8 Uncomfortable Signs You Are Becoming A Better Person

The self-improvement road can be daunting and seemingly never-ending. Between conflicting advice and social media pressure, have you ever felt as if you’re making no progress in becoming the best version of yourself possible? Or maybe no matter how hard you try, you can’t tell whether you’re truly becoming a better person, or all the self-improvement stories are really scams. The classic teen story about someone going out of their comfort zone and completely reinventing themselves all packed into a two-hour movie has probably set most of us up for disappointment. In reality, making yourself better is a slow and sometimes both frustrating and uncomfortable journey. Whether it happens naturally over time as you get more mature, or you make a conscious effort to improve, the results can go unnoticed. They can be subtle, which might make you feel as if all your efforts are going to waste. However, seemingly small changes both matter and add up to make a large difference. Curious as to signs you’re really improving yourself? Keep reading for 8 signs you are becoming a better person!    

1. You are self-aware   

Answering the big questions in life, such as what is my purpose, when do I truly feel happy, and what kind of person do I want to be, takes a lot of thought and maturity. You may need to meditate, or you may need more life experience to answer them. As hard as they are to answer, figuring out your character, feelings, motives, and desires is key to gaining a deep understanding of yourself, thus being a better person. Being self-aware will also help you navigate in life in general since you truly what you both feel and want.    

2. You are conscious of your effect on other people    

Like understanding yourself, understanding how you affect the world and people is a huge part of being the best version of yourself possible. You have the power to affect other people, which is great, but, as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man said, “with great power comes great responsibility,” also known as the Peter Parker principle. Understanding how much you can either help or hurt people means you can choose to be polite, tell the truth, apologize to people, and try to control your reactions to things that may upset you. After all, being a good person means lifting up those around you, not tearing them down.  

3. You accept your shortcomings and mistakes  

Every one of us wants to be perfect. From seeing gorgeous actors on screen all day to hearing all about everyone else’s greatest achievements, there is so much pressure to be flawless. However, the bottom of the line is no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. We’re not impeccable characters in a book, nor are our lives going to be like a K-drama. It can be hard to realize and accept, but letting go of ridiculously high standards and ideals for yourself is a huge sign of maturity. It might also make you happier to know that despite what social media may portray, no one or thing in life is truly picture perfect.    

4. You are okay with being vulnerable around others   

It depends on the person or people you’re with, but part of becoming a mature person is realizing that it’s okay to be vulnerable. It doesn’t make you weak or inferior. I’m sure all of us can relate to being scared of opening up to people. Whether it be fear of getting judged or fear of showing weakness to others, being vulnerable can be mortifying. However, suppressing your feelings and refusing to ask for help are very unhealthy thought processes. Understanding that putting yourself emotionally out there and asking for help are normal and human parts of life is important. It might take some time, and you don’t have to rush into anything, but when you’re ready, chances are others will be ready to listen.             

5. You find the actual causes of your problems   

Sometimes, finding a quick solution or avoiding a problem can seem like the way to go. It’s easier and takes less time, but it doesn’t really solve the problem. It may be hard, but finding the root of your problem will help you solve it and learn in the long run. For example, instead of fixing the fact you’re sad by watching a funny movie to cheer up, focus on why you’re sad, and if you can do anything about it. It may take some getting used to, but figuring out the whys and hows of a problem is much better than simply trying to fix its symptoms.   

6. You are more selective with the people you spend time with  

As we mature, our tastes in friends change. Perhaps when you were younger, you focused on the number of friends or coolness of friends due to school popularity or trying to gain connections. However, as you better yourself, you might find yourself wanting closer friendships with people who are more understanding, conversational, and supportive. This just means that you want people around you who are truly good for you, which is a sign of becoming more mature and thinking about your needs more.  

7. You make your own decisions  

When you’re making a big decision, it can be easy to get swept up into what others want and their expectations. Of course, it’s okay to take advice from other people, but it’s important to stay strong and true to what you want as well. Being a better person means being able to trust and have faith in yourself.  

8. You ask more questions   

Getting to know more about the world around you is a great way to learn more about different people, places, and more. Instead of burying your head in your phone and following the crowd, you can ask more about so many things. It’s not only a sign of you becoming a better, more engaged person, it’ll also help you become more versed and knowledgeable.   

While the journey to becoming the best version of yourself is long, it’s also immensely rewarding. These seemingly small changes might make your life drastically better over time. Self-improvement doesn’t happen overnight, so above all, remember to be patient and gentle with yourself. You’re trying your best!   

Are you trying to become a better person? Have you noticed any of these signs? Feel free to leave a comment about your journey or thoughts!