10 Things I Should Do to Become the Best Version of Myself
The purest joy found in small moments—coffee, colors, people and everyday beauty that inspire growth. As the year races to its finale, I’m determined to chase the steps that will transform me into the best version of myself—driven by the incredible people who inspire me every day. Join me on this journey as I uncover what it truly takes to rise higher and attain it!
Prioritize Self-Care
The past few years have been draining for me. Since I got hired, I’ve been focusing on work—and work only. I know that sounds depressing, but that’s the truth. There was nothing on my mind except working hard and earning more money. I think the reason behind it was fear—the fear of running dry again.My family and I struggled financially. It was hard not having a stable income. We weren’t even allowed to think about things we couldn’t afford. In short, we weren’t privileged enough to enjoy even the small things. The hardest part was when someone in the family got sick. Even when we needed something for faster healing or recovery, we couldn’t afford healthy food or proper care. I hated that feeling. Some of you here would understand—it’s painful to see your loved ones suffer while knowing you can’t do anything about it.
I wanted to help, but I was helpless too. I had just graduated senior high school, and finding a job without experience was already difficult. On top of that, many employers looked down on those who graduated online during the pandemic. It was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it taught me to be careful with money and showed me that the world doesn’t revolve without it. That’s why, when I finally got hired, I focused intensely on my work—to earn more, to get paid better, and to eventually pull my family out of a life of suffering.
That’s what money can do. So the next time someone says money can’t buy happiness, don’t believe them—at least not until you’ve experienced wanting to help someone you love escape a painful situation. Money can buy happiness. But money can’t take care of you. Only you can do that.
And I forgot that.
I forgot to take care of myself because I was so focused on earning money. This year, I realized that I should care for myself just as much as I care for the people I love. I should love myself the way I loved them. I should believe that I deserve good things, just as much as I believed they did. Everything they deserve, I deserve too.
Before this year ends, I promise myself to rest—not only when I’m exhausted, but even before I reach that point. To listen to my body. To take care of it. To know when to pause, what is healthy, and what is best for me.
This time, I choose myself too.
Mindful Solitude
In 2026, I want to take my time and spend more of it with myself—to reflect, to breathe, and to sit with the emotions I go through each week. I want to understand them before they quietly cloud my mind and consume me, before I unknowingly pass them on to the people I love. I want to know myself more deeply—my thoughts, my wants, and the goals I hope to achieve, whether in a week or a month. I want to develop a wider perspective and a deeper understanding of life.
I want to learn how to be gentle with myself, especially on days when things feel heavy or unclear. I want to listen to what my body and heart are asking for instead of constantly pushing myself to keep going. I want to create space for rest without guilt, for silence without discomfort, and for growth without pressure.
I want to allow myself to slow down and appreciate the small moments that make life meaningful—the quiet mornings, the deep conversations, the simple joys that often go unnoticed. I want to be present enough to feel them fully, without rushing toward what comes next.
Most of all, I want to step away from reality, even just for a moment, to truly dedicate time to myself—not to escape life, but to reconnect with it. In doing so, I hope to become more grounded, more patient, and more whole.
Celebrate Small Wins
Last year, I was so hard on myself that my achievements—big or small—didn’t feel like they mattered. As long as I accomplished something, I felt a brief sense of relief that it was done, then immediately moved on to chasing the next goal. I failed to realize that life isn’t defined by big milestones alone, but by the small moments that quietly create the biggest impact.
I was so unhappy that the things I once dreamed of having—now finally in my hands—felt empty and tasteless. Looking back, maybe that was burnout: living in survival mode, focusing only on getting through each day instead of enjoying the journey and honoring the outcomes.
Now, as the year comes to an end, I’ve realized that small things are never truly small—as long as they bring happiness and help me grow. The small wins that made me happy and inspired me to be better include going to concerts, getting a tattoo, finishing a novel, visiting a place for the first time, passing the college entrance test, completing tasks, cleaning my room, letting go of things I no longer need, getting eight hours of sleep, spending time with my pets, finally buying something I’ve wanted for years, and even stepping outside to let the sun touch my skin.
Sometimes, we’re so hard on ourselves that we fail to notice these wins. In 2026, I choose to be kinder to myself and proud of even the tiniest victories
Read and Learn
In 2026, I want to read more books, learn more instruments, and visit places filled with art—spaces where I can pause, admire, and feel inspired. I want to spend quiet moments drinking coffee while reading or simply sitting with a piece of art, allowing myself to slow down and be present.
I want to build hobbies that I can return to consistently, not because I have to, but because I genuinely enjoy them. In the past few years, I became so focused on college entrance exams and work that I slowly drifted away from the hobbies that once made life bearable—the ones that gave me relief and reminded me of who I am beyond my responsibilities.
In 2026, I don’t want to lose hours to doom-scrolling on social media. I want something new for the year ahead—something more intentional. I want my time to count. I want to spend it on things that are meaningful, that help me grow, sharpen my skills, and nourish my creativity.
More than productivity, I want balance. I want to give my mind space to rest and my heart room to feel alive again. I want to choose hobbies and experiences that ground me, inspire me, and gently remind me that life is not only about surviving, but about truly living
Creativity Daily
Connect with Nature
As someone who works up to twelve hours a day while studying in the morning, I long for moments away from screens—moments where all I see is nature: leaves rustling, wind whistling, and water rushing. Spending almost an entire day in front of a screen is exhausting, and burnout comes easily. It isn’t something meant for the weak, and I admit that some days, all I can do is push through.
Being both a worker and a student leaves me with very little choice right now. I endure the long hours because I have to, knowing that this season of my life is temporary. Reconnecting with nature has always been one of the few things that grounds me, yet I rarely allow myself that escape because I’m constantly caught between deadlines, responsibilities, and expectations.
In 2026, I want to make time for it—to step outside, breathe fresh air, and let my mind rest without guilt. I want to remind myself that rest is not laziness, and slowing down does not mean giving up.
Don’t get me wrong—I love my work and I value my education. I do both not because it’s easy, but because I believe they are building a future where I finally get to choose. I am doing this now so that one day, I can walk away from situations that no longer serve me and toward a life that feels lighter, healthier, and more aligned with who I am becoming.
Until then, I will learn to take small pauses, to find peace in nature whenever I can, and to care for myself as I continue working toward that future.
Nurture Relationship
I want to nurture my relationships with the people I love, especially my family. We may not have a complete family picture, and we may rarely take photographs, but I know deep in our hearts that we all long to spend more quality time together—especially now, when most of my siblings are no longer home, busy with work and the paths they’ve chosen to take. Even so, I am incredibly proud of where they are, and I look forward to the moments we get to share together this year, no matter how simple or brief.
I also want to hold close the friendships that have grown with me over the years. We’ve been friends since seventh grade, and now we find ourselves in college—moving at different paces, taking different timelines, and walking different paths. Yet as long as we are here, we will continue to celebrate one another’s journeys, honoring each step without comparison or pressure.
This year, I hope our bond grows even stronger. Life has kept us busy, pulling us in different directions, but we have never forgotten where we came from or the memories that shaped us. I am grateful for friendships that feel like home—for companions who choose to stay, to understand, and to grow alongside me in this not-so-cruel world.
In 2026, I want to be more present—to listen more, to show up more, and to cherish the people who make life warmer, softer, and worth living.
Journal Daily
I want to be consistent with journaling again. Back when I was unemployed and freshly graduated from senior high school, I used to write about my days, and everything felt lighter. My heart wasn’t crowded with unheard or unsaid thoughts and emotions. I had a safe space to release them—to question the whys and becauses, to explore how I felt about situations, and to understand my own perspective without judgment.
Journaling helped me slow down. It made me calmer, more patient, and more thoughtful about the words I chose before speaking them out loud. In many ways, it protected both my mental health and my relationships.
This year, I want that sense of peace again. I want to be consistent—not perfect, just present. I don’t want to carry anger simply because no one had the time or space to hear my thoughts and feelings. I want to give myself that space first.
I want to be in control of my emotions instead of letting them control me. I want to live a calmer, lighter life—free from unnecessary guilt and anger. I know journaling can help me achieve that, especially because my mind is constantly moving, always thinking, analyzing, and absorbing everything around me. Writing gives my thoughts a place to rest.
In 2026, I want my journal to be my anchor—a quiet companion that listens, understands, and helps me return to myself whenever life feels too loud.
Stay Curious and Open
Strengthen my Faith
Most important of all, I want to return to God. In the busyness of life, I slowly forgot that everything I have now exists because of Him. I lost sight of the truth that the most important relationship I will ever have is with Him. Without Him, I wouldn’t even be here—writing these words, living this life, or finding joy in the things I do.
I remember how much I prayed to be accepted into the university that was meant for me. I prayed with hope, fear, and trust, and now I am here, doing work and activities that I genuinely enjoy. Looking back, I can see His hand in every step I’ve taken, even in moments when I felt lost or unsure.
If it weren’t for Him, I wouldn’t have the life I have today—the opportunities, the strength to keep going, and the quiet grace that carries me through difficult days. For all of this, I am truly grateful.
This year, I want to draw closer to Him again. I want to rebuild my faith with intention, through prayer, reflection, and trust. I want to lean on Him not only when things are hard, but also when life feels calm and good.
In 2026, I choose to walk with God more closely—to remember, to give thanks, and to place my life back into His hands, knowing that He has always been guiding me, even when I forgot to look up.
Comments
Post a Comment