Self Esteem - Worth a Self-Evaluation

'Self esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves.'
Nathaniel Branden

You are a unique human being whose presence on this earth contributes to the greater scheme of things. You are truly beautiful and deserve to see yourself in the very best light.

Don't be taken in by his welcome grin!

Them thar confidence-sapping 'Pirates' is out to plunder ye precious booty, me beauties!

Feeling good about yourself is a precious, yet fragile commodity and low self esteem requires your immediate attention and continuing review. In personal development so much written around self-esteem that you could spend forever analysing it.

Everyone has their own personal take. At times, I still struggle with low self esteem, and I acknowledge that fact and take actions to change it.

As a starting point I believe these self esteem tips are all highly do-able and effective.

With each tip I have added a self-esteem quote. Often these quotes resonate more deeply than explanations and they are little nuggets of wisdom you can more easily remember.

1. Respect your own needs
   No, it isn't being selfish. Respecting your own deeper needs increases self-esteem and self-worth. Create some special 'me' time daily. If you do not value yourself then what message are you giving to the world.
   
   

   Self trust is the first secret of success.
   Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 -1882) American poet

2. Do what you love.
   Doing things you love will develop your strengths and talents even further. You will enjoy yourself more. You will be absorbed in these activities and likely mix with like-minded people.

   You can get good fish and chips at the Savoy, and you can put up with fancy people
   - once you understand you don't have to be like them.
   Gracie Fields 1888-1979

3. Play to your strengths.
   Celebrate your achievement. DO NOT compare yourself to others.

   Find and write down one more positive thing about yourself every day. Create an achievement wall, board or mirror. Place it somewhere prominent and look back at it regularly. (I keep a note of my 'firsts' like the first time I wrote a poem, took a taxi in a foreign country, sang at Karaoke.')

   “One of the marks of excellent people is that they never compare themselves with others. They only compare themselves with themselves and with their past accomplishments and future potential.”
   Brian Tracy

4. Take a risk, step outside your comfort zone, challenge a fear.
   We're not talking jumping out of aeroplanes, here. It's more about challenging yourself in small ways, for example noticing the small things that you avoid, like talking up, asking questions in a discussion. If you challenge one small fear each day, how far will you go in a week, a month, a year?

   Self confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.
   Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)

5. Talk yourself up - silence your negative critic.
   Your behaviour is not your identity. We all make mistakes, have mishaps, it does not make you stupid, an idiot or imcompetent.

   NLP tip: If you can't silence it straight away or turn it off completely - In your head turn down the volume or change the tone of your negative critical self-talk. Donald Duck or Bugs Bunny reprimands just make you laugh instead.

   “Self-esteem is different than conceit. Conceit is the weirdest disease in the world. It makes everyone sick except the one who has it.”
   Hartman Rector

6. Learn to accept compliments - and give them too
   Get into the habit of saying 'Thankyou, I am glad you like it' or 'Thankyou, I think so too.' Also learn to give compliments. By looking for the best in others you bring out the best in yourself...and people like to receive genuine compliments.

   I remember this one well. It's only as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. Practice, practice, practice!

   'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent'-
   Eleanor Roosevelt

7. Self-image. Create a positive self image.
   Dress in clothes that make you feel good - and appropriate to the situation. Walk tall and straight, give good eye contact and move with energy and purpose. You have about 3 seconds to create a first impression - based on dress, grooming and body language.

   There are big dogs and little dogs, but the litle dogs should not be disheartened by the existence of the big dogs. All must bark, and bark with the voice God gave them.
   Anton Checkhov. 1860 - 1904

8. Free yourself from those 'shoulds.'
   Do what is right for you not what others think you should do. Listen to your own language. It is full of 'I should be ...or I ought' - ask yourself 'according to whom?' Check out that self-talk again too.

   Self acceptance. I was raised to sense what someone wanted me to be and to be that kind of person. It took a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.
   Sally Field American actress b. 1946

   
   Self-Image Art Print
   Buy at AllPosters.com
   Most of all. Have fun, enjoy life, and choose to be the very best you can be.

   
   
   Return from Self Esteem to Happiness 'Pirates'