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50 Times People Decided To Make A Change In Their Lives And Shared Pics Of Their Progress
It’s amazing to see more and more people embracing self-love. But self-love can look different for everyone—sometimes it means reading more, going on walks, getting extra sleep, or hitting the gym. Whatever form it takes, it’s all about taking care of yourself.
Some folks, however, took it to the next level with glow-ups so impressive they just had to share them online. Scroll down to see their incredible transformations and give them some well-deserved appreciation in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
It Only Took 5 Years To Become A New Person
Lost >220 lbs, went back to school and got my BSN, lived in 3 different cities, dyed my hair for the first time, had my first kiss, developed several meaningful friendships, took a last minute solo trip to Hawaii. Survived the daily battle of wanting to give up and evade all tomorrows.
RELATED:
#2
Not Sure If This Counts (32-33)
Therapy and my wife have been a life saver though and we’ve been working on taking care of myself now that I’m in a good headspace!
Wanting to change and become better as a person is both hard and exciting. It’s something so many of us dream about and look forward to, but actually starting and staying consistent is where it gets tricky.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve decided to turn my life around at 3 a.m., feeling unstoppable, only to wake up groggy and fall right back into old habits. It’s incredible how much effort real change takes once the initial spark fades.
#4
From Sad Dude (39) To Happy Lady (42)
But even though we hear it all the time, glowing up isn’t an endless uphill climb or just another motivational cliché.
Anti-burnout coach Thalia-Maria Tourikis reminds us that a real glow-up doesn’t mean doing everything at once or chasing perfection. It comes from small, intentional steps that help you feel stronger, calmer, and more like yourself—and the outer change naturally follows.
#5
Lost 50kg (110lbs) In 18 Months After A Rugby Injury, Started Rowing For My University, Got My Msc In Mathematics
#6
Around A Year Between These Photos
I’ve been recovering from anorexia on my own.
Lately I’ve been struggling with my difference in weight and appearance, wanting to go back to being underweight. But I try to look and remind myself that I felt terrible in the before pic, could barely function and was basically not alive. Can’t say I’m a whole lot happier right now but it’s also hard to see the light within the dark. I did the thing and I did it on my own!
Breadcrumb. 4 weeks ago
I'm recovered, and I wish I could tell my younger self to be kinder to myself.
As Thalia explains on her blog, the term “glow up” was originally used to describe beauty makeovers, but today it carries a much deeper meaning.
While it still refers to transformation and improvement, it’s no longer limited to physical appearance. Glowing up now means stepping into the best version of yourself—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
#7
Difference 11 Months Can Make
#8
12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice
#9
I'm Hoping I Haven't Peaked Yet
To avoid getting caught up in the toxic side of self-improvement, Thalia emphasizes that you’re the one who defines what your transformation looks like.
“My version means making my life 1% healthier and more balanced than the year before,” she says. “It’s about adopting certain habits that improve my daily well-being.”
#10
35 To 39. It's Been A Bit Surreal To Feel Like A Completely Different Person
#11
Here's A Small Comparison Of My Current Look With Old Me From Early 2020. The One That Suffered, Dealing With Some Serious Mental Health Problems
#12
16 To 27 - Thank God For The Beard
According to Thalia, the first step in any glow-up journey is shifting your mindset and making it a healthier one. “If you’re in a negative headspace and face resistance on your journey, then chances are you’ll most likely give up from frustration or fear,” she explains.
To become more open to change, start by believing you can improve, even when progress feels slow. Reframe limiting beliefs, write down daily affirmations, and repeat them until they stick. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it’s a supportive friend or an inspiring podcast, and set up your environment to help you succeed.
And most importantly, celebrate every win, no matter how small.
#13
Learning To Take Care Of Myself
#14
After Years Of Tooth Pain And Hiding My Smile, I Got Dentures! They Literally Made Me Smile
#15
How Did I Do?
Next, Thalia points out the importance of building emotional resilience. Life will always throw curveballs, and while you can’t control them, you can strengthen your ability to handle them.
To do that, make time each day to decompress and reset. Journaling, spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, getting enough sleep, or even seeking therapy can all help. The key is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
#16
What A 8 Year Difference Can Do
#17
(29) To (32) Stopped Drinking, Walked Every Morning, Proper Hydration And Sleep
#18
(36) To (41) I Get Knocked Down, But I Get Up Again
5 years ago, I finally got sick of the way I was living. Mentally/emotionally and physically I was at my worst. I had split up with my kids’ dad, became a single parent, and was dealing with some other unfortunate circumstances at the time, which was the catalyst for my change. I used intermittent fasting and keto to lose weight, and made some major mental shifts. Just a reminder of how far I’ve come!
Another thing Thalia encourages everyone to get comfortable with is setting boundaries.
“They are the rules and limits you put in place to stop being taken advantage of. Aka, they’ll be around a lot longer than most fake friends and toxic boyfriends,” she says.
Boundaries might seem selfish to some people, but they’re essential for protecting your peace, and you can’t truly glow up without them. That means learning to say no when needed and recognizing that it’s perfectly fine to remove yourself from situations that don’t feel right, all while staying respectful.
#19
I Feel Reborn
#21
17-21
That’s quite a transformation already, right? With your inner foundation in place, you can now turn your attention to the physical side of your glow-up.
Thalia recommends focusing on daily habits that actually serve you, like drinking enough water, moving your body, sleeping well, and eating balanced meals. Forget crash diets or all-night productivity sprints; slow consistency wins every time.
#22
22 To 32 – Late Bloomer To Say The Least, But I'm Finally Happy With My Looks
#23
4 Years Between The Photos
Used to really dislike how I looked but slowly and bit by bit I started to treat myself a lil nicer, didn't realize the difference till I saw it like this.
#24
(28) Morbidly Obese, [Suffering] To (33) Graduating And Thriving
Finally, Thalia suggests treating transformation like an experiment rather than a test. Try a 30-day challenge—maybe yoga, journaling, or reading—not to fix yourself but to learn what genuinely makes you feel good.
Her reminder is simple: you don’t need to reinvent everything at once. Pick one or two habits, stay consistent, and build from there.
#25
After 1.5 Years Of Sobriety And Fitness
#26
Four Year Transformation, All From Learning How To Take Care Of My Curls
The left picture was from my senior year in high school. I hated my curls and my boring, not-brown-but-not-blonde natural color all through my teenage years, so I did my best to destroy all of that. I got a relaxed curl perm, bleached it blonde, and straightened my hair 5-6 days a week, without using quality heat protectant. When I left for college, I stopped frequently using hot irons of any kind, only straightening/soft curling my hair every few months. I let my bleached blonde and the relaxed perm grow out and cut the dead and dry parts off every 3 months. I read up on what products were good and experimented with what worked for me! The right picture is today, and I've never felt more in love with my hair.
#27
380 Lbs At 36, 167 Lbs At 38
In the end, remember that your glow-up isn’t a finish line you cross and leave behind. It’s an ongoing process of becoming a little better, a little calmer, and a little more confident every day.
Or, as Thalia-Maria Tourikis puts it: “Wellness is a lifelong journey, not a check box item. So loosen that grip on wanting to fix absolutely everything at the same time, and take it step by step.”
#28
From Beginning Of College And Hating Myself To Nearly Done With Law School And Kinda Think I’m Pretty Damn Awesome
#29
4 Years Later (16-20)
Samantha H 3 weeks ago
A lot of the men on this post are real hotties, reminds me of what I am missing.
#30
New Lease On Life After Divorce
Crazy how much stress and unhappiness affects your body. Lost around 40lbs within 4 months after I filed for divorce. Feel like myself again.
Earthquake903 3 weeks ago
Don't I know it. Stress and unhappiness have done a gigantic number on me. These pics give me hope though.
#31
I Was The One Everyone Avoided In High School
#32
15 To 22! Still Working On Confidence
#33
"When I Loved Pizza & Was Insecure (17)" Versus "Still Love Pizza & Learned To Love Myself (25)"
#34
This Is One Of The Best Transformations I’ve Ever Seen
#35
(19) Depressed And Overweight (24) Thriving Physically And Mentally
There were a lot of ups and downs in the years between but I finally took this past year to focus on myself and my mental health and finally feel like I am in a good place!
Angela Corvaia 3 weeks ago
Again, do these people not have private bathrooms to take a selfie???
#36
2.5 Years Of Treatment, Best Decision Of My Life
Regime 1mg finasteride per day Switched from 5mg minoxidil to 2.5mg a few months ago and gains still been fine.
#38
17 To 23: How Far Some Self Care Can Take You
#39
(21) What 6 Months Of Consistency Looks Like
So I've been holding this in for a while. I used to weigh 86 kg, and now I'm around 60. I've lost 26 kg after months (honestly, years) of struggling with my body, food, and confidence. I even made a little glow-up video, but I can't bring myself to post it anywhere. It's not that I'm not proud | am. It's just that I keep thinking people will judge me, make fun of me, or think I'm showing off. I know it shouldn't matter what others think, but it still does. Part of me wants to celebrate how far I've come, and another part of me wants to hide because I still feel like that insecure version of myself. I don't know if anyone else has felt this way after a big transformation, proud but scared at the same time.
Earonn - 3 weeks ago
It's a pity - she achieved so much for herself and can't enjoy it because others destroyed her self-confidence for those few kg "too much". And, are those others happier now? No, they are the same unhappy, self-hating cvnts. They only made it harder for her. So, all you "I'm just caring for your health" fvcks: shut your mouth and instead of others' weight take care of your own ugly personality.
#40
What A Difference A Year Makes 28 Stone (178) Kg To 12 Stone (78) Kg
Didn’t lose it the healthiest way and it’s left me with a few problems but I’m getting better every day.
#41
Convinced My Friend To Start Hot Yoga With Me. 2 Years In And It’s Going Well
#43
I Went From 400lbs To Running A Half Marathon A Couple Weeks Ago
I fell in love with running, and I'm doing another half marathon on November 1, plus training for a full in 2026!
#44
This Whole Thread Makes Me Happy, I Thought I Was The Only One
#47
Decided I Needed A Shift From The Same Ol' Body - 350lbs Down To 194
I was super overweight my entire life. Mocked and shunned as a kid, tormented by mean little children, and then by my own mind.
I decided to drop some weight and become healthier and happier vs being tired, sad, overweight, and down on myself.
Overall, this transformation took a little over two years, and through that, I became vegan, I hyper-focused on my diet, and I became super active.
It was finally time to come to terms with my past and for the first time, I began to accept who I was, who I am, and who I'm determined to become not just for myself, but for my family.
Here's to 2025!
#48
14 Year Old Me vs. 34 Year Old Me
Romy Schneider 3 weeks ago
The first picture is 14? Thought 32 with 2 kids, a house and a boring job.
#49
Yes That’s A Spray Tan And Yes I’m Still That Pale Without It
#50
Hair Transplant Before And After
AI predicted age of before picture: 51 AI predicted age of after picture: 39 Actual age: 45
#51
23 To 30
Learned lots, lots to still learn, but living a life I never dreamed was possible for me is the best gift I could have given myself.
#52
Had My Facial Reconstruction Surgery 2 Months Ago. Was Called Megamind, Ken Griffey Jr, Jimmy Nuetron
8 weeks later, and feeling a lot more confident in how I look.
#53
80 Lbs Lighter, But Still Gotta Shave
#54
Few Year Difference
Went from an extremely horrible diet, low self-esteem and crippling social anxiety to flourishing! I’m now going to the gym everyday - and living a very healthy and active lifestyle!
I used to struggle a lot with myself because of my weight, so I completely understand the negative and debilitating impacts. I try my best to encourage people positively, especially at the gym!
#55
(26) Versus (27). A Lot Can Change In A Year
The picture/video on the left completely broke me. Still ate badly for the next 3 months after that. In January, my younger brother got sick with a rare kidney disease, and I decided to go all in on my health. Focused on WHAT I was eating instead of how much or how little. Decided to cut out all processed foods and sugars. These pictures are exactly one year apart.
Eat real food!
#56
Congrats! That's Something To Be Proud Of
#57
17-23 If I Ruled Time I'd Go Back, Give That Duckling A Hug, And Thank Them For Everything
#58
I Think I'm Finally Finding Myself
#59
Feeling Pretty Good About My Weight And Appearance Now Especially After Reconstructive Eye Surgery
#60
I’m Proud Of Myself For This
#61
Me Then vs. Me Now
Dog Mom to Zoe 3 weeks ago
Adopting a dog is ALWAYS an improvement on ones life and well being. :o)
#62
One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You
#63
26 vs. 37
#64
310 Lbs Doesn’t Look Good On Anyone
#65
16 - 23
#66
22 vs. 23 Post-Breakup Glowup
Hair loss and weight loss are a bit over a year of progress, and I started lifting one year ago!
#67
Puberty Hit Me Like A Freight Train
#69
I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist
#70
(21) To (22) Weight Loss, Skincare, Grooming, Sleep, Diet, Gym, Therapy
#71
[18]-[22]
#72
My Twin And I At 16 And The Emo Phase Was Definitely A Phase. And Now At 29
#73
I Did The Thing
#74
A Little Over Two Years Ago, I Started Something That Would Change My Life Forever. I Stopped Getting High, Stopped Drinking And Started Hiking
#76
19 To 29
I think the biggest thing I've learned and am still learning is to believe in yourself, chart your own path, and keep trying no matter what. Let's see what the next 10 years bring.
#77
17 vs. 19
I started eating healthier, being more active, improved my mental health by a lot, and aged a bit. Those are the biggest changes to me.
#78
Unhealthy vs. Healthy Hair
#79
Accepted The Fact I Was Losing My Hair And Grew My Beard Out For The First Time Ever
#80
10 To 20! My Nickname Used To Be "Uglie"
Brittania Kelli 3 weeks ago
Just covering a gross comment. Nothing to see here and there will be even less if more people down vote it.
#81
14 & 26. My Teeth Straightened Themselves
#82
(23) To (40)
Brandi VanSteenwyk 3 weeks ago
He looks MUCH younger than 40 in the after AND much older than 23 in the before.
#84
20 To 24: Picked Up The Tweezers
20: Only cared about school and getting good grades, quarantine, interned remotely, never put effort into how I looked.
24: Working in tech (office 2x/week), weight training 5x/week, more friends, started caring more because people are perceiving me now.
Besides lifestyle changes: 1ml lip filler is the only “surgical” change. Otherwise, regular blonde appointments, brow threading, mustache waxing. In general, I’m investing more into myself with other girly stuff like Russian manicures, facials, and perfumes. I have the time and the money now so I figured why not take advantage of it?
LakotaWolf (she/her) 3 weeks ago
Uh.... OP, do you actually WANT to do any of the "girly" stuff? Cuz it kind of doesn't come across that way.
#85
My Journey Over The Years 19 To 36
#86
Scheduled A Transplant… But My Hair Made A Comeback And Now I’m Confused (18 Months Progress)
I’ve got a hair transplant booked this May in Thailand—flight, hotel, and deposit all locked in. But now I’m second-guessing everything.
Lately, I’ve been growing it out and messing around with styling/products to hide the temples. After enough trial and error to make a L’Oréal chemist cry, I’ve landed on something that actually looks pretty solid. I feel more confident than I have in years.
#87
Just A Dad From 31 To 33
Started hitting the gym 4x a week with a calorie deficit for about 6 months. Also drastically reduced alcohol consumption and increased protein. From 225 to 165. I’ve been in the 165 range for about 6 months now. Trying to stay here.
#89
During The Worst Of My Health Problems, I Did Not Know About Carti. In The Past Few Years, I Worked On Fixing That
Now I'm a narcissist! Being healthy & living in the real world feels amazing. Me then vs. Me now.
#90
Not Your Average Transformation - 4 Year Progress 114-79kg 31yo
Lost 40 kg in 10 months. I’ve been developing my physique ever since. Debuted in men’s physique this year and took two 2nd places in regional competitions. Placed 10th out of 12 with the pros in the NPC Grand Prix.
Some additional info: During the first 7 months, I was doing 60 minutes of cardio per day and home workouts due to an incident at the factory I was working for, which made it difficult to breathe properly. During that time, I was on zero carbs and focused on cardio, push-ups, and abs workouts. I don’t recommend this approach. Also, if you’re doing weight loss like I did, baby oil can help prevent loose skin.
In May 2022, I returned to the gym, ready for new adventures. Maybe I’ll make a new post showing my year-by-year transformation.
And no, I didn’t do any hair transplants—my hair just grew back once my hormones were running correctly. I also use hair fibers, nothing special.
As for my diet, I’ve experimented a lot. Currently, carb-ups and carb-downs are what work best for me. I’ve been following a strict diet since 2021.
#91
Me 1 Year Ago vs. Me Now
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What do you think ?
Helena 3 weeks ago
Does it officially make me a bad human that I don't want to make how I look my second job?
Miriam Insidecor 3 weeks ago
I wish I had the motivation and discipline to workout more. I'd love to lose a bit of weight and tone up, but I'm so lazy.
CP 3 weeks ago
I was on the other end of a HS to adult glow up. A girl liked me all through HS, but I didn't feel the same. She was a sweet nice person, but I wasn't attracted to her. I saw her after college and wow! No regrets or anything, but since looks typically make the world easier, I was happy for her.
Helena 3 weeks ago
Does it officially make me a bad human that I don't want to make how I look my second job?
Miriam Insidecor 3 weeks ago
I wish I had the motivation and discipline to workout more. I'd love to lose a bit of weight and tone up, but I'm so lazy.
CP 3 weeks ago
I was on the other end of a HS to adult glow up. A girl liked me all through HS, but I didn't feel the same. She was a sweet nice person, but I wasn't attracted to her. I saw her after college and wow! No regrets or anything, but since looks typically make the world easier, I was happy for her.
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