1. Say Yes Only When You Want To

You want to please everyone, but you end up disappointed in yourself. Dont 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. Its 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. Dont 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 dont let other know that you have respect for yourself, how can you expect them to respect you? If you dont value what you have to offer, no one else will.

6. Keep Your Promises

Unless you have an emergency, do what you say youll 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 peoples feelings first? Each time you do, you give away a little of your personal power and self respect. By protecting someones fragile ego, you are neglecting your needs.

8. Dont Make Assumptions

You dont know for sure what someone else is feeling or thinking. The only way to know is to ask. Dont 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 cant please everyone. Sometimes you cant win, no matter what choice you make. You dont need to justify your choices. If youve done your best, thats all that matters.

Marie Roker

Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach with Smart Bee Coaching LLC. She is also the author of Successful Thinking for a Successful Life and a Certified Breakthrough Parenting Instructor.

Marie has coached women through A Hands up Coaching, a volunteer coaching program for lower income women who want to gain their confidence and make improvements in their lives. Marie is also Director of Public Education for Developing Hearts Systems, a non profit organization educational publisher of Bonding with Baby developmental books.

Marie has a BA from Fordham University and is completing her MA at Columbia University?s Teachers College. Marie also received her coach training from Coachville and is a founding member of International Association of Coaches.