Making yourself a priority means choosing yourself on purposeânot out of selfishness, but because you recognize your own worth. Hereâs how to start:
⸝
1. Set Boundaries (and stick to them)
Say no without guilt. Protect your time, energy, and peace. Not everyone needs 24/7 access to you.
Example: âIâm not available after 7 PMâ or âI need Sundays for myself.â
⸝
2. Schedule âYou Timeâ
Treat self-care like any other appointment. Put it on your calendarâgym time, a walk, journaling, even just sitting in silence.
⸝
3. Stop Over-Explaining
You donât owe everyone a reason for your choices. âNoâ is a complete sentence.
⸝
4. Check In With Yourself
Ask: How am I feeling? What do I need right now? Then honor the answerâwhether itâs rest, movement, connection, or space.
⸝
5. Invest in Your Growth
Take the class. Read the book. Go to therapy. Prioritizing your development means betting on your future self.
⸝
6. Ditch the Guilt
Taking care of you doesnât mean youâre neglecting others. You canât pour from an empty cupâand you werenât born just to serve.
⸝
7. Surround Yourself With Support
Keep people around who want to see you prioritize yourself. The right crew will clap when you put yourself first. ~ Joe Gradia