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Make Yourself a Priority
When you make yourself a priority it involves putting your own needs, of self care, personal development, well being, and happiness at the forefront of your life.
3/8/20247 min read
Make Yourself a Priority
Making yourself a priority is the best kind of self love there is, because yourself is the most important project you will ever work on. If your cup isn’t full how can you serve others, it's physically and mentally impossible yet we all try it at some point.
In this article:
Make yourself a priority
Life is hectic
Nothing in life is easy
Life lessons
Treat yourself with kindness
Body perfect
The contortionist
Love yourself
The naysayers
Make self love
High performance human
Create your environment
FAQs - Make yourself a priority
blog / make yourself a priority
Life is Hectic
I get it, in life there’s a cost for everything. Climbing the corporate ladder or starting your own business can feel like spinning plates. Which means you're not always in control of the motion, but once you start there’s no turning back.
No matter what you do, life is hectic, whether you're a busy mum with kids, a career, and a house to run or you're the breadwinner with a shitty job, shitty boss and on shitty pay, you have to make things work.
Nothing In Life Is Easy
Nothing is easy and that includes working on yourself. I have a mental block when it comes to myself. I can look after everyone else, but not me. So I had to move mountains to put the spotlight on myself.
Life Lessons
Something that helped me along the way was doing small gestures for myself. The way I spoke to myself was a starter. I would no longer call myself silly or stupid when I made a mistake. Instead I would call it a lesson and put a price on it.
Say I overcooked the basmati rice, well at £1.50 for a 500g bag that’s a really cheap lesson. Somehow a lesson is much easier for my mind to process, than me calling myself all the names under the sun.
Speaking of lessons, my partner said he had a £1,000 lesson based on an investment he made recently. I had to chuckle to myself because if I had done something like that only two years ago, this would have been catastrophic but now I can look at errors with objective eyes.
Treat Yourself With Kindness
In addition to, speaking to myself with kindness and forgiveness, I also try to treat myself with kindness. This is somewhat harder to achieve because old habits die hard and if you're not used to making yourself a priority it feels alien when you do.
Small things add up, so I try by doing little things that make me look and feel better. I make sure I book my appointment with the hairdresser. Every couple of months I get my hair done, I’m no fashion guru but I do like to get clothes that compliment my body.
Body Perfect
My body is a whole story on its own and every woman will feel they can improve on something on their person. I read a survey recently that said, a significant proportion of women express a desire to change something about their bodies and they’re not wrong.
I am totally transparent about the change I would like and that’s to be a fitter, healthier Cayla. My goal is always to be the best version of myself each and every day. The problem with this statement is, it takes a lot of effort and discipline. And if I’m honest with myself, some days I’m not at the races.
The Contortionist
Attempting to fulfill multiple roles simultaneously, being an ideal wife, a loving girlfriend, a nurturing mother, an effective boss, and managing a household is akin to being a contortionist.
Each role demands its own set of expectations and responsibilities as there’s so many hats to wear, however I only have one head. The difficulty in juggling all these responsibilities simultaneously without losing one's identity or sense of self, is a daunting task.
Love Yourself
Given the hectic life we all live, there are some rules in life we cannot afford to neglect and rule number 1 is ourselves. Self care is healthcare and healthcare is the best kind of love to give yourself and family. Self care isn't just a luxury, it's a non negotiable necessity for keeping your head above water.
The Naysayers
Where are my naysayers? "But Cayla, I barely have time to breathe, let alone indulge in self care rituals." Here's the truth, investing in yourself is an essential part of your success strategy. There are a number of activities which are free or nearly free; they only take time. Walking is a great mood booster and in the spring / summer months it can really make a difference to your life.
Make Self love
The key is to make self love a non negotiable part of your routine, just like eating breakfast or checking our messages. Start small and block out little pockets of time in your day for activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Here’s the best bit, you get to choose what you like. And if you dislike everything, then try something new.
Whether it's a 10 minute meditation, 15 minute yoga stretch or having a nice bath with your favourite foam and scented wax melts. Pour yourself that medicinal glass of wine and simply enjoy the moment. Find what resonates with you and commit to it wholeheartedly.
High Performance Human
Think of yourself as a high performance human being which needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. No you're not selfish, in fact the opposite is true. If you do not take care of yourself, you will lose the capacity to look after others.
Create Your Environment
Self care isn't just about what you do, it's also about creating an environment at the end of your day that fosters your well being. Turn your house into a home with small intentions that overflow with one another.
Cook your favourite meal, invite your people to share with you. Relight that fire you have within you and it all starts with loving you for being you. Making yourself a priority will change your mind, body and soul.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to make yourself a priority?
Making yourself a priority is crucial because it directly impacts your well being and overall happiness.
When you take care of your mental and emotional health, you avoid burnout and develop a deeper understanding of your own needs and desires.
Physically, prioritizing yourself ensures you have the energy to tackle daily challenges and avoid potential health issues.
Focusing on yourself also supports personal growth by allowing you to pursue your goals, build confidence, and set healthy boundaries in relationships.
This, in turn, improves the quality of your interactions with others and helps you maintain a healthy work life balance. Ultimately, prioritizing yourself empowers you to take control of your life and sets a positive example for those around you.
By making yourself a priority, you’re better equipped to handle life’s demands and enjoy more meaningful connections with others.
How to start focusing on yourself?
Starting to focus on yourself begins with small, intentional changes. First, give yourself permission to prioritise your needs without feeling guilty.
Begin by carving out time in your day just for you, whether it's a few quiet minutes in the morning, a walk during lunch, or a hobby you enjoy.
Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, and learn to say no when something doesn’t align with your well being. It’s also helpful to set clear boundaries with others, so you have space to recharge.
Focusing on yourself isn’t selfish; it’s taking care of yourself so you can show up fully in all areas of your life. Start with these small steps, and gradually, you'll find it easier to put yourself first.
Why do I struggle to put myself first?
Struggling to put yourself first is a common challenge, and it often stems from a combination of societal expectations, personal beliefs, and habits.
Many people are raised with the idea that prioritising others is virtuous, and as a result, they feel guilty or selfish when they focus on their own needs. You might also fear disappointing others or worry that setting boundaries will harm your relationships.
Another reason could be a lack of self worth or confidence. If you don't fully believe that your needs are as important as those of others, it can be difficult to prioritise yourself. Additionally, the habit of constantly putting others first can become so ingrained that it feels uncomfortable or unnatural to do otherwise.
It's important to recognise that putting yourself first isn’t about neglecting others, it's about ensuring that you are healthy, happy, and fulfilled so that you can be your best self in all areas of life.
How to improve yourself every day?
Improving yourself every day starts with consistency and small, manageable steps. Begin by setting clear, achievable goals that align with your long term aspirations.
Even small daily actions, like reading a few pages of a book, practicing a new skill, or exercising for a few minutes, can lead to significant progress over time.
Reflect on your day each evening, identifying what went well and where you could improve. This self reflection helps you learn from your experiences and adjust your approach as needed.
Staying curious and open to learning is also key, seek out new knowledge, try different activities, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.
It's important to be patient and kind to yourself during this process. Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence and a positive mindset, you'll see gradual growth and development.
