February, with Valentine’s Day, is the month of “love”. It’s super easy to say “I love you” to someone else, but can you truthfully say it to yourself? And do you believe it? I work with so many women business owners who find it absolutely uncomfortable to look in the mirror and tell themselves “I love you”. Yet they say it to their significant other, spouse, children and pets all the time and without even thinking about it. Why is that?

Well, here is what I have discovered and wanted to share with you since I think it’s important.

Women can be their own worst enemy. They beat themselves up, make themselves feel bad or guilty, and put themselves last because they don’t feel that they deserve love. They put everyone else and their needs first, and hardly ever take care of themselves. By doing this, they often feel disrespected, put upon and taken for granted. No wonder they feel like that; they are essentially treating themselves the same way.

Not a very great place to be, eh?

If you are a woman in business and always seem to be struggling to make money, find clients, and be successful, ask yourself “Do I love myself?” If the answer is no, ask next “Why not?” Hang on for a second and you’ll receive the answers, usually they are right there. But if you analyze them, you will probably discover they are false or superficial. For every con there is a better pro. And let me assure you, there is no reason in this world why you shouldn’t love yourself!

If you don’t love yourself first, why do you think others would or should?

When I started out in business as a fitness coach, I stressed the importance of self care. I still do in my role as a business coach for women business owners because I know — beyond a shadow of a doubt – that self-care and self-love are vital to success.

By loving yourself, you will value yourself and be able to take the steps to build a successful business and make the kind of money you want to make.

When you can tell your reflection in the mirror that you love yourself, really you are saying that you are important, you mean something and you matter… and you do!

So perhaps it’s time to buy your own heart-shaped box of chocolates and send yourself a love note. You’re loved not only by all, but by yourself – and the most important person is YOU!