We learn from others who have gone before us - mentors, models, and poor examples as well. Wilferd Peterson's The Art of Living shares advice on being better and living better.
Here are quotes from his chapter on "Being Yourself."
"The art of being yourself at your best is the art of unfolding your personality into the man you want to be."
"A good place to begin is by having faith in yourself and your destiny."
"Don't stand in your own shadow; get your little self out of the way so your big self can stride forward."
"Follow the advice of Socrates: Know Thyself; know your strengths and your weaknesses;"
"Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life."
"...follow the wise axiom of Shakespeare, "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."
Peterson's message is to create a life of which you can be proud, with self-regulation, and work to become your best version.