1. Say “Yes” Only When You Want To

You want to please everyone, but you end up disappointed in yourself. Don’t say “Yes” unless you absolutely want to. If someone tries to make you feel bad about it, remember that they are more concerned about their own agenda.

2. Think Before You Speak

Before you communicate, think about what you are going to say. Make sure you communicate clearly so that the other person fully understands the information you want to share. It’s better to prevent an argument or disagreement than to try to retract what you have said.

3. Establish and Enforce Personal Boundaries

Make sure that friends and family are clear on what you will and will not accept from them. Be specific about your boundaries. Don’t assume people can read your mind. Speak up about anything that displeases or offends you.

4. Have a Sense of Humor

Some people use sarcasm to make other people feel bad intentionally and unintentionally. Be witty when someone uses sarcasm to make you feel bad. Laugh it off or make a joke about it. Have the upper hand in the situation.

5. Have Self Respect

Your opinion, time, and values are important. If you don’t let other know that you have respect for yourself, how can you expect them to respect you? If you don’t value what you have to offer, no one else will.

6. Keep Your Promises

Unless you have an emergency, do what you say you’ll do to avoid any conflicts later. Honor your promises. Be fully committed to the promise by prioritizing what is most important to you. If you promised to visit your grandmother, do it at a time that is convenient for you.

7. Take Care of Your Feelings First

Do you put other people’s feelings first? Each time you do, you give away a little of your personal power and self respect. By protecting someone’s fragile ego, you are neglecting your needs.

8. Don’t Make Assumptions

You don’t know for sure what someone else is feeling or thinking. The only way to know is to ask. Don’t be so sure that people are going to judge or condemn you.

9. Forgive Yourself

We all make mistakes. Give up blaming and berating yourself. If you hold on to them, it is difficult to move forward and let go of the past.

10. Do Your Best

You can’t please everyone. Sometimes you can’t win, no matter what choice you make. You don’t need to justify your choices. If you’ve done your best, that’s all that matters.

Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach an Author of Successful Thinking for a Successful Life: How to Banish the Unhealthy Thoughts and Habits That Limit Your Success. Her Successful Thinking™ program is an affordable coaching resource that offers support and encouragement when there are roadblocks to success. You can find out more about the program at http://www.thinkandbesuccessful.com or sign up for her free Be Inspired newsletter at http://www.smartbeecoaching.com

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