Life’s a rollercoaster, and we’re constantly being pushed to be better, do better, and achieve more. But let’s be real, accepting yourself as you are feels like a radical act. Just to be clear, self-acceptance isn’t about settling or giving up on growth—it’s about embracing your true self, flaws and all, and being just fine with who you are right now.

But that’s easier said than done, right? So, here’s a practical guide to helping you develop self-acceptance and live more fully as you.

1. Understand What Self-Acceptance Really Means

Self-acceptance is all about recognizing and embracing all parts of yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and imperfections—without judgment. It’s not about ignoring areas for improvement or pretending you’re perfect. Instead, it’s about saying, “This is who I am today, and that’s enough for now anyway.”

Try this: Write down what self-acceptance means to you. Is it forgiving past mistakes? Embracing your body? Accepting your unique personality? Defining it helps you to focus.

2. Silence Your Negative Self-Talk

We all have that voice in our heads that points out every flaw or misstep. To accept yourself, you need to challenge this inner critic and replace its harsh words with softer ones.

• Notice the voice: When negative self-talk creeps in (e.g., “I’m not good enough”), pause and acknowledge it without letting it take over.

• Reframe the narrative: Instead of “I failed,” try “I tried, and I learned.” Reframing shifts your perspective from judgment to growth.

• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself as you would a good friend. If your friend made a mistake, would you berate them or offer support? Extend that kindness to yourself.

Try this: For one week, keep a journal of your inner critic’s comments. Next to each, write a compassionate counter-statement. Over time, this rewires your self-talk.

3. Immediately Stop the Comparison Crap

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough because of what others are doing? Social media, society, and even your friends can make you feel like you’re falling behind. But guess what? Everyone’s journey is different, and someone else’s highlight reel doesn’t make you less worthy.

Here are some tips to help you feel better about yourself:

* Control what you allow in your head: If certain social media accounts or content make you feel bad about yourself, unfollow them or limit how much you see of them. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself.

* Focus on your path: Celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Your progress is your own journey, and it’s all about you.

Here’s a fun trick to try: When you catch yourself comparing yourself to others, try to focus on one thing you’re proud of about yourself. It could be something you accomplished recently or just how strong you are.

Now, let’s talk about embracing your imperfections. Perfection is an illusion, and chasing it can keep you from appreciating who you truly are. Your imperfections make you human, relatable, and unique.

Here are some ways to embrace your imperfections:

* Reframe flaws as strengths: Maybe your stubbornness is also determination. Your sensitivity might be a gift of empathy.

* Laugh at your quirks: Humor can help you feel less self-conscious. Love the way you snort when you laugh or how you always misplace your keys—it’s all part of what makes you who you are.

Here’s a fun exercise to try: Write a letter to one of your perceived “flaws.” Thank it for what it has taught you or how it has shaped you. This exercise can help you feel more grateful for your whole self. As weird as this sounds, it’s actually a pretty cool thing to do. Have some fun with it; you will likely be surprised by the outcome.

Lastly, let’s look at a few quick tips that you can use whenever you’re not exactly loving who you are. But know that these are not about changing who you are; these are about knowing what you need to do in order to thrive.

1. Let Go of the Past: Holding onto past mistakes or regrets can weigh you down and make self-acceptance feel tough. We know forgiving others is important for our mental health. But guess what? Forgiving yourself is a superpower that can help you move forward and feel more confident.

2. Surround Yourself with Supportive People: The people you spend time with can have a big impact on how you see yourself. Seek out relationships that uplift and validate you, and distance yourself from those who criticize or make you feel bad about yourself.

3. Celebrate Your Growth: Self-acceptance doesn’t mean you stop growing—it means you appreciate where you are and stay open to where you’re going. Reflect on how far you’ve come, and give yourself credit for all the hard work and effort you’ve put in.

Final Thoughts: YOU ARE ENOUGH

Self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. You’ll have days when you feel totally at peace with yourself and others, but then doubt will creep in. That’s totally okay! Every step you take towards embracing who you are builds a solid foundation of confidence.

Start small, be patient, and remember: you don’t need to be anyone else to be worthy of love, respect, and happiness. You are enough; you are more than enough, way more than enough, just as you are.

So, what’s one way you’ll practice self-acceptance today? Share it in the comments below.