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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GSU chapter.

Are you a green flag or a red flag? Be honest. Perhaps you genuinely believe that you’re a green flag with not even the slightest hint of red. What if I told you that you’re both? It’s true. You’re a green flag with red hues. You can see the green from miles away, but as you become near, the red hues are noticeable. Don’t be alarmed by this. We’re human and therefore flawed. The moment that you begin to take accountability for your red hues is the moment that you can grow. 

Oftentimes, it’s easier to notice the red flags of others than it is to see your own. Looking in the mirror and facing your flaws can be quite daunting. You may be wondering how to gain the strength to do so? You accept that no one is perfect, and you can only fix an issue once you address it.

If you’re in denial, then you’re only prolonging a period of stagnancy. It’s time to stop sugarcoating! Don’t be satisfied with living in denial, and if you’ve ever made the statement, “that’s just how I am,” then I am most certainly speaking to you. However, I have an exercise that I’m positive will help! Simply follow these steps:

  1. Be completely honest with yourself.
  2. Journal about what you believe your red flags are and why.
  3. Speak to at least three loved ones to gain another perspective while remaining open-minded.
  4. Create an action plan to confront your red flags and grow from them.
  5. If possible, seek therapy to truly address the issue behind your red flags.

If you follow these steps and listen to your gut, you will start to see a change. You’ll begin to notice that addressing your red flags is better than acting as though they are nonexistent. Doing so will even help you have more grace when interacting with others who you may have considered problematic. You will see that they are simply in denial like you were previously.

The only thing that truly matters is that we’re all trying our best to grow. It’ll take diligence and patience but most importantly, love. You have to remember to love yourself every step of the way. You’ll never reach perfection, but perfection is not the goal. Your true goal should be inner growth to be the best version of yourself. 

Regina Price is a senior at Georgia State University majoring in neuroscience with a pre-medical concentration. She is the current President of STARS, a mental health organization on campus that works to eliminate the stigma! Regina aspires to be a doctor and leave a positive impact on the world with the aid of science. In her spare time, she loves to give back to the community, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy various forms of art.