Creating Your Best Self: Let George Bernard Shaw Guide You to Your Dream Life

In a recent episode of my Monday Motivation Podcast, we explored the above thought-provoking quote from George Bernard Shaw.

It's a powerful message that reminds us that we hold the pen to write our own story.

Let's explore how we can actively create our best selves and live a life we truly love.

When we hear "finding yourself," it often implies that our true selves are hidden somewhere, waiting to be discovered.

But what if we focused on "creating ourselves"?

This shift in perspective empowers us to take control and shape our lives intentionally.

Here are some actionable tips to help you live out this quote and create the life you desire.

Tip 1: Know Your Dreams & Set Clear Goals

First, define what you want. Without clear goals, you're like a ship without a compass. Reflect on your dreams, passions, strengths, and what truly excites you. Write down your goals, both big and small, and make a plan to achieve them. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – the SMART criteria.

Think about where you want to be in 1 year, 5 years, or even 10 years. What steps can you take today to move closer to those dreams? It's all about creating a roadmap for your journey. This is something I share in the Your Dream Life Starts Here online course.

...and here's a brilliant (free!) exercise that can help you get clarity on your dreams. Click here.

Tip 2: Embrace Change

Creating yourself means embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they seem challenging or intimidating. Each experience, whether successful or not, adds to your growth. Remember, the magic happens outside your comfort zone.

Change can be messy, but it's exciting if you have the right attitude and the right support around you.

When you get through the hard parts of it, it can feel amazing.

Tip 3: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Adopt a growth mindset, the self-belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with your own curiosity, effort and persistence.

This mindset encourages you to view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles. When you encounter setbacks, remind yourself that they're a natural part of the learning process.

Start by recognizing your fixed mindset triggers. When do you feel like giving up or doubting yourself?

Challenge those thoughts and replace them with growth-oriented affirmations. For example, instead of saying, "I can't do this," say, "I can't do this yet, but I’m learning and improving every day."

Tip 4: Surround Yourself with Positivity

Who you spend your time with significantly impacts your self-creation journey.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who inspire and motivate you. Seek out mentors, join communities that align with your goals, and distance yourself from negativity.

If you don’t have that community yet, join our Dream Life Coaching Program – or our virtual book club GROW - both are full of inspiring individuals creating the life of their dreams.

Think about the people in your life who lift you up. How can you spend more time with them?

And conversely, consider those who drain your energy. How can you set boundaries to protect your positive mindset?

Tip 5: Practice Self-Care 

Creating yourself also means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. Regular self-care practices like meditation, journaling, walking in nature, exercise, healthy eating, and hobbies you love can significantly impact your overall well-being and productivity.

When you feel good, you’re more equipped to create the life you want.

Make a self-care plan that works for you.

Maybe it's a morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the day or an evening ritual that helps you unwind. Whatever it is, prioritize it just as you would any other important task. 

Tip 6: Seek Continuous Learning

Invest in your personal and professional development. Take courses, attend workshops, read books, and seek knowledge that aligns with your goals. Continuous learning not only enhances your skills but also keeps you adaptable and open to new opportunities.

In GROW – my virtual book club – we read one book a month. It's inspiring to read, implement what we learn, and then discuss it. It really deepens the learning when you share what you will do, and a book club also helps you keep reading.

Identify areas where you want to grow and actively seek resources to help you improve.

This could be anything from learning a new language, mastering a professional skill, or even exploring a new hobby.

Tip 7: Reflect and Adapt

Regular self-reflection is crucial in the process of self-creation. Take time to review your progress, celebrate your achievements, and learn from your mistakes. Adapt your strategies based on what you discover.

Flexibility is key to navigating the journey of self-creation. This is why we plan each quarter in the Dream Life Coaching Program.

Imagine treating the next quarter as a mini year, focusing on your top three dreams, and then reflecting and learning after three months. It's incredible how much more productive we get when we run our quarters like that.

This is what the June focus is in the Dream Life Coaching Program – I just love it!

Set aside time each week for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like:

What went well this week?

What could I have done differently?

What did I learn about myself?

Use these insights to make informed adjustments to your plans.

Wrap Up

Remember that creating yourself is a continuous, ever-evolving journey.

It's about making conscious choices every day that align with your true desires and values. Take control, be proactive, and never stop creating the best version of yourself.