Who does not want to be better than they were before?

Smarter. Faster. Happier. Better.

What it means to be better is an individual assessment task. It should not come from external sources, we compete, if at all, with ourselves. You define ’better’ for you. Becoming a better person is an attainable aspiration, and we all get to decide on our own terms.

There are a few things to consider when striving to be better. Make sure you are practical. Be sure to give yourself grace as you embark on a new path – we all slip up sometimes. Talk about your goals with trusted friends and family. And by all means, keep it about you and your path.

I’m defining ‘better’ as generally improved compared to before – before can be any timeframe. But again, you define better for you and your circumstances.

Many of us would say we would be better off if we let go of unhealthy emotions like anger, jealousy, and guilt. None of these serve us in the wholeness of our life. Anger can be isolating. Anger can also have negative physical and mental effects. The art of letting go, forgiving others is a skill and art form that serves the mental and physical well-being.

Envy or jealousy is a waisted emotion in my opinion. Channeling jealousy into motivation is more beneficial to your long term wellbeing. Understanding that jealousy can only thrive where there is insecurity, so becoming aware of the root of a insecurity and addressing it is a healthy outcome.

One can be better for sure by taking good care oneself, managing stress and anxiety, being able to manage boundaries with others — avoid toxic relationships, friendships, etc. We can all be better at something, even if it is a small area of our life. The benefits of being better in these areas are plentiful and too many to list. Suffice it to say that inner peace, mental strength, physical wellness, and healthy relationships are just some positive outcomes.

Make this be the year you are better than before. Start today. Be better for yourself.