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Stop Trying to Become "The Best Version of Yourself"

Psychiatrist Caroline Depuydt argues the popular self-help slogan can fuel perfectionism. A healthier question: how can I become a little better than I was yesterday?

Brain Geek News DeskJuly 2, 2026Source: Psychiatry and psychological well-being research
"Become the best version of yourself" has become one of the most popular slogans in self-help culture. But according to psychiatrist Caroline Depuydt, this well-intentioned phrase can sometimes do more harm than good.
The problem is that it suggests there is a perfect version of ourselves waiting to be achieved. This can create constant pressure, fuel feelings of inadequacy, and encourage people to measure their worth against an unrealistic ideal.
Psychologists increasingly emphasize that mental well-being is less about chasing perfection and more about accepting personal growth as an ongoing process. Progress is rarely linear. Everyone experiences setbacks, periods of doubt, and moments of vulnerability — and these are normal parts of human development.
Instead of asking, "How can I become the best version of myself?", experts recommend a different question: "How can I become a little better than I was yesterday?" This shift encourages self-compassion, sustainable habits, and realistic goals rather than perfectionism.

Brain Geek Take

Your brain doesn't need perfection to grow — it needs repetition, learning, and patience. Lasting change comes from small improvements practiced consistently, not from chasing an impossible ideal.
➡️ Related reading: Neuroplasticity Explained and Cognitive Biases That Influence Your Decisions on Brain Geek to discover why personal growth is a gradual process shaped by the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt.

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