There is so much talk these days about self-esteem.
Sometimes people hold others accountable for damage… or even possible damage, to their self-esteem. We often feel that high self esteem is something that we’re all entitled to. Some folks think that everything hinges on it. Others downplay it’s importance. It’s definitely become a catch phrase.
I can hold you in high esteem, but I can’t hold you in high self-esteem. Self- esteem comes from within the self, not from external sources. It is how you view yourself, take pride in yourself, and is often reflected in the way you care for yourself.
How can you make an impact on the way you view yourself? What you do, and what you say to yourself, should be your concentration. Here’s how you can do you… and increase your self-esteem while you’re at it.
Find Some Work Worth Doing
When you spend your time contributing to society, you will feel your self-esteem blossom and grow. This is usually done through your work, which is where you spend most of your waking hours. Unemployed? Use this time to learn a new skill, do some self-reflection, and make good use of your time out. Can you volunteer? Do something that interests you.
Be Helpful
Just pitch in. Get started. We all have talents that we fail to use to their potential. If nothing else, we all need encouragement. Ask yourself “who can I encourage today?”. A smile goes a long way. Make it your goal to give smiles away and collect them in equal measure.
Forgive Yourself
Are you experiencing depression, financial trouble, or relationship problems? It’s easy to blame yourself. Start today to forgive yourself. “Why can’t I feel better?”, “Why am I so bad with money?”, “Why can’t I make my partner happy?”. Feeling guilty and beating yourself up never works as a strategy for coping.
Talk to Yourself
You can run a negative talk track with yourself, or a positive one. You have total control over what you tell yourself. Even if you have to “fake it until you make it”, you have got to nourish yourself with kind words. No matter what your issues are, you just can’t afford the luxury of talking down to yourself.
Have an Open Heart
What do I mean by that? I mean that you approach everyone you meet with an open heart. Be willing to be present in every interaction. Don’t downplay the importance of connecting. Listen and reflect on the conversations you have with others. Every path you cross is an opportunity for you to make a connection outside of yourself.
So, to wrap it up, how you choose to spend your time and resources can bring you the biggest sense of pride in yourself. Don’t wait for others to serve you up a heaping dish of self-esteem. No matter the circumstances, your self esteem is yours to claim!
– Cat
