1. Invest in yourself.

Spend half an hour to an hour every morning or evening reading, listening, or watching something that will enhance you, help you understand yourself and the world, or help improve your life. Also, if you can, put what you learn into practice in small ways.

2. When faced with criticism from within or from others, learn to distinguish between facts and ideas.

The inner judgment is not about saying good things about yourself all the time. People around you may attack you or try to put you down for their own purposes. If you or someone else does this, ask yourself: What is the reason for this criticism?

For example, if you or others feel that your homework is not good, you can explore the truth with this question. Be skeptical of criticism and carefully compare it with the facts. You may find that you are really good at most of your homework, but you may be a little absent-minded and lazy in math and physics.

This is very effective in changing your thinking, find out the truth, and don't belittle yourself.

3. Lower the threshold of happiness. Wake up in the morning. Relax for a minute. Tell yourself: "Today, I am going to lower the threshold of happiness."

People usually only record the exciting and big moments in our lives. However, a new study shows that it is important to record the ordinary and exciting moments in our lives. Capturing daily experiences can bring unexpected fun in the future.

I use this method often, and this simple method makes a huge difference in my life. When I say this to myself and remind myself of it throughout the day, I will be more grateful. The food, the work, the weather, the people, and the little things were no longer ordinary but things that I happily owned.

Those little things, or things that people might take for granted, are now things that I often stop to appreciate.

This method makes life easier, happier, and easier to maintain energy.

4. Tonight, take off the pressure.

Take a good bath and read some distracting articles. Or do some exercise. Or talk to someone about what you are thinking about and release it. Spend half an hour or more taking good care of your body and mind, eliminating tension and releasing stress.

5. Ordinary days - take a small step towards something positive.

If you feel that your days are mediocre or a little depressing, then take small actions towards some positive goals to add new excitement and optimism every day and every week.

Take or inquire about a trip you’ve always wanted to take. Have dinner or a cup of coffee with a friend***. See how your career can grow further and find something new and exciting to do. Take up a new hobby.

6. If you encounter setbacks, be your own best friend.

Don’t blame yourself, it will destroy your self-esteem. But take care of yourself and support yourself.

Ask yourself: How would my friends/parents support and help me in this situation?

Then do and say things for yourself as he or she would do and say them.

7. Find time to smile.

Roy Baumeister, the author of "Willpower" said:

"The ability of the self is limited. People who strive for self-control - force themselves to eat radishes rather than chocolate, or repressing forbidden thoughts—and then giving up more quickly when faced with misunderstood dilemmas. People who struggled to control their emotions experienced a significant reduction in their intentional self-esteem after watching an upsetting movie. Control drains our limited reserves of willpower.”

Find 20-30 minutes in the middle of the day, or if that’s not practical, use the morning or evening hours. Use your phone, portable player, computer or TV to watch an episode of a sitcom, read a fun book or comic, or listen to a podcast that will make you laugh.

I have been using this method for over ten years; even before I paid close attention to personal development.

I have found this to be the most effective way to rejuvenate, regain confidence, and release inner stress.

8. Don’t think about what you don’t want, think more about what you do want.

It is never too late to change. Since you don’t want it, why waste your efforts? Human energy is limited. Either use your limited energy to think about what you want and work towards it; or you can get stuck on what you don’t want and be unable to extricate yourself.

For example, a healthier body? A vigorous love affair? New career opportunity?

What small steps can you take toward that goal? Take a small step today. Take another small step tomorrow.

9. Just remind yourself that loving yourself and caring for yourself is the smartest way.

Remind yourself: Doing this will bring better results in life - more resilience; stronger self-esteem; happier and more stable inner life; and a more positive relationship with yourself and the people around you.