To make lasting change, first accept yourself and be cool with who you are, as this is a foundational step.
Approach self-improvement with affection and self-compassion, rather than aggression or self-criticism, to make it more sustainable and effective.
Actively replace habitual negative self-dialogue with more positive self-talk to improve self-compassion and self-esteem.
Look in the mirror daily and practice saying good things about yourself, starting with one positive thing and gradually adding more, to build self-esteem and self-love.
When faced with external negativity, recall the positive affirmations you’ve practiced to create a mental barrier against those comments.
Remind yourself daily to keep compassion up and ego down, ensuring self-love practices are for personal well-being, not for feeling superior.
Challenge the societal pressure to constantly be busy and allow yourself to slow down, take a breath, and focus on personal well-being without guilt.
Actively remove yourself from comparing your life or achievements to others, as comparison steals your joy and self-love.
Consciously remove comparison to others, allowing yourself to love what you have and what you are doing, even while acknowledging a desire for improvement.
Instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions, set emotional goals like trusting yourself more or becoming more compassionate to yourself.
Avoid making New Year’s resolutions that focus on changing yourself from a place of self-hate, as this can be self-destructive and lead to guilt.
Design your personal growth journey on your own terms and walk at your own pace, avoiding pressure from arbitrary timelines or feeling like a failure.
Engage in goal setting at any time of the year, ensuring you prepare, make proper choices, and are willing to ask for help.
Recognize that vulnerability is a strength, especially for men, challenging societal norms that discourage emotional expression.
When criticized, write down the criticism to honor and understand it, then write down actions taken to address it, aligning intentions with change.
Cultivate a small, trusted tribe and use the phrase “I need you to love me a little bit louder” to signal when you need extra support and affirmation.
Engage in service to others, as witnessing their joy and mood change can inadvertently uplift your own mood and rebuild your self-love.
Use the mantra “you are perfectly designed” as a reminder of inherent worth, especially when feeling inadequate or comparing oneself to others.
Utilize smartphone alarms to set daily reminders for practices like meditation, finding time for yourself, or practicing self-love.
Advocate for and practice a ‘council culture’ instead of a ‘cancel culture,’ by bringing in and educating those with differing views rather than dismissing them.