While many New Year’s resolutions focus on personal improvements, we want to take a moment to appreciate the great features you already have. This is a crucial part of self-esteem counseling – understanding what you have to offer the world and celebrating it as much as possible. Here are the top 10 feel-better New Year’s resolutions for people with low self-esteem.
1 – Write Down Happy Moments And Put Them In A Jar
Once a week, write down the best moments of the week on a small card and put that card in a jar. Do this every single week for the entire year, and then read through the cards on New Year’s Eve. You’ll probably remember the most recent moments or the biggest events of the year, but you might not remember the little events that happened each week. A simple compliment or an award at work will brighten up your day all over again, and it will remind you just how important you are to the people around you.
2 – Schedule At Least One Vacation This Year
Sometimes all it takes to feel good about yourself is a moment of peaceful relaxation. Plan for at least one vacation this year, even you spend most of it at home. The goal here is to eliminate the stress of work and give yourself a much-needed break. This will rejuvenate your spirits so you can tackle stressful moments to come.
3 – Don’t Make Changes Just Because It’s A New Year
Perhaps the biggest downside to setting New Year’s resolutions is that you’re forced to assess what’s “wrong” with you. If you already have low self-esteem, this is not ideal for your progress and improvement. Don’t feel obligated to make changes just because it is a new year. If there is an issue that you are genuinely concerned about, then you can take the steps to fix it moving forward. Do this at any time of the year, not just January 1st.
4 – Phrase Your Resolutions To Encourage Success
If you are going to set New Year’s resolutions, phrase them in a way that sets you up for success. Focus on specific changes you are going to make, not the end-result you want to see from those changes. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to lose 30 pounds,” say “I’m going to eliminate soda from my diet.” No matter how much weight you lose from your dietary changes, you will be maintaining your resolution.