Here are 10 methods for building self esteem.
1. Avoid stress by getting projects done before the time they are due. When we are under stress, we do not feel good about ourselves. We feel the stress is our fault, and sometimes it is. But when we head off the “need” to stress because we have worked to get ahead of the game, we feel good. Yes, it takes a while to develop enough open space between you and your deadlines, but the effort is worth it.
2. When your job is done to your satisfaction, congratulate yourself on the job you have done. This is not the stereotypical patting-yourself-on-the back posturing before other people about what you have done. This congratulations is internal, to yourself. Nothing wrong with being recognized for a job well done. But let others do that. Compliment yourself and feel the inner warmth that brings.
3. It is better to have aimed at the sky and fallen in a tree than to have aimed at the tree and crashed into the ground. But set objectives that are reachable. Yes, we are told in the self help movement to “reach for the stars.” Nothing wrong with that; but make sure your star reaching is possible. To continually miss the mark lowers self esteem, whereas reaching your mark more often than not, builds self esteem.
4. Be accountable for who you are. Do not pass off mistakes onto others. Stand-up, like an adult, and be accountable. This is tough at times, especially when you have made a mistake. Mistakes happen to everyone, repeat, everyone. Own up to them, at least, within yourself and out loud, if appropriate. Learn from that mistake, which you can only do if you are accountable. And move on.
5. Many self-help gurus will tell you to look in the mirror and tell yourself you are nature’s gift of good looks. Well, when I look in the mirror, I see an over-weight guy in his early 60s with white hair, already. No way I am going to lie to myself and tell myself I am a younger Paul Newman. But that does not mean I find myself unattractive. Everyone of normal visage will find something about which to be proud when looking in the mirror. Do this for yourself; look in the mirror and find what is attractive about you and help yourself build your self esteem on that characteristic.
6. Speaking of perfection as we were, see mirror above, do not seek it. Perfection in this physical world does not exist. Perfection does exist in the spiritual world and at the quantum level. Of these you may partake and affirm yourself perfect in the “eyes” of the Universe (or God, if you prefer). There you are perfect. But nothing else will ever be perfect. Do not expect it. Then when it does not materialize, which it will not, you won’t disappoint yourself. When you achieve what you expect, as opposed to striving for perfection, you will be building self esteem.
7. Try not to be pre-occupied with yourself. How you look. How you sound. How intelligent you are. How well you are dressed as compared to others. These sorts of preoccupations with self are destructive to self esteem. Someone will always sound better, look better, dress better, accomplish more. That’s life. When you really want to build self esteem, try being aware of the needs of others. Compliment them sincerely. Congratulate them genuinely. Your own self esteem will rise in proportion to how you serve others.
8. At the same time, treat yourself well. Eat as well as you can; dress as well as you can; exercise as well as you can; read (to be literate) as well as you can; inform yourself as well as you can. Doing these sorts of things, treating yourself well, will build that self esteem beyond the effort it seems to take to do these kinds of things.
9. When you have done all you can for yourself up to this moment, be yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. It is impossible and unnecessary. You are who you are by virtue of all that you have placed in your life; no one else will ever be exactly you. The Universe needs exactly you to be fulfilled in its existed. At the quantum level of existence, you enrich the Universe just as you are, so, be yourself.
10. Finally, for today anyway, be positive. You have so much going for you, there is no need to see clouds when you could perceive blue skies, simply by believing and living as though there are blue skies. No matter what happens or does not happen in your life, find the bright side. It is always there, I promise, but you have to look for it.
Following these 10 methods and you will be building self esteem in yourself, day after day.
A Course In Miracles
M!ndPerk: Your Self Improvement SuperStore
Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, by Dr. Wayne Dyer