Chasing the “Best” Version of Yourself

We all have seasons in our lives where we don’t think we are doing our “best.”

Where we compare the current version of us to some past version of us that was doing “better.”

A version of us that was more productive. That had more energy. Looked different. Was more “successful.” Happier. Who exercised more and ate differently. Got up earlier. Or whatever it is for you. (All the while forgetting that the past version of us probably had similar thoughts about another version of us being better. Or that the past version of us still struggled. Still felt negative emotions.). 

We expect that we should be that version of ourselves. All. The. Time. 

Or we compare ourselves to some mythical future version of ourselves that hasn’t come to fruition. One who does everything better and is better and everyone likes better.

And we expect that we should be that version of ourselves. Right. This. Second. All. The. Time. 

And when we aren’t either of those versions of ourselves… (And of course we aren’t, it isn’t possible to be the “best” version of yourself all the time. It’s a made up standard that is always going to be a touch out of reach.). 

Instead of having compassion, we turn to self-judgment. Self-criticism. Shame. 

And you know what’s not motivating? 

Self-judgment. 

Self-criticism. 

Shame. 

In fact, those all lead you to the thing you don’t want. Staying exactly where you are, comparing the current you to the past or future you, and being dissatisfied in the present. 

Maybe the most fulfilled version of you is the one where you stop trying to constantly be the “best” ever version of you. 

The past “best” version of you. 

The yet-realized future “best” version.

Whatever you’ve decided those are.

Maybe the most fulfilled version of you is the one that lets you be authentically you. That understands that you are worthy and whole right now and completely lovable no matter what. That strives for growth and evolution without a specific end destination that you have to meet before you allow you to love you. That allows you to experience all of the ups and downs that are inevitably a part of being fully human and fully you. That acknowledges your humanity. That meets you where you are in this season of your life. That understands that “best” isn’t real. 

Are you willing to let go of chasing that “best” version of yourself? What would it look like for you to take one step towards that?