We hear it and see it all the time – people not putting themselves first when needed. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of our own well-being and needs. We get caught up in individual responsibilities, work demands, fulfilling the needs of others and a cycle of just surviving the day without achieving any of our own successes or wants in our lives. We often neglect our own goals and boundaries, thinking we always have to be there for other people. However, embracing the concept of choosing yourself, setting healthy boundaries and moving your life from just surviving to thriving can be impactful.

This concept relates to finding your worth and prioritizing your needs, goals and happiness. It involves making decisions that accomplish your values and passions rather than always catering to others and societal expectations. Choosing yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities or ignoring the needs of others. Instead, it’s about finding a balance that creates your happiness and moves you into a thriving time period in your life. This mindset shift can lead to increased self-confidence, improved mental health and a more satisfying life overall, but it starts with practicing self-awareness.

First, reflect on your values, interests and long-term goals. What brings you joy and fulfillment? What are your priorities in life? Understanding yourself is the first step towards making choices that fulfill your dreams and goals.

Next, set boundaries to define the limits of what you are willing to accept in the various parts of your life including relationships, work and “you” time. Once these boundaries are established, it is important to maintain and commit yourself to them. However, give yourself grace if there are times the boundaries slip.

Moving from surviving to thriving is more than just creating goals and boundaries. It is a well-being approach that requires making changes for your physical, emotional and mental health.

After doing the first two steps, work on prioritizing your self-care. Incorporate regular self-care practices into your daily routine, even if it is just for five minutes. This can include activities such as exercise, napping, meditation, journaling or spending time in nature. It is essential to think of self-care as not a luxury. The lack of self-care is usually what “gets” people. We feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, but it is a necessity for maintaining balance and thriving in life. From there, turn your self-care time into positive habits. Build upon those small moments. For example, turn a daily nap into getting enough sleep at night. These small habits will have huge impacts in the long run.

Invest in personal growth by continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. This could mean pursuing education, learning new skills or exploring hobbies that ignite your passions and build a sense of purpose and fulfillment – one that people-pleasers can often lack.

Personal growth and cultivating supportive relationships go hand in hand. Find the time to build and nurture relationships that uplift, support you and encourage your growth. These relationships can come from church groups, work, friend groups and loved ones. Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and share your values. These healthy connections contribute to the thriving aspect of your life.

Lastly, embrace the challenges. Instead of merely surviving the challenges thrown your way, view them as opportunities for growth. Develop a mindset that sees adversity as a chance to learn, adapt and become stronger. This shift can empower you to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and confidence.

The year is still new. Now is the time to make 2024 a year of thriving, not only surviving. Choose yourself, your goals and your passions. By prioritizing your boundaries, communicating your needs and focusing on personal growth, you are on your way to creating a life that truly represents your authentic self and whom you have always wanted to be. Choosing yourself is a daily, minute-by-minute decision that brings you a life of joy, fulfillment and sense of purpose. Always, remember to choose you!