Determine
your personal attributes--positive things about your physical, mental
and emotional self such as the way you look (body image, color of hair
and eyes); your mind and emotions; skills you have and those you are
developing; your potential; your values. Practice becoming comfortable
with yourself. Don't try to measure up using someone else's standards.
Genuine self-esteem comes from within.
Focus on your accomplishments. Congratulate yourself for achievements,
however big or small. Remind yourself daily of the things you do well
and of the courage you have shown in the past or present.
Choose to risk in order to succeed. Establish realistic goals that
are your won and are high enough to satisfy you. Learn from failure.
If you have setbacks, become a problem solver. Examine strategies and
objectives which may have to be revised in order to succeed.
Refuse to deal with self-defeating patterns. Learn to be realistic
and accept the fact that you aren't perfect at everything and you don't
have to be. Stop condemning your faults--change what you can and accept
yourself by also acknowledging your virtues.
Learn to laugh at past disappointments when you can. Use them as opportunity
for insight and growth. Be compassionate with yourself.
Visualize success. Mentally rehearse winning in everything you do before
you do it. Nurture yourself by taking care of your health.
Eat well, get enough sleep and exercise. Learn to play.
Develop a support system of people you trust who will listen when you
need to talk.
Let go of resentment, guilt and revenge. Forgive yourself and others.
Recognize that you are unique and have a place of importance in this
world.
Meditate and call up your inner child. Recognize what hurts in your
past and try to imagine giving your inner child what he/she needs to
heal. If you feel overwhelmed, seek help from a professional.
Sometimes we are out of touch with ourselves. We can be dismayed to
find that self-esteem can cause us major stress. When it does, it is
a good idea to seek professional help.
As we meet this life challenge, we experience health and vitality.
Take it on and struggle to grow.
