Building Self Esteem

    Having a healthy self esteem is crucial for your own well being and for being able to thrive in life.I’m sure at some point in our lives most of us have known what it’s like to experience feelings of self-doubt or self-loathing, some people seem to overcome it naturally, but others require a little more help. Having low self esteem can really hamper you in a number of ways, for instance it can put you at a disadvantage in life because if you don’t value yourself, it’s hard to truly value anything else.    
     You might lack assertiveness and this will definitely hold you back. Your body language can come across negatively e.g. you might appear lacking in confidence or submissive, or alternatively, aloof or disinterested. You may avoid social situations. You may not take jobs that you are clearly capable and qualified to do which will impact your career progression.
   
     You might lack self respect and this will feed into negative behavioural patterns such as drinking heavily or other forms of destructive actions. Having low self esteem can impact you in a number of ways so, if this is this case – it’s time that you come first now! Even if up until now that hasn’t come naturally.
 
        So here are 5 steps to help you overcome low self esteem, together with a related quote which deals with the same theme. I hope you find them helpful – please let me know if they helped you see yourself in a better light because trust me, however bad you feel about yourself, it’s down to your perception – and this is what needs to be improved! which is why I always say "Live is all about manipulation, which brings about you getting what you want out of live with direct proportionality to your level of understanding of life itself". “An individual’s self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change. A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.” – Dr Joyce Brothers 
  
 1. Make a list of your strengths or positive sides. 
      I understand that if you’re suffering from low self esteem this might seem difficult but just give it a shot, even if it’s just to make a start. You can ask someone who’s close to you to tell you, if you’re feeling you can’t do it or are finding it hard to come up with positives. You’ll be surprised what positives others see in you that you don’t realise! Write them down and keep them close to you so you can refer back to them whenever you need. 
    
      “Change can either challenge or threaten us. Your beliefs pave your way to success or block you.”                                                                                                                – Marsha Sinetar
  2. Get out of your comfort zone.
      Again this might seem impossible to do if you have low self esteem but try to forget about that – take small steps. Join a club, take up a new hobby or try a new sport – it will expand your social circle at the very least. Or try something different to your normal routine, perhaps visit a museum or local tourist attraction you’ve never been to. It will give you new insights and raise your spirits. It will also give you some time that is just for you. 
       
      “A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.”
                                                                                                               – Oliver Wendell Holmes
 3. Having good self-esteem and a strong self-image originates from within.
     Your self esteem can’t fully be influenced by what goes on around you so ask if there are things about the way you think (and therefore behave) that are causing these negative feelings. Can you be needy at times? Do you need to get reassurance from others before you make choices in your life? Do you relentlessly worry what others think of you? Have a quiet moment of reflection and examine your thoughts and feelings and see if these are the kinds of things that are affecting your self esteem. 

        “A mind like a home, is furnished by its owner, so if one’s life is cold and bare he can blame none but himself”
                                                                                                                       – Louis L’Amour 
   4. Forget blaming everyone else for how you feel. 
      Blaming people is the best way to shift power onto other individuals, it’s such a powerless situation you put yourself in. Stop blaming your parents, siblings, teachers, bosses…whoever! Take control of your own destiny and live your life – the improvement to your self image and self esteem will take off into heights you never thought possible.

 “Beauty is a radiance that originates from within and comes from inner security and strong character.” 
                                                                                                                          – Jane Seymour 
   5. Be yourself!
       Perhaps it’s a cliche but who else can you be? Accept who you are, celebrate that and live it with enthusiasm! You cannot act out other people’s scripts, however hard you try. Learning to be content with yourself and who you really are as a person will give you a clearer sense of how you will carve out your own path in life and will improve your self esteem. You are a beautiful and unique human being!.

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