The Internet and social media have made it easier than ever to find measuring sticks. You can see the highlights of your peers’ lives play out in real time all around you. It’s tempting to get caught up comparing yourself to others. Are you on track? Have you accomplished as much? That type of thinking — even when it happens on a subconscious level — can be incredibly toxic. It can rob you of time and energy that would be better spent on yourself. It’s important to ask, “Am I being kind to myself?” Here are some tips on how to treat yourself with the respect you deserve.

Take Time to Appreciate What You Have and Where You’re Going

Being aspirational isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re neglecting the positives in your life in favor of what you could have, or what others have, it’s counterproductive. Take some time, on a daily basis, to appreciate what you have and where you are going in your life. Finding time to meditate and reflect each morning or evening can be helpful and calming. Think about all of the aspects and people that make your life exceptional. Expressing gratitude to those people can also be incredibly rewarding.

Set Your Own Goals and Hold Yourself Accountable

Everyone has goals, which is good! Goals help you strive to do awesome and exciting things. It’s important though, that when you set goals, you’re setting your own goals. Don’t use other people to frame those goals. What do you want to accomplish? Your goal shouldn’t be “To be more like so and so.” You should set goals that are personal to you, and hold yourself accountable. Holding yourself accountable means keeping yourself on track, but it also means being kind to yourself. Don’t use the standards of others to hold yourself accountable, use the standards that you set.

Reflect on Your Progress and What You Like About Yourself

Goals can be lofty finish lines that you strive to reach, but life isn’t about finish lines. Life is incremental progress, and the more you reflect on and celebrate that progress, the better you’ll feel about yourself. What do you like about yourself right now? Celebrate those things. What do you want to work on? Set goals, but don’t forget to check in with yourself and acknowledge your progress as it happens. It’s easy to forget to be kind to yourself when you focus on what you haven’t done yet. Make sure you’re carving out time each day to focus on and celebrate yourself!

Start Your Mindful Morning at Dunn Brothers Coffee

At Dunn Brothers Coffee in Coralville, we’ve cultivated a welcoming, relaxing environment. It’s the perfect place to meet up for a collaborative project, focus on your next creative venture, or simply sit with yourself for a while. To learn about all of our coffee roast and food options, contact Dunn Brothers Coffee in Coralville, IA at 319-665-2020.