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New Year, New You: How To Make Yourself A Priority In 2020

Looking Back

So the new year is here- and a new decade. Looking back at last year, and the ups and the downs, the wins and the losses, it’s easy to ask yourself, what could I have done differently?

On top of that, seeing all of those social media “perfect” relationships, and the constant humblebrags from your friends on their amazing wins, it’s easy to start believing that you are falling behind the curve. So how can you make yourself a priority this year?

Self-Care

We hear this term self-care constantly. But what does it actually mean? While acts of self-care will differ from person to person, the underlying behavior is the same for everyone.

Self-care is listening to your internal dialogue. And not just, “I am hungry”. Or “I am tired”. The internal dialogue may be, “I am not happy”. And “I want something more”, or “I am not being heard by my partner or employer”.

When you listen to your internal dialogue, you create an honest relationship with yourself. And through your own inner dialogue you make yourself a priority.

Remember self-care is not selfish. Self-care is a necessary behavior to create honest goals for yourself. And it is through self-care that you will discover what truly makes you happy.

Start Fresh

It IS the new year and the new decade, after all. And a new year means a fresh start. But where do you start? And how can you prioritize yourself this year while still being conscious of others? How can you make yourself a priority and still have time to practice self care and still fulfill all of your responsibilities? Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success this year.

Make a list

I know, making a list may sound silly, but writing things down is a solid way to take ownership of your goals. And it’s the start of taking yourself and your desires seriously. So grab a pen and paper and write down your ideal goals for this year, and DON’T HOLD BACK.

Start with allocating time for your goals. So if, realistically, you can carve out an hour a day or thirty minutes a day to work on your goals, then that is where you start.

Learn to say no

I understand you want to please your friends and family. And that you truly want to be there for them -whenever they need you. However, right now, YOU need you. The fate of your happiness is in your hands and it is up to you to prioritize your needs. Learn to politely turn down invitations and allocate that time for yourself. Your true friends and your family will understand.

The more time you give to yourself, the more time and energy you will be able to put towards your ideas and push those ideas along.

Find support

Let’s face it, nothing is done alone, and it is important that you find someone to confide in. Find friends or family that support you and that will encourage you to focus on your plan.

Be patient

Nothing longterm happens overnight. Be patient with your goals and encourage yourself to stay the course. So set your goals and check them off the list as you get things done. And even a small step forward should be celebrated.

Journal daily

Create a daily journal about how you are feeling and what you are setting out to do each day. Write out your goals before you go to bed the night before and in the morning reread what you wrote and get started.

Meditate and Manifest

Calm the mind from worry, and know that worrying won’t help you reach your goals. Focus on your past achievements and find the confidence to envision yourself accomplishing your goals. Create a mantra for yourself such as “I will practice self-care and put myself first,” and “I am in control of my own happiness”  and remind yourself of your mantra when you are meditating.

Seek inspiration

Whether it be a hobby, a form of exercise or volunteering at an animal shelter, find something to do in between the work and the planning that inspires you and feeds your soul.

Create strong self-care habits

The truth is, it may take some time for you to reach your goals. And once those are reached, you will find new ones that you will want to go after. Creating strong self-care habits will give you the confidence and energy to tackle your goals and to enjoy the success. So go ahead and make yourself a priority.

-Cheers to your sweet success!