1. Stop judging yourself
First step? Leave your judgement at the door. Self-judgement happens at the detriment of your mental health and self confidence. You will always be our biggest critique but instead of obsessing over the negative, channel that energy into admiring, and appreciating, the amazing things you do.
2. Follow your gut
You are a strong woman and YOU have strong instincts. Remember that. We will be the first to admit that we are slaves to overthinking but we also know that continuously analyzing a situation rarely helps. Don’t get us wrong, following your gut is scary, but some things just can’t be explained and your intuition is one of those things.
3. Find internal validation
Worry less about what everyone else things about you and learn to be your own #1 cheerleader. You set your own self worth and if you keep searching for external validation you will never fully enjoy how amazing you are. Start by writing a list of at least 20 things you love about yourself or things you do really well.
4. Take yourself on dates
DATE YOURSELF FIRST! Take yourself out to the movies, treat yourself to dinner out, go get a couples’ massage (alone, so just like a regular massage... but it will feel 10x as good). Learn to love yourself and get comfortable with being alone so you can learn who you really are and what you really like.
5. Create a self care ritual
Self care can mean exercising, skin care, journaling, cleaning, whatever floats your boat! Creating a routine for self care and setting aside time just for yourself gives you the space to give back to yourself. Don’t know where to start? There are about a million free different self care routines on YouTube. Start there for some inspo!
6. Sometimes you just have to cry it out
LET IT OUT GIRLFRIEND! Sometimes a good cry is the best medicine. Healthline outlines 9 amazing benefits of crying. So from now on, crying is not only accepted, it is encouraged!
7. But then have a private dance party
Ok, I know I just said crying is accepted and encouraged but we don’t want to wallow in a puddle of tears forever. Take your time, let it out, but then wipe your tears and dance it out!!! Truly dance like no one is watching (car karaoke also works if that’s your jam)!
8. Just say NO
Examples: no, nope, nay, negative, no way jose, nada chance, not in this life, my therapist told me to say no. It is ok to say NO especially when saying “yes” will be at the detriment of wellbeing. Learning to say no is critical to learning to put yourself first because we all only have 24 hours in the day and those hours are sacred.
9. Let go of things you can’t control
Wanting to control everything around us is a natural feeling but frankly, it’s impossible. You will only find genuine happiness when you acknowledge your circle of control and let all else be. Remember, everything happens for a reason and things will work out for good in the end.
10. Kick your ego to the curb
We saved the best for last… YOUR EGO DOESN’T SERVE YOU. End of story. Kick it to the curb and embrace yourself and your passions. Go listen to Ep 13. Being a Badass Woman in Business with Dani Kagan and Victoria Marshman to hear all about how setting your ego to the side will help you unlock not only success but also true self confidence.