We hear it everywhere: “Be the best version of yourself.” It sounds inspiring. But what if this is actually holding us back? Or even worse, putting – pressure on us?
What if, it isn’t about constantly trying to improve, but truly understanding yourself?
As a certified coach, I’ve seen how self-awareness creates lasting change. It invites peace with oneself —far more than endless self-improvement ever could.
The Problem with Chasing the “Best Version”
At first, the idea of becoming your “best self” seems motivating. But if you look deeper, you’ll see why it can be a trap. The trap I’ve also fallen into until I activated my ‘observer thinking’:
- Perfectionism & Burnout: Striving for an ideal version of yourself can make us feel like we’re never enough. This leads to stress, self-criticism, and burnout—not satisfaction.
- External Pressure: “Best self” can be shaped by what society, social media, or marketing tells us we should be. Yet, success that doesn’t match our true values often feels empty.
- The Endless Fix-It Cycle: “Be the best version of yourself” is often: “You’re not enough as you are. Keep working on YOU“. This can keep us stuck in an endless cycle of trying to “fix” ourselves.
Businesses and marketers know this well. They use it to sell products and services, making us believe we need something more to finally feel complete. But true fulfillment comes from within. Not from chasing the next upgrade of yourself.
The Power of Self-Knowledge
What if, instead of fixing yourself, you got curious about yourself?
When we shift from self-improvement to self-awareness, real transformation happens:
- Emotional Resilience: Understanding ourselves helps us handle challenges with more clarity and confidence.
- Authentic Growth: We stop trying to fit into someone else’s lives, values and plans. We start aligning with what truly matters to us.
- Better Decisions: Our choices come from a place of authenticity—not pressure or comparison.
- Inner Peace: Accepting ourselves as we are, leads to deeper self-compassion and freedom.
This isn’t about staying the same. It’s about growing in a way that feels right for us. Without the pressure of constantly chasing a moving target.
Rethinking Growth in a Business World
I am tired of marketing that preys on insecurities. I want honesty and authenticity. I want messages that empower rather than stress or even shame us.
Businesses can create real impact by helping people know and accept themselves. This approach builds trust, loyalty and meaningful transformation.
Conclusion
No doubt, growth is important – personally and socially. But the best type of growth comes from curiosity and self-awareness. Not fear or pressure.
So, next time you feel the urge to “be your best self,” pause and ask yourself:
“What do I actually want?“
“Am I doing this for me? Or because I feel I should?”
“Is this coming from self-love, or self-judgment?”
The truth is—when we deeply know ourselves, we don’t need to become someone else. We know that we are already enough.
If you’re ready to explore self-awareness and authentic growth, let’s connect. I’d love to help you uncover the clarity and confidence that is already within you.
Picture: Pixabay
Momentum Coaching - Aldona Frelik 