The Importance of Recognizing Your Value

by | Nov 19, 2013 | Self Improvement

Do you truly recognize your value? Sometimes others recognize our value more than we do. Unfortunately, when this happens they offer us less and we accept it without thinking twice. It took me a long time to recognize my value. It never crossed my mind that I had qualities, skills, and attributes that made me unique and valuable. In fact, before recognizing my value, it never crossed my mind that I deserved the best in my personal as well as my professional life. Once I recognized my value, I began expecting more and in return, I began receiving more. People who do not recognize their value are typically unsatisfied with their lives. Some of the consequences of not recognizing your value includes but is not limited to poor treatment, lower wages, and overall mediocre living. In essence, when you do not believe that you are worth more, you are willing to accept much less than you deserve.

Are you ready to begin living with purpose? Are you ready to begin living your best life? If so, what are you waiting for? You should not waste another moment wishing that you could have the relationship, financial stability, or career that you desire. Your opportunities are limitless. However, you must understand what you have to offer and believe that you deserve the best. Moreover, you must recognize your potential and no longer settle for mediocrity. Do you take advantage of your strengths and talents or are you keeping them to yourself? When you realize that you deserve more, you will begin to expect more. Knowing your value creates an opportunity for you to set high expectations. This week I challenge you to list at least three strengths that make you valuable. Keep these three items at the forefront of your mind and continually remind yourself that you will no longer accept poor or even mediocre treatment. You deserve the best and you should not expect or accept anything less than the best. Have a great week!

Dr. Jessica Houston

Defending Your Happiness

by | Nov 10, 2013 | Self Improvement

If I ask you to defend your happiness, what would that mean to you? Does the idea of defending your happiness sound a little extreme? Does it sound like work? I hope that it sounds like work, because, just like everything else in life, it takes work to be happy. Your state of happiness should be deliberate and intentional. There will be moments of difficulty and even disappointment. However, you cannot allow those moments to consume you and hold your happiness hostage. One sure way to defend your happiness, involves distancing yourself from people who are always negative.

Have you ever been in an awesome mood, because something exciting happened? Did you pick up the phone to call a friend or loved one to share your good news? What happens next is very important. Either the person on the receiving end is excited for you or not. Unfortunately, within minutes, your joy and excitement can be sucked right out of you. This has happened to me, many times. Now that I recognize, how important it is to be surrounded by positive people, I intentionally limit my time spent around people who are negative and pessimistic. I still love them, but I must do so from a distance.

Perhaps you can begin connecting with like-minded people, who always seem happy and full of energy. Take a minute to reflect upon the people whom you spend the most time with. Are they pushing you to grow or are they bringing you down? Connecting with someone who is happy and goal-oriented is a great way to defend your happiness. This week, I challenge you to develop three ways that you can defend your happiness. Once they are developed, place them where you can see them and keep them at the forefront of your mind. Choosing to be happy, will create the positive energy needed to enhance your relationships, your career, and your overall well-being.

Dr. Jessica Houston