11 Underrated Self-Improvement Tips to Become Your Best Self

Personal growth and self-development are often seen as lofty, ambitious and aimed at helping you achieve big goals and dreams. In this article I’m sharing an alternative method of bettering yourself. Here are 11 underrated self-improvement tips to become your best self.

DOES SELF-IMPROVEMENT SEEM UNREALISTIC OR COMPLICATED?

Bettering ourselves is one of the cornerstones of intentional living. Knowing what you want, how to get there and learning the skills as you go all help to build a life that feels meaningful and rewarding.

But I have to admit, when I browse the internet, or search for podcasts and audio books on personal development and self-improvement, they often leave me cold, or like they’re way too complicated.

I’m a busy mum with teenage kids, work a full time job alongside my blog and all the other responsibilities that come with adulthood. Although personal growth is hugely important, and even a hobby of mine, sometimes the strategies and tips just don’t feel realistic.

I don’t have excess time, money or energy to invest so I like to embrace a different way of becoming my best self! If all this sounds familiar, I’m so glad you’re here!

11 UNDERRATED SELF-IMPROVEMENT TIPS TO HELP YOU BECOME YOUR BEST SELF

Self-improvement is often seen as grand, life-changing efforts—waking up at 5am, intense goal-setting, or following the latest productivity trends. But real self-improvement doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most effective habits are the ones that get overlooked.

In our fast-paced world, we often dismiss simple, subtle ways to grow, even though they can have a massive impact on our well-being and success.

Here are 11 underrated self-improvement tips to help you become your best self, all while embracing a simpler and more intentional life.

1. Prioritising Rest as an Essential Part of Growth

We glorify busy schedules and pushing ourselves to the limit, but rest is not a luxury—it’s essential. Quality sleep, relaxation, and downtime allow our bodies and minds to recover, process, and prepare for the next challenge. Without enough rest, we burn out, make poorer decisions, and struggle to show up as our best selves.

Why It’s Underrated: Many people equate rest with laziness, but the truth is, slowing down makes us more productive and focused in the long run.

I used to think a nap during the day was lazy, but now I happily power nap if I’m feeling fuzzy in the head or tired in the body. It’s amazing what a difference a quick 15 minutes of rest can do for your productivity and energy levels!

2. Practising Deep and Intentional Listening

Listening is one of the most powerful tools for connection and personal growth. Instead of simply waiting for your turn to speak, practice being fully present in conversations. Pay attention to what people are saying, ask meaningful questions, and listen without judgment.

Why It’s Underrated: In a world of distractions, genuine listening is rare. Mastering this skill can improve relationships, expand your understanding, and help you become more thoughtful and empathetic.

3. Saying “No” More Often

Many of us feel pressured to say “yes” to everything—extra commitments, social events, and favours. Learning to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your values or well-being is a crucial skill for intentional living. Saying no can be difficult, so here are some gentle ways to say no without causing upset.

Why It’s Underrated: Society often rewards people-pleasing, but setting boundaries creates more time and energy for the things that truly matter.

4. Finding Joy in Small, Everyday Moments

Happiness isn’t just about big achievements; it’s also found in the little moments—the morning sun, a good book, a chat with a friend. Training yourself to appreciate these small joys can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.

Why It’s Underrated: People chase big milestones but miss the daily opportunities to experience happiness and contentment.

5. Practising Gratitude for What You Already Have

Rather than always striving for the next thing, take time to appreciate what you already have. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on your blessings each day can shift your mindset towards positivity and fulfilment.

Why It’s Underrated: Consumer culture convinces us we always need more, but gratitude helps us recognise that we already have enough.

I find that the more I practice gratitude, the more that gratitude extends to other parts of my life. It opens my eyes and makes me more aware of all the things I may have taken for granted otherwise.

6. Spending Time Alone Without Distractions

In a world full of constant stimulation, spending time alone—without screens or obligations—can be deeply restorative. Taking time for solitude allows you to reflect, recharge, and gain clarity on your life’s direction.

Why It’s Underrated: People often associate alone time with loneliness, but intentional solitude fosters self-awareness and creativity. My walks in nature are my quiet time and I often stride out without music or a podcast to keep me company so I can listen to my own thoughts and ideas instead.

7. Practising Mindful Eating

Eating mindfully—savouring your food, eating slowly, and appreciating your meals—can improve digestion, reduce overeating, and make mealtimes more enjoyable.

Why It’s Underrated: Many of us eat in a rush or while distracted, missing out on the nourishment and pleasure of food. Let’s practice more mindful eating and where possible, sit around the dinner table not perched with food on our lap whilst watching TV.

8. Letting Go of the Need for Perfection

Perfectionism keeps us stuck—whether it’s in our work, relationships, or self-improvement journey. Accepting that ‘good enough’ is often more than enough frees up time, energy, and mental space for what really matters.

Why It’s Underrated: Society tells us to constantly strive for more, but true peace comes from embracing imperfection and focusing on progress. As a recovering perfectionist (ok, this is a work in progress!), I know I actually achieve more and enjoy more when I’m not obsessing over doing it perfectly.

9. Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

The people around us influence our mindset, habits, and overall happiness. Choosing to spend time with those who uplift, support, and inspire you can drastically improve your well-being. If you’re unsure how this plays out in your own life, consider this…

Jim Rohn said you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. That’s a powerful reminder to be mindful of who you hang out with!

Why It’s Underrated: We often hold onto relationships out of habit or obligation, even when they no longer serve us.

10. Taking Breaks from Social Media

Constant scrolling can leave us feeling drained, distracted, and even inadequate. Taking intentional breaks from social media can help reduce comparison, increase focus, and improve mental clarity.

Why It’s Underrated: Social media is designed to keep us engaged, but stepping away can help us reconnect with real life and our own priorities. Is it time to take a digital detox and be more present in your own life?

11. Learning to Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination

We often believe happiness comes from achieving goals, but true fulfilment comes from embracing the process. Enjoying the learning, growth, and experiences along the way makes life more meaningful.

Why It’s Underrated: Society celebrates results, but personal growth happens in the journey itself. If only we were taught this more.

CONCLUSION

Self-improvement doesn’t have to be about extreme changes or rigid routines. Sometimes, the smallest shifts make the biggest difference. By embracing these underrated tips, you can create a more fulfilling, balanced, and intentional life—one step at a time.

And now, it’s over to you. Does self-improvement feel unrealistic or maybe even dry and boring? Or maybe you have some other tips you’d like to add? What does self-improvement mean to you and how has it changed the trajectory of your life?

I’d love to hear from you so please leave a comment at the end of the article.