The phrase, "You are your greatest critic" is all too true. In the effort to become our best selves, we think we are taking the high road by never being too proud, by belittling our accomplishments and by belittling ourselves. This behavior doesn't make us feel better. In fact, it hardly ever provides the proper motivation to change our natures into the best we can be. Rather, it leads us to think that, no matter what we do, we are never good enough.
You are more than good enough. Your efforts may not seem to add up to much, but they are what make you great.
If you need a reminder of that, check out these 20 signs you are doing better than you think you are:
1. You got up
Every day we have a choice, to get up and face the world or to hide from it. Even if you hit the snooze button for an hour, getting out of bed in the morning is quite the accomplishment for all of us.
2. You went to sleep last night
When you could have stayed up all night worrying about the little things, you went to bed instead. This may seem like a defeat, but even turning off the lights and climbing under the bedsheets is a choice to let go of today's worries and try again tomorrow.
3. You have the essentials
Sometimes we forget how much we have: a roof over our heads, even if it's a cheap apartment. Something to eat, even if it's a microwave meal. Something to wear, even if it's a ratty t-shirt you don't have time to wash. Look around and notice the small things you do have instead of the big things you may not have.
4. Makeup? You don't need makeup
Having the time to put makeup on almost seems like a joke. But after not wearing makeup for weeks on end, you start realizing you don't need it to be beautiful or put together.
5. You get to make your own decisions
This thought may stress you out when you have a lot of decisions to make, many of which are life-altering. But it means you have the freedom to choose your destiny. That is remarkable.
6. You can read
This is one of those small things we often take for granted. If you're reading this article, that means you're literate. You are more educated than millions around the world who may never have a chance to open a book or read the nutritional facts on a peanut butter jar. Before getting discouraged that you don't have time to read for pleasure anymore, think about the amazing blessing you have to be able to read in the first place.
7. Walking is exercise, right?
Who cares if you couldn't (or just didn't) make it into the gym today? Remember what you did: got off the couch, ran after a child, walked up and down that aisle in the grocery store because you couldn't find what you were looking for. It doesn't always take an active gym membership to know you are being active.
8. You've come a long way
Look back on where you were five years ago. We all have moments when we feel stagnant and disappointed with our lives. Looking back on how far we've come is a reality check that our lives are not as stagnant as we believe.
9. You brushed your teeth
Maybe you didn't wash your hair (again). Maybe you can't remember the last time you washed those jeans. But you're not a total slob if you're still brushing your teeth. Those clean teeth may be all you need to get through the day confidently.
10. No one ended up in the emergency room today
On days when it feels like your kids are going to kill each other, remember they didn't, and no one ended up too hurt. Feel free to celebrate that significant success!
11. You're still going
Each step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
12. You know what you want
Even if you don't have everything you want, at least you know what that is or isn't. You have some sense of direction, something to strive for. That's more than a lot of people have.
13. Technology isn't insurmountable
Perhaps you were caught up, figuring out the wireless wi-fi router all day. It's OK: you are tech savvy enough to have found this article.
14. You're still smiling
Whether you're laughing at yourself or watching a cute puppy video, you keep finding that there's always something to smile about.
15. You're not alone in this
The people you care about equally care about you. They stick with you, and they love you, whether you think you're failing or not.
16. Things have worked out, so far
On days when you didn't think you could pull it all together, somehow you did.
17. You want to be better
If you find yourself discouraged with how your life is turning out, that means you have an innate desire for something better. This can turn into a weakness if you allow yourself to never be satisfied with your situation. However, it's a strength if you let that hope for something better change you for the better. Change begins with that desire and with knowing that nothing is set in stone.
18. You have some semblance of a schedule
That schedule may be driving you crazy with all you have to do, but having places to go and commitments to keep are signs that you matter. Picking up the kids from practice, getting lunch with an old friend and going to parent-teacher conferences means your presence is valuable.
19. The skills you have help more than you realize
Don't get caught up in thinking your abilities don't add up to anything important. Being able to write an email, clean the lint out of the dryer and cook a box of macaroni and cheese matter because they help other people. The small things you do every day make a world of difference to the people in your circle.
20. You are you
Your life is your own. That is something to be proud of.
You have every right to be happy with your efforts because they are greater than you may think; you are making a difference.
Vote now for the winner of the Women's Choice Awards for women you believe are also making a difference for girls and women across the world.
