One could ask what does Valentine's day have to do with leadership?  Well, self-love is a critical aspect of maintaining a balanced life.  The internal balance that comes from self-love and care is critical for leaders to develop in order to maintain the energy, clarity and focus required to lead in this unpredictable and ever changing world.  So why not make loving yourself a priority this Valentine’s Day? 

Step 1:   Make the Time
Carving out even a little bit of time for your own happiness can go a long, long way.

• Make time for one small change; decide upon one hour, once a week for self- care.
• Commit to this time. Make sure that those around you know that you are making self-care a priority and don’t let yourself get pulled away by the “shoulds.” That hour is for you. 

Step 2:   Do What You Enjoy
Is there a hobby or activity that leaves you feeling refreshed or fulfilled afterwards? Then do it!

• Brainstorm a list of all the things that you do that really make you happy. Make your list rich and full of options.
• Experiment with happiness. Maybe one week you read, the next week you take a leisurely bath, the following week you phone a dear friend. Try different things, change will keep you excited and dedicated to your self-care.   

   
Step 3:   Keep It Going
Once you’ve made the time and identified an activity or activities that give you joy, don’t derail your progress. “You are what you think,” so keep that thinking positive.

• Engage in positive, reaffirming thoughts, for example, “I am worthy,” or “I deserve time for me.”  For reinforcement, write it down in multiple places and repeat it every day.
• Actively try to avoid negativity in your thinking, in those with whom you associate and in what you do. Choose your  wisely. If spending time on social media is a downer for you, then avoid it.

Keep in mind that no one knows you as well as you know yourself. Celebrate YOU. Give yourself the gift of time on a regular basis to do what you love. You deserve it and you will be a better person for it.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

As a writer for YourTango, Margaret offers advice around how getting a late start on new year's resolutions doesn't have to mean failure.  She offers three actions readers can take to reach their personal life goals. 

​https://www.yourtango.com/experts/margaret-billy-quandt/achieveing-your-goals

Margaret's 2017 article for YourTango giving women advice around how to ask for a salary raise.

https://www.yourtango.com/experts/margaret-billy-quandt/she-works-hard-money