Building Self Esteem
Self esteem is your own personal view of yourself physically,
mentally, and emotionally. Everyone has a different view of
themselves, but keeping a positive outlook will benefit you more
than a negative one. Many individuals suffer from low self
esteem for a variety of reasons and need to build their self
esteem in order to succeed in life. Remember, the only one who
can make you excel is you and no one else. The same goes for
self esteem. The only person who can build up--or
consequentially tear down--your self esteem is you. Although
other individuals may aide the process, the end decision is
yours.
People have low esteem for a variety of reasons. Some
individuals suffer from poor body image and focus on all the
negative traits of their physical appearance. Others have
emotional issues that have caused their self esteem to drop or
feel themselves unworthy of any praise. For whatever reasons
your self esteem may falter, the key to building it up again is
to find the root of the problem. Think of self esteem like a
house, if you build a stunning house on a poor foundation, the
entire structure will crumble. However, if you take steps to
ensure the foundation is strong and capable of holding anything,
the process may be slow, but your self esteem will be built
soundly.
Many individuals look for help for their low self esteem in
books or seminars. The number of available options on the market
is phenomenal, and you are sure to find one on a topic that
deals with your specific issues. Check out your local library or
book store and explore their "self help" section for a book that
you may find helpful. It is quite unlikely you will find the
answers to all your problems in a book, but you may find it
helpful to know others are in your same boat and you are
certainly not alone. Additionally, you may wish to seek
professional help in your quest to boost your self esteem.
Often, speaking with a qualified individual can help you
determine the root of your problem and the necessary path you
should take for the rebuilding process. Perhaps your problems
dates back to childhood, or maybe it has recently developed.
Whatever the case, a professional will be able to best determine
your next step.
A main factor in self esteem is negativity. Negative thoughts
can pervade your confidence and crumble your self esteem. If you
find yourself surrounded by negative people or in a negative
situation, try to best remedy the problem. Often, individuals in
a abusive relationship have their self esteem shattered when a
supposed loved one constantly berates them and questions their
worth.
Similarly, a negative workplace environment can lower your self
esteem with colleagues or bosses finding fault with your work.
Maybe you have a friend who is consistently negative with all
surrounding him or her. Whatever the source, distancing yourself
from the negativity will help you regain your self esteem.
Strive to surround yourself with positive people. If you are
going through a rough time in your personal life, you may wish
to join a support group. Similarly, there are support groups
available for individuals with self image issues. These groups
will allow you to meet other individuals like yourself and
provide a forum for you to sound your hopes and achievements.
However you choose to begin building your self esteem, do so
today! Be thorough and consistent with the process and be aware
it may take a while. You should not become impatient or
despondent if you find your self esteem slipping. Remember, you
are an important and worthy person and should treat yourself as
such.