When was the last time to sat back and listened to yourself, the last time you followed your true desires?
If you are the typical adult busy trying to make a hectic lifestyle more manageable, the answer is probably too long ago. Indeed, a lot of people end up putting their interests second. But the real question is why do they choose to ignore what they want?
Fear of consequences. Selflessness. Not believing they are worth it. Whatever the reason, it’s time to put an end to the “I come last” attitude. Ultimately, you deserve to be your top priority. Your well-being, your happiness, your mental strength depend on how much faith you put in yourself. After all, you can’t go far in life if you keep repeating to yourself, in a way or another, that you don’t matter. The truth is, you do matter. And now’s the best time to put yourself first!
You owe it to yourself to change a situation you hate
In a lifetime, most people spend around 90,000 at work. That’s about a third of your life. And a third of your life is a lot when you’re unhappy with your job. Thinking about the big picture, this third can affect the remaining part of your life, by causing your stress, distress, and anxiety. While a job pays the bills, it doesn’t have to be something you dislike. You can and should be looking for the next opportunity. Finding a career you love in a company you feel good about can transform 90,000 hellish hours into a dream. Similarly, unhappy relationships and difficult friendships should follow the same rules. If it doesn’t work for you, what’s the point of sticking with it?
Don’t wait for anybody else to buy you a gift
Gifts are always a source of excitement. But there’s no reason why you should be waiting for someone to buy you the perfect present when you can buy your own gift. There’s something incredibly empowering about rewarding yourself. Firstly because you know exactly what you want, whether it’s a pair of earrings with GIA certified diamonds or a fancy new hair styling kit. More importantly, you’re less likely to have a price in mind, which means you are guaranteed to give yourself something you really like.
Respect starts with yourself
Conflicts always leave a bitter taste in the air. But letting others take advantage of yourself to avoid an argument is the worst thing you can do to yourself. You owe it to yourself to set strict boundaries and make sure nobody crosses them. Sure, at first, it means telling people off. But think of it as a way to respect yourself. Ultimately, self-respect is the most important present you can give yourself.
The bottom line is that you are responsible for building your happiness. Listening to your desires and defending them whenever possible is crucial. Beware, however, putting your interests first doesn’t give the right to take advantage of others. It’s not a policy of “me first and then everyone else.” It’s a matter remembering to love and respect yourself as well as others.
