for your mental health. It’s vital to forgive and let go of anger. Doing so can open the door for more opportunities, and blessings. The act of forgiving can be liberating and empowering. It takes away mental burdens as well. Don’t let disappointing people and situations hold you back from becoming a better person. They can have too much control over your life. Releasing negative thoughts helps you heal, give you peace, and helps with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

6.  Stop Making Excuses

No positivity comes out of making excuses. It can hold you back from reaching your highest potential. Making yourself accountable and owning up to your actions can help you become stronger. Excuses influence you to have negative thoughts and it’s also not healthy to blame others and even yourself. Accept mistakes or experiences and move on. You’ll be able to achieve much more by owning up to your problems.

7. Surround Yourself With Positive People

You become who hang around, and being around negative people is not the way to go. Your circle can be inhibiting you from becoming the best version of yourself because of the negativity, drama and lack of drive. The company you keep is important and make you more successful. Be around people who motivate you and hold you accountable. Having negative people around that don’t respect you can influence you to make bad choices in life and make you unhappy. Don’t let your peers cause you to end up in situations you don’t need to get yourself into because, in the end, you will be the one suffering the consequences, not them.

8. Embrace and Reflect On The Journey

The journey to self-discovery and loving yourself can be difficult. Although bad events may occur, focus on the positive aspects of situations. It will help you become more mindful and thankful. When you feel like giving up and don’t have anyone to lean on, know that there is always someone out there who genuinely loves you. Be kind to yourself and those around you. It will help you show more compassion, patience and love.

Learning to love the skin you're in can be the best gift of all. Continue to work hard during your journey of self-improvement and self-development so you can become the best version of yourself.

This article was brought to you in partnership with Toyota.