This is an excerpt from my upcoming book, We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression.

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Treatment option 38: Visualizing your best self

Country singer Dolly Parton once said, “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.” To me, that isn’t just good advice–it is a mental health strategy.

No matter what psychological or emotional concerns my clients present with, my main goal for them is always the same. I want them to discover who their best self is, and how to be that version of themselves more often.

This isn’t lofty stuff. Being your best self is an achievable goal. This is you we’re talking about–you get to decide what actions and attitudes make you feel calm and confident. Remember, your best self isn’t just the one who made that game-winning goal or was publicly complimented by the owner of the company; it’s the everyday you, too. Best-self moments happen throughout the week, in a variety of situations: alone, at work, out with friends. Anytime you are proud of who you are and what you’re doing, you’re probably having a best-self moment. 

People talk a lot about the elusive spiritual experience we call inner peace, but to me, there’s nothing spiritual about it. When I like myself and my choices, I am at peace–even when I don’t feel particularly happy.

Who is your best self? Can you see them in your mind? What are they saying, wearing and doing? How do they walk? When in doubt about a course of action, visualize this person and ask yourself, “What would my best self do?” If helpful, write down some of your positive attributes and accomplishments and tape the list to your wall.

Come back to yourself. Find out who you are and do it on purpose.

If desired, add “visualizing your best self” to your depression treatment plan. Then decide on next steps and write them on your to-do lists.

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