Are you feeling fabulous today?
Are you in tune with your strengths and achievements?
Can you appreciate yourself and the life you have, right here, right now?
If the answer is yes, then you have solid self-esteem, the foundation for everything else in life.
Or are you perhaps struggling with the way you see yourself? Do you feel you are not doing as well as you should be, or even that there is something really wrong with you?
If this describes you more accurately, perhaps you need to build self esteem more intentionally.
Here are 9 powerful tips to build your self esteem and wake up to your fabulous self.
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Give less power to your inner critic
First, one of the reasons why you are struggling to build self esteem is because there is a voice inside you that puts you down. This voice lives inside many of us. It is negative and critical. Hence, people call it the ‘inner critic’.
Moreover, the inner critic may repeat negative judgments that were said by other people in the past and directs them towards you. This has probably been going on for a long time. Consequently, you may think this voice is actually your own voice.
Remember that this is not true. Remember, too, that the inner critic has nothing positive to offer. So don’t give him so much power. Don’ t let him (or her) run your life.
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Reality Check
Check your negative thoughts against reality. Is this the truth? The full truth?
For example, do you really always fail at reaching your goals? Remember, instead, goals that you have reached. Forgive and release the goals you didn’t. Build self esteem on reality.
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Focus on your strengths and enthusiasm
Maybe you have a habit of focusing on your weaknesses and disappointments. Observe yourself. Then, remember that you have a choice. Also, try to focus on your strengths and see what happens.
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Make a list of 3, 5, or 10 things you like you like about yourself
This tip is deceptively simple. First, can you come up with 3 things you like about yourself? Next, try to write these 3 things down. Then, tomorrow, come up with 5 more of them. You will build self esteem slowly, daily. In addition, you will have your lists to remind you when you feel down.
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Engage the world around you
The negative thoughts that undermine your self esteem can trap you inside your own mind. Connect in a positive way with the world around you. Engage and connect with a cause that is important to you. Just a few hours a week volunteering in the neighborhood will connect you to your community. This will help create meaning in your life – the perfect antidote to low self esteem.
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Learn something new
This may sound counter-intuitive. After all, is it wise to challenge yourself when you feel you are not doing well?Yet, when you learn something new, you get a fresh start. You also open your mind. You embark on a journey of discovery.
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Stop comparing yourself to others
Do you categorize the world in terms of winners and losers? Do you also get discouraged because you feel that others are doing better?
This is your life. Therefore, nobody shares the same experience. You are you, whatever happens. Life is not a race or an exam, it just is.
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Create time for ‘being’
When is the last time you spent time ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’?
Create time to sit on the grass, to listen to the wind, to enjoy the flow of breath in and out of your body. Stop thinking and comparing. Finally, start smelling the flowers. You are here. You are already good enough. You are a full human being.
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Celebrate
And now – celebrate! You’ve made it this far. Your inner critic has calmed down.
Most of all, you are connected with the world. You’ve built your self-esteem.
As a result, you are your very own fabulous self. It’s exciting to be alive.
For further information, please take a look at my specialty page on individual counseling.
