Moving into a new year always comes with a slew of ambitions and intentions, but one of the best things you can do for yourself is work on improving your self respect in 2023. Once you find yourself enjoying a high level of self respect, many of your other goals will become easier to achieve!
- Care for yourself
To start off with the most obvious one – the best way to foster self respect is to ensure that you look after yourself. This can range from anything from managing actual health conditions and taking an interest in healthcare in general using websites such as https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/, or something as simple as getting a great haircut (you can book an appointment at Mesamisbarbershop.com). It is hard to have self respect when you don’t respect your self enough to engage in a solid hygiene routine, medical care, and selv-love.
- Set boundaries
This is something so many of us struggle with, but it’s a really important aspect of self respect to remember that you aren’t just here to be other people’s doormat – you are your own person with needs, wants, and desires that deserve just as much respect as anybody else’s. So make sure you find a way to implement your boundaries that works for you, and work on improving your communication to ensure those boundaries are always nicely, clearly, and effectively communicated.
- Look after your space
All of us have bad days where we don’t want to finish the washing up or do the laundry – it happens. But it’s important to avoid letting that situation spiral if you can, because spending time in an unpleasant environment is degrading and can subconsciously make use feel like we don’t deserve any better. Ask yourself if you would let a friend or guest treat your belongings or home the way you are – and if you wouldn’t, consider setting a day aside to re-evaluate and set your surroundings straight. You’ll feel so much better, and as if you have your life together (even if you don’t).
- Know your worth
Each of us has that little voice inside our heads that puts down our accomplishments or forces us to endure major impostor syndrome. Every once in a while, it’s important to try and step out of your own head and logically run through things you’ve accomplished in your mind, then consider how you would value another person with the same accomplishments, personality traits, or qualifications. This is a particularly useful exercise if you’re looking for new jobs or a promotion as it can boost your confidence, but it’s also just a great way to remind yourself that you are a valuable member of the human race with a lot to contribute and who deserves respect.
- End toxic relationships
Not every toxic relationship is a romantic one, though it’s very easy to get caught up in that idea. Friendships, professional relationships, and even family bonds can be a toxic influence in our lives and putting up with their negative influence can have a serious impact in our self esteem and self respect. If anyone is springing to mind as you read this, consider your relationship seriously and think about what you bring to each other’s lives. For example, maybe you have a friend who always puts you down when you see them, perhaps even in front of other people. If communicating doesn’t change such behaviour, it might be time to let go and realise you deserve better from the people around you.
Having self respect is an important aspect of a happy life, allowing you to make fulfilling choices and nurture happy relationships. Hopefully this list will help you to know where to begin nurturing your self respect in 2023!