There comes a point in our lives when we need to pause and redefine who we have become. This is perhaps one of the toughest challenges that we will have to face — after all, it involves observing, changing and reshaping ourselves. There might not be such a thing as a “life expert” that can answer all of life’s questions, but there’s just one person who can fill that role — our own self. No one knows our own life and feelings any better than we do.

We need to reflect deeply, be ready to make the necessary changes for the life we’ve always wanted and finally, we need to keep in mind that no one else can make this possible but ourselves. We need to pause and reflect on the achievements of our past, the reality of our present and the importance of our future goals.

We also need some guidance on how to go about it. Some inspiring quotes and statements will definitely help and encourage us for this transformation. We need to observe, accept and adapt our actions, to redefine and change ourselves into a better human being.

1) Believe that you can change and redefine yourself. That self-belief is very important to achieve anything in life. Firm determination and faith in our own abilities will help us attain fulfillment in our lives.  

2) Redefine your boundaries and limitations based on your needs (not your wants).

3) Accept that feeling frustrated or overwhelmed is the result of your perspective. Perspective of one’s life and situation may vary from person to person in a similar situation. Sometimes another person’s perspective can be helpful. 

4) Refuse to allow your insecurities to drive your behavior. Many of our behavior and actions are dictated by our fears and insecurities. Find the root of your insecurities and note the evidence against these irrational claims. It helps to overcome them.

5) Accept people’s input, but remember you don’t always have to agree with their opinion or approach. Analyze thoroughly and take an informed decision.

6) Make it a point to understand yourself and others. Understanding our own self is the first step in understanding others. That will help in fostering healthy relationships.

7) Stand apart from a situation when necessary, despite your emotional investment. Accept that improving a relationship might mean adapting or leaving it and moving on with life.

8) Accept that the obsession with being a perfectionist will lead to a perfect state of stress and emotional nonacceptance of your life. All of us have some flaws, defects, weaknesses and shortcomings. Once we recognize and accept them, we can strive to eliminate them.

“When I can accept myself as I am, then I can change.”  — Carl Rogers

9) Be a witness to the mechanics of your mind and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Catch yourself having negative thoughts and feelings about yourself and make a note of it. Compose positive thoughts and repeat them to yourself daily.

“Relentless, repetitive self-talk is what changes our self-image.” — Denis Waitley  

10) Approach new ideas with an open mind. We can never change, progress or evolve to a higher level with a frog in the well attitude. Learning from our mistakes is being intelligent. Learning from others mistakes is being wise. Be receptive to new ideas and concepts. Let knowledge and wisdom freely flow towards us from all direction, without any self-created obstruction.

11) Help someone when you notice they need it. Helping anyone when they ask for it is good, but helping those who need it but won’t ask for it, is great.

“We can gradually grow into any condition we desire, provided we first make ourselves in habitual mental attitude the person who corresponds to those conditions.” — Thomas Troward

“Everyone makes blunders. Only the spiritually inclined can turn them into knowledge for progress. Spiritual advancement comes from improving one’s behavior. It comes from learning from one’s mistakes. Mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn.” — Bodhinatha Veylanswami

Smile more often.