12 VALUABLE STEPS TO BOOST YOUR SELF-ESTEEM

As adults, we can choose the messages we accept or reject. ( As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission”). Building high self esteem is a process, not something you can develop overnight says Jeffery Keller. “ Yet I believe every person has the capacity for high self esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a commitment to increase your self-esteem?” If your answer is yes, Jeff offers 12 steps to get you started.

Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some people who have more than you, and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you will run into many “opponents” you can’t defeat.

Stop putting yourself down. You can’t develop high esteem if you repeat negative phrase about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearance, your career, your relationship, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-deprecating comments.

Accept all complements with “thank you”. Ever received a compliment and replied, “ Oh, it was nothing’? When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of the praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple “thank you”.

Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a business card or small index card, write out statement such as “ I like and accept myself” or “ I am a valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life”. Carry the card with you,. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.

Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programme on self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate your mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip-offs, you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.

Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself. Therefore, put yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.

(To Continue in next issue)