In this episode, Dr. Maria challenges the common idea of striving to become "the best version of yourself." While it may sound motivating, this phrase can imply that there are lesser versions of yourself that need to be fixed or replaced. Dr. Maria explains that you are already the best version of yourself because you are the only version that exists. She compares this idea to constantly updating technology, where updates may not always lead to improvement. Dr. Maria highlights how self-improvement programs often reinforce the belief that we are inadequate and need to become better, leading to a cycle of feeling insufficient. She shares a personal story about someone who spent a large sum on self-improvement programs driven by feelings of inadequacy, only to later realize that addressing these feelings led to healthier choices. Instead of focusing on flaws, Dr. Maria encourages listeners to reflect on their strengths and what they already do well. She suggests keeping a journal for 30 days to note one positive thing done each day, helping to reframe the mind to focus on successes rather than shortcomings. The key message is that you don’t need to "become" better; you already are the best version of yourself. Embrace your uniqueness and recognize the energy you bring into the world.
"You are already the best version of yourself, because you are the only version of yourself." – Dr. Maria Nemeth