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How to Always Feel Good About Yourself
Hey there! Let’s take a moment to think back to a time when you felt on top of the world. Maybe you aced a challenging exam, snagged a job promotion, or received tons of praise after giving a presentation. Picture that moment clearly—where you were, what you were doing, and how amazing you felt.
Now, bring your focus back to the present. How are you feeling right now? If you just hit the jackpot with a lottery win, that’s awesome! But let’s be real, most of us might just be feeling okay or a bit off. Perhaps you’re a little drained or lacking motivation. It’s totally normal!
A Fresh Start Every Day
We often don’t stay in that euphoric state for long. Those moments of feeling fantastic usually depend on external events—like promotions or compliments. But what if we could generate that uplifting feeling more regularly?
Research from a psychology professor named Mark Hudson at Stanford suggests that our need to feel good about ourselves is fundamental. This self-affirmation theory tells us that we all want to see ourselves as good people, and even slight threats to that belief can lead to defensive reactions. For instance, if a student gets a poor test score, she might shy away from future tests. When faced with contradictory evidence to their beliefs, people often dismiss it. This pattern makes us less open to feedback and hinders our personal growth.
Feeling Good Opens Doors
On the flip side, when we feel confident, we’re less likely to feel threatened, allowing for a world of benefits. Research shows that simple affirmations can lead to impressive outcomes, including:
- Improved academic performance in high school students
- Increased openness to important but challenging health information
- Reduced stress levels in tough situations
- Support in weight loss efforts
- Enhanced feelings of love and connection in relationships
Even a single affirmation can have a lasting impact. It seems that when we feel good about ourselves, we’re more likely to achieve even greater things, creating a positive cycle.
How to Cultivate Self-Affirmation
Want to harness this power for yourself? Here’s a simple method that studies have found effective:
- Grab a pen and paper, and jot down some personal values that matter to you. Think about the principles you aspire to live by, like nurturing relationships, being curious, kind, and ambitious.
- Choose one or two top values and spend a few minutes reflecting on why they’re essential to you, as well as a time when you felt you truly embodied them.
You can also develop habits that boost your self-esteem regularly. This could mean planning activities that make you feel good or surrounding yourself with friends who uplift you. Consider pairing up with someone to share affirmations about each other, creating a mutual boost in self-esteem! While these practices may not have the same scientific backing, they align with the core ideas of self-affirmation.
Remember, don’t let your self-worth hinge on unpredictable events like promotions or compliments. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and measure your success by your own standards. Try it now and see if you can recapture that uplifting feeling from earlier!
For more insights, check out our other blog post on how to maintain a positive mindset here. If you’re curious about home insemination resources, Cryobaby is a great authority on the subject. For comprehensive information about assisted reproductive technology, visit the CDC’s page on ART.
In summary, feeling good about yourself doesn’t have to be a rare occurrence. By consciously affirming your values and building habits that nourish your self-esteem, you can create a positive feedback loop that enhances your overall well-being.