When I was in college, I had a roommate named Lindsey who enjoyed looking at herself in the mirror and announcing, "I am so good looking."

The other roommates and I would, of course, roll our eyes and wonder if she was being sarcastic or just had a really healthy dose of self-esteem.

One particular night, I asked her about it, and she gave me this explanation:

"I would much rather convince myself that I am beautiful - even if it was a lie - rather than allowing myself to be miserable my entire life believing that I am anything less."

Although that lesson came in a slightly ridiculous way, it has stuck with me ever since.

How often do you stare at yourself in the mirror and start picking out all of your flaws?

It's easy to focus on your insecurities and push out the most beautiful elements of your soul. You are not alone. It is so easy to narrow in on the things we do wrong instead of appreciating all of the things we do right.

Instead, we need to start thinking positively about ourselves and others. Even in the most horrible moments, you can still find something good. Here are 5 simple things you can do each day that will help you change the way you feel about yourself.

1. Change your self-talk

Our minds are constantly thinking about how we perceive ourselves. If you find yourself talking negatively about something in your life - stop it. Train yourself to catch your hurtful thoughts and replace them with good ones. Instead of thinking about your weaknesses, focus on the positive traits you possess.

2. Take the compliment

If you're anything like me, it's difficult to accept praise from other people. When someone gives you a compliment, do not brush it off, or discount their remarks. Give them a sincere thank you and take it to heart.

3. Quit comparing

Let's face it. Someone is always going to be better than you at something. Just remember that you are always going to be better than someone else at something as well.

4. Love and serve

When you are finding it hard to think positively about yourself or someone else, go out and extend kind service to someone. When you show genuine love to another human being, it's easy to see them for who they really are, and learn to see their goodness.

5. Learn genuine humility

I like C.S. Lewis' definition, "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."

Make it a point to look for the good in yourself and others. You will find much greater happiness.