Have you ever heard yourself say this...?
"Oh, I'd never do that just for me".
Wow, this scenario came up time and time again talking with people over the holidays.
It made me want to ask you: Do you treat others better than you treat yourself?
And more specifically...
What do you do for others that you don't do for yourself?
This scenario shines a light on what you think you are worth spending time, money, love and energy on.
It's time to live like you are really worth it, but first you have to see where you are shortchanging yourself.
Does this sound like you?
- Exercising if a friend is going but cancelling your workout if on your own.
- Cleaning the house of dust for a friend with an allergy but not for your own asthma condition.
- Picking up other people from the airport but catching the bus (in winter) yourself.
- Cooking beautiful meals for others but deciding it 'isn't worth it' to cook a delicious meal just for you.
- Turning up on time for paid work for your employer but not using your allocated time to work on your own dream business.
- Spending money on your children's clothes and outings but rarely on yourself.
- Believing in others and supporting them to go for their dreams, but not yourself.
Where do you shortchange yourself?
Take a minute to think. Where are you unwilling to spend on yourself? Is it in the form of time, joy, money, effort or in self-belief?
What are you missing out on?
How is it making you feel?
What would your life be like if you loved yourself the way you love others?
I invite you to commit to switching up just one small thing. Pick the place you are shortchanging yourself and make a plan, set a date (put it in the diary) and do it for yourself.
Now, or you'll forget!
Notice how it feels. Uncomfortable? Liberating? Wonderful? Stressful?
Sit with those feelings.
Rinse, repeat.
I'd love to hear what your 'thing' is and your new plan!
By the way, if you're selling yourself short by doing a job you're not wild about I've got some great news. Helping people find fulfilling and exciting careers is my not-so-secret superpower. If you'd like to start exploring just how good your work life could be, go for it!
With love,
Lara
Hi, I'm Dr Lara Corr, life coach and researcher in work and wellbeing. I coach successful 30 and 40 somethings who want more fulfilling or bigger careers but doubt themselves and their options. I help them get out of their own way, find direction and go for what they really want.