20 Things to Begin Doing for Yourself
How frequently do you revisit the aspirations and goals you’ve sidelined for “later”? Life is often a whirlwind, filled with responsibilities that cause us to prioritize others over ourselves. As a result, your own needs can feel trivial, unurgent, or insignificant.
Take a moment to reflect: do any of the following resonate with you?
- You often agree to do things that you don’t truly want to do.
- You find yourself absorbing others’ emotional burdens, despite knowing it drains your own energy. You may struggle to establish boundaries.
- You tend to berate yourself for minor mistakes, dwelling on them for far too long.
- Your fear of judgment prevents you from exploring opportunities or trying new experiences.
- You’ve internalized messages that it’s “too late” for you to change, to explore new avenues, or to start over.
Remember this: it’s never too late. There’s always an opportunity to change and to do something for yourself.
20 THINGS TO BEGIN DOING FOR YOURSELF
1. LEARN TO SAY “NO”
As someone who has worked on overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, I can attest that saying “no” was initially challenging. It was often easier for me to endure discomfort than to simply decline an opportunity with a straightforward “no, thank you.”
How often do you agree to things out of obligation rather than desire? Recognize that it’s perfectly acceptable to say “no.” Setting boundaries is healthy and essential. Practice saying it without guilt.
2. FACE YOUR PROBLEMS HEAD-ON
Having unresolved issues weighing on your mind can be exhausting. They linger in your thoughts at bedtime and resurface upon waking. Take a moment to write down one small step you can take right now to address these problems. Remember, procrastination will not solve anything—take action, even if it’s a tiny one. Often, the challenges we fear aren’t as daunting as they seem.
3. MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITY
In our drive to push through fatigue, we often overlook our own needs. Balancing duties—whether as a parent, partner, or professional—can be draining. Recognize that while it’s crucial to support others, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Make time for yourself: enjoy lunch with a friend, read a few pages of a book, or treat yourself to coffee from your favorite café. Your well-being matters.
4. BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF
Observe how you speak to yourself. Do you often criticize yourself after a setback? Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. It’s important to foster a positive self-dialogue.
5. CELEBRATE OTHERS’ SUCCESS
This can be challenging due to feelings of envy, especially when you’re working hard for your own success. Shift your perspective: view someone else’s achievements as proof that your goals are attainable. Allow their successes to inspire you rather than breed resentment. Let go of comparison and focus on your own journey.
6. FORGIVE AND LET GO
Learn to forgive, not only others but also yourself. Holding onto grudges serves no purpose. Embrace the courage to forgive your past mistakes, freeing yourself to move forward.
7. TAKE SMALL STEPS EVERY DAY
Continual growth is essential. Small steps can lead to significant changes. Remember that every major accomplishment begins with a tiny action.
8. APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS
You don’t have to wait for grand events to celebrate. Recognize and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments; joy can often be found in the small things.
9. TAKE A MENTAL DAY OFF
While it isn’t always practical to take a full day off, consider dedicating a few hours each week to clear your mind. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying nature, prioritize disconnecting from distractions and nurturing your mental health.
10. BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF
“Be yourself—not what you think others expect you to be.” ~ Henry David Thoreau Each day, you’re bombarded with opinions on how to live or who to become. Break free from societal expectations and embrace your unique self. You’re irreplaceable, and your individuality is your strength.
11. NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Many of us experience the drifting apart from once-close friends due to life’s demands. Make an effort to reconnect—not just with distant friends, but with those you interact with daily. Quality time spent together can rekindle bonds. Try new activities together to create lasting memories; the connections we nurture can bring joy to our lives.
12. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR PASSIONS
Revisit hobbies you once loved, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or reading. Set aside time in your schedule for activities that bring you joy. Treat this time with the same importance as other appointments.
13. CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
How often do you acknowledge your achievements? Many of us achieve a goal only to quickly shift focus to the next one. Regardless of how small they seem, take the time to celebrate every success; each step counts on your journey.
14. EMBRACE THE PRESENT
This moment is all you truly have. Focus on being present rather than wishing to be elsewhere. Your life unfolds now, and appreciating each moment—even the mundane—can alleviate worries and anxieties. Use mindfulness techniques to help anchor yourself in the present.
15. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS
Letting go can be tough, especially with long-term friendships. If a relationship consistently drains you and fosters negativity, it may be time to reevaluate your connection. Prioritize relationships that uplift and support you.
16. CARE FOR YOUR BODY
Nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated. Opt for healthier food choices, stay active, and treat your body with respect. Small daily habits, like stretching and getting fresh air, contribute to long-term wellness.
17. EMBRACE YOUR FEARS
Stepping outside your comfort zone is where growth happens. Try new experiences, even if they intimidate you. Facing your fears can build confidence and resilience—it’s essential to pursue the things you’ve longed to do.
18. CULTIVATE A GRATITUDE PRACTICE
Engaging in daily gratitude can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what you appreciate in life. This practice helps you recognize the abundance around you and decreases stress related to challenging circumstances.
19. STOP WAITING AND START DOING
If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, you may find yourself waiting indefinitely. Take action now. Embrace the wisdom of Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
20. SPREAD LOVE
One of the most important actions you can take is to extend more love—both to yourself and to others. Show kindness in your choices and interactions. In a world that can appear harsh, your efforts can help foster a more compassionate environment. Remember, kindness can make a remarkable difference.
