7 Ways to Start Feeling Good About Yourself

Hey lovely, does this sound familiar? You spend so much time pouring into everyone else’s cup that yours is left completely empty. We’ve all been there, you. Associating guilt with our own self-care, putting our needs on the back burner until we feel totally drained, low in energy, and just… not ourselves. But what if I told you that you can fill your cup to overflowing, starting with just a few moments each day? It is absolutely time to start feeling good about yourself. You deserve it.

So can we make a pact, right here, right now? Let’s agree to drop the feelings of guilt. Let’s ditch the excuses about why you can’t put yourself first. Are you ready to step into your full, radiant self? Your incredible potential is waiting for you, you.

7 Simple Ways to Start Feeling Good About Yourself Today

Ready to feel amazing? Let’s dive into some simple, powerful steps you can weave into your day, regardless of how busy life gets.

1. Elevate Your Everyday, You

Sometimes the littlest things make the biggest difference in how we feel. Instead of grabbing the same old thing, what if you took two extra minutes to choose an outfit that makes you feel amazing? A little makeup, a quick hairstyle, eating a meal that truly nourishes you. Take a little more care in your tasks and make your space – whether it’s your home office or your kitchen – a beautiful reflection of you. These small acts tell your soul, ‘I am worthy of this effort.’

2. Fall Madly in Love With Yourself

Building a real, loving relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything, ladies. Self-love is like a muscle – the more you practice, the stronger it gets.

Everybody has insecure thoughts at times. Not entertaining these thoughts is a skill that can be learned.

It’s a choice you have, you – to either focus on your self-doubt and how you’re “lacking” or instead invest in your own undeniable value. Most of those mean thoughts aren’t even true anyway! So when a negative thought shows up, try saying “thanks for sharing,” acknowledge it, but then return your focus to the present moment. Don’t take them so personally.

3. Curate Your Circle, Queen

Your energy is precious, lovely. Your friendships should be a place where you can share your enthusiasm for being alive, not a place that drains you. If you’re giving your all and not getting that positive energy back, maybe it’s not worth your energy.

Life is short, so choose your ‘ships wisely and dont be sorry about it! The people you surround yourself with directly influence how you feel about yourself and the choices you do or don’t make.

4. Move That Beautiful Body

Okay, we all know this one, right? Daily exercise is the ultimate mood-booster, and its amazing effects last way longer than the actual workout. This isn’t about your pants size, it’s about feeling alive and energetic! So why shouldn’t we be doing more of it? Whether it’s a short run outside, walking rather than driving, or a dedicated workout, make it a goal to move and sweat a little every single day. To up the anti, exercise outdoors. It will lift your spirits even further! What’s your favorite way to move? Share with us in the comments, we’d love some new ideas!

5. Schedule “You” Time – It’s Non-Negotiable

If your life is a whirlwind of juggling many things and many people, it’s absolutely crucial to carve out time just for you. Having occasional “you” time keeps you fully charged, and with so many competing demands sometimes you have to make an appointment with yourself and commit to keeping it.

Whether it’s a solo walk, a dance class, or dinner with your girlfriends, put it in your diary! Having your own life and maintaining your own interests is a natural way to keep yourself centered, allowing you to have more energy for others. Even if it is only for an hour once a week, book “you time” into your diary and protect it fiercely.

6. Own Your Uniqueness – You’re One of a Kind

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the person you authentically are. In fact, the more willing you are to just be yourself, the better you will feel. Sadly, many people are so busy trying to fit into an image of what others expect that they no longer recognize what is special about themselves.

Be you. Embrace your quirks, your passions, your style. If it’s not true to you, dont go there. Rather than suppressing your unique qualities, let them shine!

7. Shine Your Light & Connect

Here’s a little secret to start feeling good about yourself: act like you already do. Your attitude matters most here. Instead of being stuck in your head with your to-do list, shift your attention outwards and connect with people around you. Simply start relating to people instead of being wound up in your own thoughts. You might feel awkward at first, particularly if its not your usual way of interacting, but stick with it.

Be engaged in all of your encounters. Smile. Use eye contact. Share your irresistible energy with the world. Ultimately, as a woman, you are so much more than your daily duties. Quiet that voice that says you’re being self-indulgent. Instead, let how you live be an example to those around you on how to live well, feel happy and confident, and be vibrant and healthy.

We Want to Hear From You!

Which of these tips resonated with you the most, lovely? Share your story in the comments below – your experience might be the exact thing another woman needs to hear today. Let’s lift each other up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel guilty for putting myself first?

So many women are taught from a young age to be caregivers and prioritize the needs of others. This conditioning can lead to deep-seated feelings of guilt when we try to focus on our own self-care. It's a common feeling, but it's important to remember that you can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish; it's necessary to be your best self for both you and the people you love.

How can I start feeling good about myself when I have no time?

It's all about starting small, babe! You don't need to book a week-long retreat. Start with just five minutes. Use that time to choose an outfit that makes you feel powerful, do a quick stretch, or simply sit with a cup of tea and breathe. Scheduling this "you time" - even a tiny bit - into your calendar makes it a non-negotiable appointment. Small, consistent actions build momentum and make a huge difference over time.

What's the first step to building self-love?

A great first step is to simply become aware of your thoughts without judgment. Notice when that negative inner voice pops up. You don't have to believe it or fight it. Just acknowledge it by saying something like, "I hear you, but I'm choosing a different thought." Then, consciously shift your focus to something you appreciate about yourself, even if it's small. It's a practice, and like any muscle, it gets stronger the more you do it.


Comments

Felicity:

Great tips. Love number 7 in particular. It’s such a simple act to really engage with the people you encounter in your everyday life – from your family to the person helping you at the supermarket. When I take the time to look, listen and smile, they feel good and so do I. Thanks again.

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about the author

Sage Montgomery

Sage Montgomery is a fulfillment strategist and lifestyle designer who helps women create lives aligned with their deepest values. After achieving everything society told her would make her happy-only to feel empty inside-Sage realized that success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure. Now she guides women in defining success on their own terms, pursuing passions that matter, and building lives rich with meaning and joy. Her approach is thoughtful, strategic, and deeply personal, recognizing that each woman's path to purpose is uniquely her own.

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