Self esteem is our own estimation of our self worth as people or persons. It encompasses decisions we have made about who we are and the beliefs that we hold about ourselves. If you were to finish the sentence, i am ............. several times, you may get a peek into the state of your self esteem. Whether you see yourself in a positive or negative light affects every decision that you make. It affects the way you treat yourself and the way you allow others treat you too.
Its important to recognise that since your self esteem has a lot to do with decisions you have make about yourself, that you the power to boost your self esteem. If you think that your self esteem is lacking, then you have the opportunity to do something about it.
There are certain practices that you can choose to help you strengthen your self esteem, which includes the following;
1) SELF ACCEPTANCE: Self acceptance means loving yourself unconditionally. It does not mean that you do not want to improve, it just means you are able to accept that this is who you are at the moment while you strive to get improvement. It means you stop belittling yourself.
2) ACCEPT 100% RESPONSIBILITY: This is very empowering. Letting go of excuses and blame means that you are in control of your life, when you accept 100% responsibility for the state of your life and self esteem you free yourself from waiting for anyone to change you, so you correct some of your flaws and improve yourself in the given areas of life and be better.
3) STAND UP FOR YOURSELF: If you donot respect and value yourself, others never will. Find your voice and learn to be assertive rather than passive, aggressive or passive aggressive. As you learn to say yes to what you want and need and no to what you do not need or what, your opinion of yourself will increase.
4) TURN OFF THE AUTO PILOT: Become aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions. Decide to be proactive and to more consciously choose those thoughts, feelings and actions. Accept that your wants and needs are as important as those of others.
5) SET GOALS: Having a sense of purpose and direction boosts self esteem. Find something that excites and interest you. Set your sights on improving yourself and situation, and more importantly set your sights on helping others.
6) GUARD YOUR INTEGRITY: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be honest with yourself and with those around you, when you go against what you stand for or value in other to please others, you hurt your opinion yourself.
Nathaniel Brandon said since self esteem is a consequence, or a product of an internally generated practice, we cannot work on it directly, neither our own or anyone else's. So we must address ourselves from the source. Create a climate that supports and reinforces the practice that strengthens your self esteem.
