Some helpful steps towards celebrating yourself and overcoming thought distortions

t FOCUS ON THE FACTS

We often think in terms of what we lack, rather than we have and can do. By listing out your strengths and the things that you’re capable of, it can help you shake off those doubts.

Having trouble finding those yourself? Ask a close, trusted friend, colleague, or family member what they feel like is your strengths. At my former job, we once had a team exercise where everyone listed out one word about everyone on the team to help us all have a snapshot of how others viewed us. It was powerful to see those words.

t REFLECT ON YOUR PAST SUCCESSES

What achievements have you had? What skills, abilities did you use to reach those goals?

t BREAK FREE FROM PERFECTION

There’s really no such thing as perfect anyway, and letting go of that impossible ideal can help tremendously. Give yourself new personal metrics to measure what will be good enough and how you achieve that.

t STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

This is a big one, especially when we’re bombarded with posts on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

We always see what everyone else is sharing and think there is no way we can be remotely close to their level of accolades and success – when often what is shared on social media is not always a true barometer of what is really happening.

Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and if you do find areas that you want to work on, take the steps that will help you feel empowered and grow.