Well, here we are in February, National Boost-Your-Self-Esteem Month. It can be easy to get down on yourself. The holidays are over and, for many people, the resolutions made in January are lapsing. Now is the time you need a boost. Here are four tips that can help recharge your positive mindset and get you on track:

1. Challenge your negative thinking. Your first thought about a situation may not be the only way to look at that situation. Ask whether your negative thought, e.g. “I always mess up . . .”, is consistent with the facts of your life or whether the problem is specific only to your immediate event, e.g. “Well maybe I didn’t do well on this but I often do well”.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others. If you try to live up to or exceed others’ accomplishments, you are on a road to discouragement. Rather, focus on being the best that you can be.

3. Adjust your thoughts. Avoid “should” and “must” statements. Such imperatives result in your putting unreasonable demands on yourself or others. Eliminate these and you will be able to make reasonable expectations.

4. Focus on your accomplishments. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they seem to you. Find at least one or two things you have done each day and give yourself credit. So, if you exercise for only 10 minutes instead of the 45 you wanted, give yourself credit for doing something. You will be amazed how quickly you can get into a more positive mindset.