9 behaviors that show you’re starting to change your life for the better

There’s a vast distinction between simply living life and actively seeking to improve it.

The difference is all about intentionality. Living life often means going with the flow, not necessarily aiming for growth.

But when you start changing your life for the better, you’re making conscious decisions to transform.

Changing your life often comes with particular behaviors. And those of us committed to self-improvement know that recognizing these behaviors is a key step on this journey.

Here are nine behaviors that indicate you’re on the right track.

1) Embracing positivity

There’s a saying that goes, “Your attitude determines your direction.”

This couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to changing your life for the better.

People embarking on a journey of self-improvement often begin with their mindset. It’s a conscious decision to start viewing the glass as half full, not half empty.

Welcome to the world of positive thinking.

Positive thinking is about consciously choosing to focus on the good in any situation. And it’s not just about being optimistic – it’s about cultivating a mindset that helps you navigate through life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Consider it like this – it’s being able to see the silver lining in every cloud, and trusting that even in the face of adversity, something good will come out.

When someone decides to change their life for the better, they often start by embracing positivity. It’s like flipping a switch in their mind from focusing on negatives to seeing the positives.

Iit’s not about ignoring the negatives or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about dealing with them in a more constructive and hopeful way.

2) Prioritizing self-care

I remember when I used to think that putting myself first was selfish. I’d bend over backwards for others, often at the expense of my own health and happiness.

But as I embarked on my journey of self-improvement, I realized the importance of self-care.

Self-care isn’t about pampering yourself with luxurious spa days or expensive shopping sprees (although those can be nice sometimes!). It’s about taking care of your basic needs. Eating right, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, exercising regularly – these are all aspects of self-care.

But it’s also about setting boundaries and learning to say no. This was a big one for me. I started to recognize that saying yes to everyone was actually saying no to myself.

In my case, self-care started with setting aside time each day for exercise and meditation. It was challenging initially, but as I stuck with it, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and overall well-being.

If you’re starting to prioritize self-care and making conscious decisions to take better care of yourself, it’s a sure sign that you’re changing your life for the better.

3) Setting goals

Goals are the roadmap to change. They give us a clear idea of what we want to achieve and how we’re going to get there.

Studies show that people who set concrete, measurable goals are more likely to succeed than those who don’t. It’s because setting goals provides a focus and direction. It makes us accountable and gives us a sense of purpose.

Setting goals doesn’t mean aiming for the stars right away. Even small, achievable targets can make a huge difference.

Whether it’s reading a book every month, saving a certain amount of money or losing weight, setting goals helps you measure progress and keeps you motivated.

You’re taking control of your life and actively working towards improving it.

4) Seeking knowledge

The path to self-improvement often starts with a thirst for knowledge. The desire to learn more, to understand better, and to continually grow is a sure sign of personal development.

Whether it’s picking up a new book, enrolling in an online course, or simply asking more questions, seeking knowledge signals a shift from being content with what you know to craving more.

Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons are learned outside of formal education – through experiences, interactions, and introspection.

You’re not just accumulating information; you’re expanding your perspective and growing as a person.

5) Cutting out negativity

One of the most significant signs of positive change is cutting out negativity. This could mean anything from negative self-talk to negative people in your life.

We often don’t realize how much our environment affects us. Being surrounded by negativity can drain our energy and impede our progress towards self-improvement.

It’s not always easy to remove negative influences, especially when they come from close friends or family.

But it’s crucial for your personal growth. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

If you’re starting to distance yourself from negative influences and seek out more positive environments, you’re undoubtedly on the path to a better life.

You’re choosing to prioritize your mental and emotional health, and that’s a big step towards self-improvement.

6) Forgiving past mistakes

We all have chapters in our lives we’re not proud of. Mistakes we’ve made, things we’ve said, decisions we regret. But one of the most freeing and transformative behaviors is learning to forgive ourselves for these past mistakes.

It’s human nature to err. But holding onto guilt and regret only anchors us to the past and prevents us from moving forward.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, allows us to let go and make peace with our past. It’s a conscious decision to stop letting our history control our present and future.

This doesn’t mean forgetting or denying what happened. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then letting it go.

When you start forgiving yourself, you free up space for growth and new experiences. You allow yourself to learn, change, and become a better version of yourself.

It’s a clear sign that you’re changing your life for the better. You’re not just healing; you’re growing stronger and wiser because of your past, not in spite of it.

7) Embracing discomfort

I used to shy away from anything that made me uncomfortable. Anything new, unfamiliar, or challenging was a big no-no for me. I preferred staying in my comfort zone, even if it meant missing out on opportunities for growth.

But everything changed when I started embracing discomfort. I realized that growth and comfort can’t coexist. To grow, you have to step out of your comfort zone. You have to face challenges and take risks.

Embracing discomfort meant trying new things, even if they scared me. It meant facing my fears head-on and learning from my experiences.

It wasn’t easy. There were times when I wanted to give up, to retreat back into my comfort zone. But I realized that every moment of discomfort was a step towards growth.

So if you’re pushing your boundaries and stepping outside your comfort zone, you’re on the right path.

It’s a clear sign that you’re changing your life for the better. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving.

You’re becoming braver, stronger, and more resilient with each step you take.

8) Practicing gratitude

Gratitude can be a powerful tool for change. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to what’s right. It helps us appreciate the good things we have, instead of constantly chasing after what we don’t.

When you start practicing gratitude, you begin to notice the small joys and blessings in your life. You start to appreciate what you have, rather than lamenting what you lack. This shift in perspective can have a profound impact on your overall happiness and satisfaction.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring your problems or pretending everything is perfect. It means acknowledging the good along with the bad, and recognizing the positive aspects of your life.

If you’ve started making a conscious effort to be more grateful, it’s a sign that you’re changing your life for the better.

By adopting an attitude of gratitude, you’re cultivating a more positive outlook and enhancing your overall well-being.

9) Taking action

Ultimately, the biggest sign of changing your life for the better is taking action. It’s one thing to dream about a better life, to set goals, and to plan for the future. But none of that matters if you don’t take the necessary steps to turn those dreams into reality.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent action and perseverance. It’s about making small, incremental changes every day that add up over time.

Taking action means putting in the work, even when it’s hard. It means facing challenges head-on and pushing through obstacles. It means not just talking about change, but actively pursuing it.

So if you’re taking concrete steps towards your goals, no matter how small, give yourself a pat on the back.

You’re not just dreaming about a better life; you’re actively working towards creating it.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

The path to personal growth and self-improvement is a journey, not a destination. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Each of these behaviors is a signpost along the way, indicating that you’re taking steps to change your life for the better. But remember, it’s not about ticking off boxes or rushing through stages. It’s about embracing the journey and recognizing that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.

In the words of Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

Every moment of self-reflection, every act of courage to step out of your comfort zone, every intentional decision to embrace positivity – these are all part of this process.

If you’re seeing these signs in your life, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. Reflect on your journey so far and look forward to the path ahead. You’re not just changing your life; you’re creating the life you want to live.