Make Yourself Happy First – A Simple Exercise

Do you often take care of everyone else first—only to realize at the end of the day that there is no time left for yourself?

It happens so easily.

Someone needs help. Something has to be finished. Another small task appears. And before you know it, the entire day has been spent taking care of everything and everyone else.

Putting other people’s needs first is tempting. It doesn’t require much reflection.
We tell ourselves:

“Let me just take care of this quickly… and then I’ll have time for myself.”

But by the time everything is done, something important has disappeared.

The energy.
The curiosity.
The desire to explore what truly matters to you.

When We Lose Our Balance

When I lose my balance, my priorities get mixed up. I start worrying about the smallest details. I become more insecure, needier, and less happy.

All of a sudden, I begin to question everything.

Was what I wanted to accomplish really such a good idea?
Should I wait until another day to tackle it?

Happiness Requires Courage

Keeping your balance and drawing from your own happiness—rather than waiting for others to provide it—takes courage and discipline.

Often it’s easier to say yes than no.

It takes boldness to stand up for what truly matters to you. You have to think about what you want and then go after it. You may have to face fear, maybe even rejection.

What if you pursue a dream that doesn’t work out?

Well, that might happen.

But even then, something beautiful occurs:
You dared to try.

Put Yourself First – A Simple Exercise

If you notice that your priorities have taken a back seat, try this simple exercise to restore your balance.

Step 1: Make a happiness list

Take a moment and write down all the activities that make you happy. Big or small—anything that brings a smile to your face.

For example:

• creating a new business project
• enjoying fresh flowers on your kitchen table
• working in the garden
• sleeping in
• starting a blog
• meeting a friend for coffee
• going for a long run along the beach
• planning a date night with your husband
• reading a captivating novel
• spending time alone

Step 2: Choose one — and start today

Look at your list and circle one activity that feels especially inviting right now.

Then, take a small step immediately.

Buy that novel you’re dying to read.
Schedule a date night with your husband.
Put fresh flowers on your table.
Open WordPress and start your blog.

Don’t overthink it. Just begin.

I love this exercise because it works instantly. It lifts your mood and reminds you of something important:

You matter too.

If you try the exercise or something shifts for you, feel free to write to me. I’d love to hear what you discover.

As always, thank you for reading.

Karin