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Self-Esteem II

© Asha Wate

"If I can love myself without being disrespectful to others, then I am a well adjusted person."

This is the state of mental well being that every human being wants to achieve. Every one is born with some potentials. What we think of ourselves makes the difference with what we have and how we use it.

We all have a self-image. Building a healthy self-image is a continuous process. It requires constant positive efforts. For people with high self-esteem this process is quite natural while for people with low self-esteem it is a more painstaking process.

Remember that overcoming low self-esteem is not a one-day process. When you have lived with it for years you can not simply wipe it out in few days. It is a very slow process. It requires lot of perseverance. There are unexpected setbacks but if you can still stick to your goal toward healthy self-esteem ultimate fruits are rewarding.

Simple steps to enhance your self-esteem are: *Assure yourself that self-esteem is something that you can control. Self-esteem is the way you see yourself and not the way others see you. So only you can make it or break it.

*Make affirmations. For e.g. " I will have healthy self- esteem" " I will be successful" etc.

*Examine your physical environment. Is it cheerful or depressing? Think of the place that you had enjoyed staying at. Try to introduce the same features in your surroundings. Keep at-least one surface where you can use your favorite colors.

*Examine your physical appearance. (I am talking about the way you present yourself and not your looks). Check your wardrobe. Select clothes that make you feel good & the clothes that look good on you. *Jot down all your positive traits on the paper and then read the list whenever you feel down.

*Set healthy routine. Eat well, sleep well and exercise. Try to achieve balance between work and enjoyment.

*Set specific goals. For e.g.: " I will learn to cook" is a very general goal but "I will learn to make tomato soup" is a very specific goal. When you set specific goals completing it gives a feeling of accomplishment. For a general goal the definition of achievement becomes very subjective.

*Learn to relax and enjoy your leisure. After a hard work you deserve some rest and enjoyment. Learn to enjoy without feeling guilty about it.

*Cultivate hobbies. When you create something it boosts self-esteem.

*When you achieve a goal no matter how small is it, celebrate. Reward yourself with something nice.

The copyright of the article Self-Esteem II in Social Psychology is owned by Asha Wate. Permission to republish Self-Esteem II in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.