Pay attention to the things that make you feel uncomfortable. These emotional signals can tell you if you’re trying to avoid something. Are you insecure about that characteristic? If so, how can you overcome it? For example, if you don’t like to look in the mirror, ask yourself why. Are you insecure about your looks? Are you worried about your age? This could be a fear you can conquer.
What do I love doing? What are my dreams? What do I want my legacy to be? What is my biggest criticism of myself? What are some mistakes I’ve made? How do others perceive me? How would I like them to perceive me? Who is my role model?
Go to the mirror and describe yourself out loud or in your head. Are the descriptions positive or negative? Are they focused on your looks or your actions? When you start thinking negatively, stop yourself and question why you’re reacting that way.
Look for patterns in your writing. Over time, you may find yourself repeating specific needs and wants. Write whatever is on your mind. Freewriting can help you unlock subconscious thoughts to help identify what’s bothering you. Alternatively, you can use prompts to guide your writing. Choose prompts that ask you to describe certain parts of your personality or habits.
Pause and observe the world around you. What can you touch, taste, hear, see, and smell? Avoid eating meals at your computer or TV and focus on how the food tastes and feels in your mouth. Take a walk and notice how the ground feels beneath your feet, where the sun is in the sky, and if birds are chirping.
If you have the thought, “My thighs are too big,” reframe it with, “My legs are strong and carry me where I want to go. ”[7] X Research source If you think, “I weigh too much,” change the thought to, “Weight is just a number, and I am more than a number. ”
Parent Friend Team leader Emotional support Mentor/Mentee Confidante Creator Problem solver
Values: What is important to you? What characteristics do you prize in yourself and others? Interests: What are you curious about? What do you like to do in your free time? Temperament: What 10 words describe you best? How do you handle difficult situations or confrontations? Activities: What are the most and least enjoyable parts of your day? Do you have any daily rituals? Life goals: What have been the most important events of your life? Where do you see yourself in five years? Strengths: What are your abilities, skills, and talents? What are you really good at?
NERIS Type Explorer Meyers-Brigg Type Indicator Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment Big 5 Personality Assessment
If you’re comfortable, ask your boss, mentor, or acquaintances about how they see you as an employee. If you disagree with anyone’s observations, that’s okay! Take every comment with a grain of salt, and acknowledge that you’re ever-evolving.
Try to exercise for at least 20 minutes every day. Go for a walk after lunch or do a quick yoga flow before breakfast. Aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to wake up refreshed. Eat a healthy diet made up of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Find time to relax and unwind. Try meditating, knitting, working on a puzzle, or reading a book.
Set boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers to ensure you maintain a healthy space at home and in the office.
Consider if there’s anyone in your life who asks too much of you or makes you do things you don’t want to. How far are you willing to go to please them? Be firm when setting boundaries, and don’t ever apologize for saying “no” to interactions or situations that may make you feel off—you know what’s best for you!
For instance, maybe you want to write a book. Start a goal to write 500 words a day. Perhaps you want to make the largest cake for your nephew’s birthday. Set a goal to practice a new decorating skill every weekend. Your goals may change over time, and that’s perfectly okay! People change and grow with time, so don’t be afraid to alter your visions and follow new dreams.
