Favorite Self
/From inspirational TV shows to books to Instagram-ready quotes, we hear a lot about how the path to happiness is “being your best self.” What exactly does that mean, though: “best self?” Best to whom?
We already have so much pressure on us. So often, we feel like we’re expected to be the best parent, the best spouse, the best friend, the best employee, and on and on. Our “best self” can feel like yet another thing we need to chase.
It is true that to find peace and joy, we must start by looking within. But we are also vastly complex individuals. So many versions of us exist through our lifetimes. How can we possibly pick the “best?” We all experience different chapters of life, with groups of people, environments and circumstances that change over time.
What’s important is how you view yourself. Which version of you do you like the most? Which version feels the truest to you? Instead of being “your best self,” are you being “your favorite self?”
What is your favorite version of you?
To identify your favorite self, think about those times when you are in your element, your true self, proud of yourself, and most authentically you.
I often use “my favorite self” as a journal prompt: “For Ginger to be her favorite self, this needs to happen today….” Then I can brainstorm ways that my favorite self might be able to show up through all the daily obligations, events, and activities on my schedule.
Strive to do whatever it takes to be your most favorite version of you.
Try These
To identify your favorite self, ask yourself a few of these questions
Where did you feel like you were most thriving?
When did you feel most proud of yourself?
When were you in a role most aligned with your strengths?
When did you most feel like you were living your full potential?
When did you most feel like you were living in line with your values?
When could you most feel yourself stretching and growing?
When were you working on projects you cared about?
When do you feel the most alive and authentically you?
What does it mean to be “in your element?”
When are you most engaged with life?
When are you in your most natural state—not pretending to be someone else to please others?
How would you describe “me at my best?”
What words would you use to describe your “truest essence?”
2. Now visualize that version of you in the future: where are you? What are you doing? How did you get there? Who are you with? What do you look like? How do you sound when you talk? How do you feel inside? Keep that visual in mind and challenge yourself each morning by asking: “how can I be my favorite self today?” See if you can’t find opportunities every day to work a little more toward being your very favorite self.
