How To Improve Yourself: 12 Life Advice That Actually Works The Chill Prescription

Everyone wants to know how to improve yourself, but let’s be honest—most self-help advice feels repetitive. Be positive. Work hard. Never give up. You’ve heard it before.

But real growth comes from experience, hard lessons, and listening to those who have been there before. That’s why we turned to Reddit’s most upvoted wisdom—advice from people who’ve learned these lessons the hard way.

If you’re looking for practical ways how to improve yourself, this is the raw, real-life advice you actually need.

1. Take Care of Your Body and Mind First

“How you treat your body when you’re young is how your body will treat you when you’re older.” – Reddit User

Your physical and mental health are the foundation of everything else. You can’t improve your life if you’re constantly exhausted, stressed, or unhealthy.

✔ Move your body daily—even short walks count.
✔ Drink more water and stop surviving on caffeine.
✔ Prioritize mental health just as much as physical health.

The best version of yourself starts with taking care of yourself first.

2. The Relationship You Have With Yourself Shapes Everything Else

“The relationship you have with yourself is the relationship you have with the world.” – Reddit User

If you want to know how to improve yourself, start by improving the way you treat yourself.

✔ Stop negative self-talk. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
✔ Set boundaries. Not everyone deserves access to your time and energy.
✔ Do things that make you proud. Self-respect grows when your actions align with your values.

Knowing how to improve yourself is one thing—actually taking action is another. The biggest obstacle to personal growth is often procrastination. If you struggle with motivation, this guide on how to stop procrastinating will help you break the cycle and take action today.

3. Believe People When They Show You Who They Are

“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Reddit User

One of the biggest mistakes we make is ignoring red flags. If someone repeatedly disappoints, lies, or disrespects you—believe their actions, not their words.

✔ If a friend is only there when it’s convenient for them, believe it.
✔ If a partner keeps crossing your boundaries, believe it.
✔ If a coworker undermines you, believe it.

Hoping someone will change rarely works. Protect your peace by accepting people as they are.

4. Learn to Detach and Start Over When Needed

“Learn the art of detachment. Be disciplined, take risks, and don’t be afraid to start over.” – Reddit User

If something isn’t making you happy or helping you grow, it’s okay to let it go.

✔ End one-sided friendships that drain you.
✔ Leave jobs that make you miserable.
✔ Walk away from relationships that hold you back.

Starting over isn’t failure—it’s how you learn how to improve yourself.

5. Listen to Your Gut—It’s Usually Right

“Listen to your gut feeling around people you don’t feel comfortable with.” – Reddit User

Your instincts exist for a reason. If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it.

✔ If someone gives you a bad vibe, trust that feeling.
✔ If an opportunity feels off, don’t force it.
✔ If a relationship is constantly draining, it’s not the right one.

You don’t need proof to trust your gut—your intuition is the proof.

6. Holding Onto Hate and Resentment Hurts You More Than Anyone Else

“Hate is poison. So is booze. You’ll never regret abstaining from either.” – Reddit User

Carrying anger and grudges only drains you. Letting go doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior—it means choosing your peace over pain.

✔ Forgive for your own freedom, not for them.
✔ Replace anger with indifference—it’s the real power move.
✔ If alcohol is keeping you stuck in bad decisions and regret, it might be time to cut back.

7. Work Will Always Be There—Life Won’t

“My dad died last year at 71. He wanted to travel a lot more. Don’t wait—book the trip now. Work will always be there demanding more from you until you’re dead.” – Reddit User

Let that sink in.

✔ Your job will replace you in a week if you die.
✔ Your kids will only be young once.
✔ Your body won’t always be able to do what you put off.

We work so hard to save, build, and achieve, but the most valuable thing in life is time. Use it wisely.

8. Money Matters—But It’s Not Everything

“Good credit and savings have absolutely nothing to do with becoming the best version of yourself. Yes, be smart with money. But don’t forget what truly matters.” – Reddit User

✔ Yes, money is important—but once your basic needs are met, chasing more won’t make you happier.
✔ Don’t let financial stress stop you from living. Some experiences are worth spending on.
✔ Invest in memories, relationships, and health, not just your bank account.

Improving yourself isn’t just about mental and physical growth—your financial mindset plays a huge role in shaping your future. If you want to break free from limiting beliefs about wealth and success, this guide on money mindset will help you shift your perspective.

9. The Small, Consistent Habits Shape Your Future

Most people think self-improvement comes from big, dramatic changes. In reality, it’s the small, consistent habits that create real transformation.

✔ Read for 10 minutes a day.
✔ Move your body—just do something.
✔ Say no to things that drain you.
✔ Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
✔ Do the hard thing today, so tomorrow is easier.

10. How to Improve Yourself by Developing Emotional Intelligence

Being smart is great, but being emotionally intelligent will take you further in life.

✔ Learn to manage your emotions instead of reacting impulsively.
✔ Improve your ability to read people and situations.
✔ Develop empathy—it makes relationships stronger and conflicts easier to handle.

Emotional intelligence affects everything—your work, relationships, and overall happiness.

11. How to Improve Yourself by Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Every major level-up in life happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

✔ The best opportunities come from taking risks.
✔ Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a step toward it.
✔ If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.

If you truly want to learn how to improve yourself, get used to discomfort—it’s where real growth happens.

12. How to Improve Yourself by Expanding Your Perspective

The easiest way to stay stuck is to only surround yourself with people who think exactly like you.

✔ Read books and listen to ideas from different cultures and viewpoints.
✔ Have conversations with people who challenge your beliefs.
✔ Travel if you can—seeing new places shifts your perspective on life.

Growth comes from learning, questioning, and evolving. Staying in a bubble of familiarity won’t teach you how to improve yourself.

The Best Way How to Improve Yourself? Take Action Today

Reading life advice is easy. Applying it is what creates change.

If you want to know how to improve yourself, start with one small change this week. Whether it’s setting a boundary, trusting your gut, or making time for what truly matters—small steps lead to big changes.

And remember: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep growing.

Improving yourself is an ongoing process. If you’re ready to dive deeper into self-growth, healing, and emotional resilience, this guide on reparenting yourself is the perfect next step on your journey.