Modern Goddess Magazine

Now that the New Year is finally here, many of you are making your New Year’s resolutions. After a whirlwind of family gatherings, and shopping you are left to reflect on your accomplishments and goals from 2007.   If you struggle with self-esteem and self-worth then you probably are concentrating on all that hasn’t been completed instead of all that has been done.

I am here to tell you to STOP thinking those negative thoughts! 

Make a New Year’s resolution to love yourself and treat yourself better!  When you look back at 2007 don’t just focus on what you didn’t accomplish, ask yourself instead why you didnt get it done? How can you complete it in 2008? Praise yourself for all that you did get done.

Reward all your successes, no matter how small they may seem.  Set yourself up for success by breaking big goals into small daily action steps and take time to acknowledge and celebrate the small successes. This will feed your need for recognition and provide the extra push to keep you moving forward. 

Rewards could be as simple as getting that facial at the local spa or as huge as a dream vacation.  Either way, you deserve to celebrate your successes.  When you do, you’ll be rewarded in many more ways than just materially. 

It is equally as important to view your mistakes as learning opportunities. Accept that you will make mistakes becuase they are part of life. No one is perfect.  They help you to improve.  Remind yourself that a you are constantly developing and growing, and everyone excels differently.

Most importantly, stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself. If you’re used to focusing on your shortcomings, start thinking about the positive aspects of yourself that outweigh them. When you catch yourself being critical, counter it by thinking something positive about yourself. Each day, write down three things about yourself that make you happy. Keep this list close by and review it when you are feeling down.  The positive affirmations will help change your attitude.

Following these three simple steps will help you start off 2008 on the right foot.  Don’t be so hard on yourself.  Know that sometimes things will not go according to plan and you will have to change things as you go along.  That is what life is about and what make the journey interesting.  Love yourself and treat yourself well and everything else will fall into place.