Self-Esteem

SIMPLE IDEAS FOR BOOSTING SELF ESTEEM

1. Set healthy goals. When setting goals for yourself, remember to consider what makes you happy, not “what you THINK you should want”. By following your inner guidance, you’ll have the passion to follow through and succeed.

2. Meet challenges head-on. We all have to face struggles and difficulties---it’s part of being human. By accepting challenges and handling situations as they arise, we will be much less likely to face an avalanche of stress later.

3. Pay attention to what you are telling yourself. Many of us are so used to playing negative tapes in our mind, we don’t even realize we do it. Telling yourself things like "I can’t do it", "I’m not smart enough", "I’m too old (short) (ugly) etc." just ensures our failure. The mind is very powerful, and we tend to behave exactly how we think and feel.

4. Stop comparing yourselves to others. This can be tricky, especially during the teenage years. Many teens compare themselves to girls on the cover of fashion magazines, and these images are simply not realistic! No one looks like those images in real life--hours of hair, make-up, lighting and digital retouching have created these "women". Don’t buy in to it! Instead of focusing on the girl or woman you "wished" you looked like, make it your goal to become the best "you" that you can be. We are all born with God- given strengths that we are born to nurture and bring to life. Discover what these gifts are and use them!

5. Use affirmations to boost your self-esteem. On a small index card, write out a statement such as "I am the master of my destiny", or "I believe in myself". Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and first thing in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.

6. Along with affirmations, visualization is an extremely powerful tool in changing the way we view ourselves. First thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed, visualize yourself as you desire to be. For instance, if you want the lead in the play, picture yourself auditioning and acting the part perfectly. If you would like to be more outgoing, see yourself in a large group of people completely at ease and having a wonderful time. The key is repetition, so play the scene over and over again. Give it as much detail as possible. This works!

7. Associate with positive, supportive people. When you surround yourself with negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down or themselves down, your self-esteem and will to move forward suffer. I call them "energy suckers". Hanging out with draining people is a sure-fire way to feel poorly. Misery loves company. On the other hand, when people accept and encourage, as you purposely place yourself in a supportive environment, you will feel uplifted and positive.

8. Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your personal victories like learning to skate, graduating from high school, college, receiving an award or promotion. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and re-create the feelings of satisfaction and joy that you experienced when you first attained each success. This is a very powerful tool!

9. Pray or meditate.  Prayer can take many forms and doesn’t have to be "serious." Whether you pray by speaking to a "male figure God", a "divine source" or "angels", it makes no difference. Studies have shown that the simple act of stilling the mind and connecting with your spirit can fill one with confidence and strength.

10. If you feel consistently down and depressed, please seek counseling. There is no need to suffer! There a many treatments available that are effective and safe.