It really should not surprise you that finding a happier you starts with acknowledging the good in you. It seems like a simple process but how many times in a day do you point out to yourself that you did a good job? How many times a day does someone else tell you how great you really are? How much do you rely on the opinion of others to make up your impression of yourself? Psychology has taught us the mind is a complicated thing, and unfortunately we can easily teach it to believe many things that are not true. In today’s world of technology it is surprising how we are more inclined to believe what we hear over what is actually researched and proven. More than likely if you are reading this, deep down you believe you are a good person despite the funk you have found yourself in. Day one is about reminding yourself about how great you really are… some would call it positive affirmations.
When was the last time you sat down and wrote a list of what you like about yourself? For most the answer is likely years ago if you ever have. That is your first assignment. Create a list of ten things you like about yourself. It doesn’t matter what they are but there needs to be ten different things you truly like about yourself. Write these items down in a new notebook, not a computer file, an honest to goodness notebook that requires pen/pencil and paper.
Example (typed only because formatting only allows typing):
Ten Things I Like About Myself
- I like my hair
- I like the way I listen to people
- I like who I am
- I like how I raise my children
- I like how driven I am in college/work
- I like the friends I have surrounded myself with
- I like my taste in clothes
- I like my smile
- I like how connected I am to my pets
- I like my potential to be great
Great now leave the rest of the page blank and turn to page two. On this page you are going to write out another list. This list will be slightly different; it will describe what you are. Scratching your head? Don’t worry an example is below. Affirmations are not only things you like about yourself but also reaffirming what makes you great. There is only one rule to Assignment Number 2, everything you write has to be positive.
Ten Things That Make ME Great!
- I am friendly
- I am motivated
- I am focused
- I am a good person
- I am full of energy
- I am …
You probably feel better about yourself already. But Day one is not done yet. Take a look at assignment number three. It is all about commitment and follow through. I am committed to giving you these helpful suggestions for the next 30 days you need to be committed to following through an reinforcing the good behaviors that will help you become a happier person.
Assignment Number Three
Put this notebook by your bed. Every morning when you wake up you need to read these two lists to yourself out loud. Every night when you go to bed you need to read these lists to yourself out loud. As you continue with the program you may change the lists or add more positive things to the lists and that is fine (just remember, everything on these lists need to be positive and about you).
Reading out loud puts a voice behind the words, YOUR voice is powerful, don’t just use your inner voice use the mouth, allow your words to become one with the action. They say one of the best ways to learn is to associate the material you are learning with movement. Speaking is a form a movement over reading to yourself. You can also read out loud to yourself in front of the mirror. Watch your facial expressions, do you believe what you are saying? Are you just going through the motions or are you truly dedicated to reminding yourself how wonderful you truly are? Your facial expressions will tell you a lot about your inner feelings even if you won’t admit them openly to yourself.
Commit to doing this every day (at least for the next 30 days and see how you feel).
More articles on becoming a happier you in 30 days here.
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As always, thank you for reading, feel free to comment below. Have a wonderful day!
*Please note, I am a NOT a licensed psychologist, the tips enclosed in these articles are to help you find your own slice of happiness. Sometimes the problems we face internally within ourselves require clinical attention. Please seek the help of a licensed psychologist or medical professional if things are getting out of your control. Here is a list to help you find a local psychologist that may suit your needs in Colorado Springs.
All articles by Jami McDonald are under copyright and cannot be reposted whole without written consent from the author. Partial re-posting with a link back to the original article is permitted. For consent, comments, questions, or to submit topic ideas email me at relationshipsarefun@gmail.com
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