subject: How To Improve Self Esteem Feel Better About Yourself In Seven Steps [print this page] Self esteem is basically how we feel about ourselves. Our self esteem develops as we live day-after-day; it is not something that we innately have the moment we are born. Everybody wants a life full of success and happiness; but this is often hard to attain, especially for those who have low self-esteem. Good thing there are things we can do to better our self esteem. However, you can't change your self esteem right away, this would take a great deal of effort and time, in other words determination. Below are seven easy steps to guide you on how to improve self esteem:
Step One
Assess your problems realistically. Coping effectively with life's problems and disappointments requires realistic expectations. For example, common sources of stress like traffic and long lines in the cafe are not really problems unless you perceive them as such. Difficulties, problems and challenges will always be a part of life. So you need to learn to accept the fact that life is and will never be perfect. You will be able to respond to day-to-day life events more appropriately if your assessment of things are realistic.
Step Two
Don't compare yourself with other people. In this world, there will always be someone better than you, in the same way that you are also greater than someone. If you keep on comparing, you will find yourself feeling inferior very often.
Step Three
Determine the things that make you feel bad about yourself. Try to recognize the areas in your life that are causing you to feel bad about yourself. Avoid them if you can, or better yet find ways to resolve these issues. For example, if it is your appearance that is causing you to feel bad about yourself, take measures to improve it--go to the gym and dress well.
Step Four
Stop being your own worst critic. A healthy level of self esteem will never be yours if you keep on playing those negative criticisms about yourself in your head. Rather, repeat positive statements and affirmations. Whenever you say positive statements and affirmations, you allow yourself to experience positive and motivating feelings. Never belittle yourself in whatever aspect of your life--your looks, your job or your financial situation. You should be your biggest fan!
Step Five
Associate with positive, supportive people. If you form friendships with people who are pessimistic and controlling, you are likely going to feel bad about yourself often. On the other hand, your self esteem is sure to improve if you are constantly in the company of people who encourage you all the time and accept you for who you are.
Step Six
Do something! If you just keep worrying about your self esteem issues, you will never get anywhere near a healthy level of self esteem. When you act, regardless of the end result, you will Feel Better About yourself. If you let your fear and anxiety hold you back from taking action, you will end up feeling frustrated, unhappy and discontented with yourself.
Step Seven
Learn to forgive yourself when you don't accomplish all that you set out to. Everybody falls short sometimes, but rather than focusing on the negative aspects, learn how to readjust your goals so that you have a better chance of meeting them. Almost any negative experience can be turned into a positive experience with the right attitude.
