Women Who Became a Better Version of Themselves Made Changes

Women Who Became a Better Version of Themselves Made Changes

Becoming a better version of yourself isn’t just a cliché—it’s a journey that many women embark on at different times in their lives. Whether it’s a big life event that acts as a catalyst or a gradual realization, making changes can lead to fulfilling and empowering transformations. Here are 15 changes women have made that have truly helped them blossom into their best selves. Grab a comfy seat and perhaps a cup of tea as we dive into these inspiring stories.

1. Breaking Free From the Chains of Self-Doubt

Self-doubt is like that annoying song that gets stuck in your head, only it plays on repeat in your mind telling you what you can’t do. For many women, silencing this inner critic was step one on their journey to self-improvement. They began by challenging those negative thoughts and replacing them with affirmations and self-belief. It’s not about arrogance, but about recognizing your own worth and potential. According to Psychology Today, challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with self-affirmations is a key strategy for overcoming self-doubt and building self-belief.

The change didn’t happen overnight; it was a gradual process of nurturing self-compassion. They focused on what they could do rather than what they couldn’t, celebrating small victories along the way. It’s like they say: you can be your own worst critic, but you can also be your best cheerleader. And when you start cheering for yourself, the world can’t help but join in.

2. Embracing the Art of Saying ‘No’

Learning to say ‘no’ can feel revolutionary, especially when you’re used to saying ‘yes’ to everything and everyone. Many women realized that their constant acquiescence was draining their time, energy, and spirit. Saying ‘no’ isn’t about being difficult or unkind; it’s about setting boundaries that protect your mental and emotional health. Women who mastered this art found they had more time for things that truly mattered to them, and their stress levels decreased significantly. Talkspace reports that learning to say ‘no’ is crucial for setting healthy boundaries and reducing stress levels.

Interestingly, they also discovered that people respected them more when they started prioritizing themselves. Saying ‘no’ empowered them to take control of their schedules and their lives. They learned to filter out the noise and focus on what truly aligned with their values and goals. It’s not just a word; it’s a powerful tool that can dramatically improve your quality of life.

3. Ditching Perfectionism for Progress

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Perfectionism is like running on a treadmill—you expend a lot of energy but ultimately go nowhere. Women who decided to let go of their perfectionist tendencies noticed a profound shift in their lives. They stopped striving for the unattainable and instead, aimed for progress. This change in mindset allowed them to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow without the paralyzing fear of failure.
According to Butterfly Counseling, letting go of perfectionism can lead to reduced stress and anxiety, allowing for more mental freedom and a greater sense of joy.

Giving themselves permission to be imperfect made them more approachable and genuine. It opened doors to authentic relationships and opportunities they wouldn’t have dared to pursue before. Progress over perfection became their mantra, and with each step forward, they felt more liberated. Life became less about ticking off checkboxes and more about the joy in the journey.

4. Prioritizing Self-Care Like a Daily Ritual

Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxury, but for many women, it became a necessary part of their routine. They realized that taking care of themselves wasn’t selfish but essential for their well-being. Whether it was a few moments of meditation, a morning run, or simply savoring a cup of coffee in peace, these acts became sacred rituals. Centerstone emphasizes that prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being for women.

By making self-care a priority, they found they had more energy and patience for others. It became a cornerstone of their personal growth, allowing them to recharge and face challenges with a clearer mind. Women who embraced self-care noticed improvements not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. By filling their own cup first, they were better equipped to pour into the lives of others.

5. Cultivating a Growth Mindset Over a Fixed One

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A growth mindset is like having a superpower that enables you to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Women who adopted this mindset found it transformative, leading them to embrace learning and development with open arms. They stopped viewing talents and abilities as fixed traits and instead saw them as skills that could be honed with effort and time.

This shift in perspective encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Mistakes became lessons rather than failures, and feedback turned into valuable insights. The focus was on growth, not perfection, making every experience a chance to learn and evolve. In essence, adopting a growth mindset allowed them to unlock potential they didn’t know existed within themselves.

6. Cleansing Toxic Relationships for Healthier Connections

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Letting go of toxic relationships can feel like detoxing your spirit, and many women found it crucial for their well-being. They made the tough decision to distance themselves from relationships that drained them rather than uplifted them. This wasn’t just limited to romantic partners but included friends, family, and colleagues who were negative influences.

After shedding these toxic ties, they found themselves surrounded by more supportive and positive people. Their mental and emotional health improved, and they realized the importance of having relationships that reciprocate love and respect. It wasn’t always easy, but it was a necessary step to create space for healthier, more fulfilling connections. They learned that sometimes, subtraction leads to addition in the most beautiful ways.

7. Setting Ambitious Goals and Actually Achieving Them

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Goal setting became more than just jotting down wishes on paper; it was a roadmap to success. Women who mastered this change didn’t just set goals—they set clear, actionable, and ambitious ones. They broke down large goals into manageable steps, celebrating each achievement along the way. This practice made daunting tasks less intimidating and more achievable.

Having a vision and taking consistent steps towards it boosted their confidence and sense of accomplishment. It taught them discipline and perseverance, essential traits in any personal development journey. By achieving their goals, they proved to themselves that they were capable of more than they’d ever imagined. Goal setting became a powerful tool, transforming dreams into reality, one step at a time.

8. Practicing Gratitude as a Daily Habit

Gratitude isn’t just a fleeting thought; for many women, it became a daily practice that shaped their perspective. By taking time each day to acknowledge what they were thankful for, they found a deeper sense of contentment and joy. This simple act shifted their focus from what was lacking to what was abundant in their lives.

Gratitude helped them cultivate positive emotions and build stronger relationships. It enhanced their resilience, allowing them to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. By appreciating the little things, they discovered a richness in life they hadn’t noticed before. This habit not only improved their mental health but also attracted more positivity into their lives.

9. Investing in Personal Development for Continuous Growth

Personal development became more than just a buzzword; it turned into a lifelong commitment for many women. They began investing time and resources into learning and growing, whether through courses, workshops, or self-study. This decision to continuously improve themselves was empowering and transformative.

By prioritizing personal growth, they expanded their knowledge, skills, and perspectives. They embraced change and welcomed new challenges, realizing that learning was a lifelong journey. This investment in themselves paid off in numerous ways, from career advancements to improved relationships. It was a reminder that the best project you’ll ever work on is yourself.

10. Embracing Vulnerability as a Strength

Vulnerability can often be seen as a weakness, but many women discovered its power and embraced it as a strength. They learned that opening up and showing their true selves led to deeper connections and authenticity. Vulnerability allowed them to express their feelings, ask for help, and share their stories without fear of judgment.

By being vulnerable, they fostered trust and empathy in their relationships. It created a safe space for others to be vulnerable too, strengthening their bonds and understanding. Embracing vulnerability taught them courage and resilience, proving that being open and honest is one of the bravest things you can do. It transformed their lives, allowing them to live more authentically and unapologetically.

11. Transforming Fear Into Fuel for Success

Fear can be paralyzing, but many women learned to transform it into a powerful motivator. Instead of letting fear hold them back, they used it as fuel to propel forward. They recognized that fear often accompanied moments of growth and change, and facing it head-on was the key to overcoming it.

By confronting their fears, they opened doors to new experiences and opportunities. It wasn’t about being fearless, but about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. This shift in attitude empowered them to take risks and embrace challenges with confidence. Transforming fear into fuel became a catalyst for success, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and into their potential.

12. Adopting a Lifestyle of Minimalism for More Meaning

Minimalism isn’t about living with nothing; it’s about making room for what truly matters. For many women, adopting a minimalist lifestyle was a path to finding more meaning and purpose. They began decluttering not just their physical spaces but their mental and emotional ones as well.

By letting go of excess, they discovered freedom and clarity. Minimalism taught them to prioritize quality over quantity and focus on experiences rather than possessions. This newfound simplicity led to more intentional living, where every choice was aligned with their values. It wasn’t just about having less but about making space for more—more joy, more peace, and more fulfillment.

13. Building a Support Network for Empowerment and Growth

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Having a strong support network can be a game-changer, and many women found it crucial for their personal growth. They surrounded themselves with people who inspired, encouraged, and uplifted them. This network wasn’t just about quantity, but quality—friends, mentors, and family who truly had their best interests at heart.

With a support system in place, they felt empowered to take on challenges and pursue their goals. It provided a sense of belonging and reassurance that they weren’t alone in their journey. Building a support network taught them the importance of giving and receiving help, creating a nurturing environment for growth. It became a source of strength, motivation, and inspiration.

14. Practicing Mindfulness for a Balanced Life

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Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation; it’s about being present in every moment. For many women, practicing mindfulness became a way to find balance and peace in their hectic lives. It allowed them to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the here and now.

Through mindfulness, they learned to manage stress and anxiety more effectively. It enhanced their awareness and focus, helping them make more thoughtful decisions. By being present, they found joy and gratitude in the simple things, enriching their daily experiences. Mindfulness became a cornerstone of their well-being, leading to a happier and more balanced life.

15. Empowering Themselves Through Financial Independence

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Financial independence is more than just a bank balance; it’s a form of empowerment that many women pursued. By taking control of their finances, they gained freedom and confidence. They educated themselves on financial literacy, budgeted effectively, and made informed decisions about saving and investing.

Achieving financial independence allowed them to pursue their dreams without financial constraints. It provided security and peace of mind, knowing they could support themselves and their loved ones. Empowering themselves financially opened up possibilities for personal and professional growth. It was an investment in their future, giving them the confidence to live life on their terms.

Georgia is a passionate story-teller and accomplished lifestyle journalist originally from Australia, now based in New York City. She writes lifestyle content for Bolde Media, publishers of Bolde, Star Candy and Earth Animals.