How to Put Yourself First Without Feeling Guilty
Every day, we’re surrounded by things that seem urgent. There’s always a bill to pay, dishes from last night to wash, or the trash to take out. Living in an apartment building, I have to drop my garbage down the chute regularly. Maybe for you, it’s vacuuming or mopping the floor. These tasks always feel pressing, but if you look closely, they’re not always what matters most to you.
The real priorities in life are often the ones we push aside. For me, reading a good book is important, especially when I’ve met the author and felt inspired by their talk. Writing, creating a small piece of software I’d love to sell one day, or brainstorming a new business idea—these are the things that light me up. Sometimes, it’s simply about enjoying life: giving myself a massage, relaxing in a jacuzzi, or just taking time for myself.
Yet, these moments of pleasure and personal fulfillment are the first to get postponed. When that happens, I start to feel off-balance, less happy, and not truly fulfilled. The problem is simple: we don’t spend enough time on what really counts for us. The things that are essential for our happiness and well-being get pushed to the bottom of the list.
So, here’s my invitation: think about what truly makes you happy. Maybe it’s going for a walk, spending quality time with a friend, or even shopping if that’s your thing. Whatever it is, make it a point to do something important for your well-being at least once a week. Sure, you can do small things every day—ten or twenty minutes here and there—but once a week, set aside a bigger chunk of time. An hour, ninety minutes, maybe even two hours. This is your time.
I remember when I used to visit the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand. It was amazing, and I loved it. Now, living in Melbourne, there’s a great spa a bit outside the city. If you search for “Hot Springs Melbourne,” you’ll find it. The name escapes me, but that’s not the point. The point is to treat yourself with kindness. These moments of softness give you more energy and happiness for everything else you need to do.
Positive energy comes from feeling fulfilled in your day. Motivation is important, but it doesn’t last forever. Good habits help, but if you’re not happy, that’s a bigger problem. It’s a bit like antibiotics: they’re wonderful when you need them, but if you overuse them, they stop working and can even cause more problems. The same goes for your daily routines. Even if you’re not relying on your mood or morning energy, happiness still matters.
Being in a good mood is important, but being fulfilled is even more so. Waking up in the morning is much easier when you’re excited about your day, knowing that most of what you’ll do are things you love and look forward to.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. — Dalai Lama
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. — Stephen Covey
If you want to go further in making your days more fulfilling, I encourage you to check out my self-help book or listen to my podcast with El. You can also join my private mailing list for more personal tips and stories.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent tasks are not always important tasks.
- Make time for what truly matters to you, not just what feels pressing.
- Schedule at least one meaningful activity for yourself each week.
- Your happiness and fulfillment are the real sources of energy and motivation.
Action Steps
- Identify what brings you joy and fulfillment.
- Block out time each week for these activities.
- Notice how your mood and energy change when you prioritize yourself.
Reflection
- What have I been putting off that would make me happier?
- When will I schedule my next “me time” session?
- How can I make my priorities more visible in my daily life?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Life Balance #Mental-Health #Money #Personal-Growth #Prioritization #Self Care #Self-Transcendence #Tasks #Time-Management