10 Steps to Help You Restore Balance in Life and Gain Clarity on Your Goals when you are Stressed out

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to share the resources that have had the biggest impact on helping me love myself in a world where social media constantly encourages comparison. Here are my top tips:

1. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We are all human. One thing I've learned from coaching hundreds of people is that we are our own biggest critics. I've yet to meet anyone who isn’t their harshest judge.

2. Invest in yourself. Everyone has their methods; for me, it’s been coaching and hiring coaches. When I see breakthroughs with my clients, I experience them too. Common breakthroughs include self-love, confidence, realizing that comparison is the thief of joy, and doing what they love rather than seeking external validation.

3. Therapy. Having tried various types of therapy, I’ve realized that having a safe space to normalize your feelings helps you understand that you’re not alone.

4. Group therapy/Men’s group. Starting a men’s group showed me the value of providing a space for emotional expression, especially since talking about feelings is still stigmatized. We often prefer to watch sports rather than confront our emotions.

5. Call a friend. When I feel down and like I’ve failed as a husband, employee, son, brother, or friend, I call people who remind me who I am—a lover, someone trying their best, and human, capable of making mistakes.

6. Set boundaries. For the helpers out there, especially Type 2s on the Enneagram: remember you are enough, despite all the good you do. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

7. For the Type 3 Achievers on the Enneagram. Your accomplishments don’t determine why people love you. This is especially true for men who derive value from supporting their families. Being a responsible father is important, but losing your identity outside of this role is a recipe for mental health issues.

8. Do things that make you happy. This doesn’t mean you’re selfish. Take time for yourself, especially mothers. My mom is a warrior, but sacrificing yourself shouldn’t come at the expense of losing who you are.

9. Explore transformative programs. There are many, such as Landmark Worldwide, Accomplishment Coaching, and Next Level Trainings. These programs have provided me with immense growth. If you want more details, let me know in the comments.

10. Be in nature. Everyone feels better when grounded in nature. Something as simple as taking a call outside or saying no to a Zoom meeting can make a huge difference. Remember, it’s okay not to be where you think you should be. Less can be more.

If you found this helpful, please like and share. If you want more tips, let me know—I’m happy to share what has helped me find self-love and inner peace.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SelfLove #Coaching #MentalHealth #AAPI #DiversityAndInclusion