Self-Esteem Is Your Mirror, So Keep It Clean

Self-esteem as stated in verywell.com is a culmination of a person's thoughts, beliefs and emotions regarding their own value and worth as a person. Self-esteem is usually tied up with how a person perceives the quality of their own appearance, inherent characteristics, level of intelligence, societal status, and relationships. How someone regards themselves becomes ingrained in their persona, and can define who they are not only in their own eyes, but in the eyes of others. By following the simple plan below, anyone can adopt a rational, self-respecting, well-balanced view of themselves and improve their self-esteem.

Take Stock

Any personal growth starts with introspection and honesty. To fully begin to understand your own self-worth, start by writing down what you believe are your strengths and your weaknesses. This will help you identify the areas you'd like to improve, and help you appreciate all the good things in your life. Start with one thing to focus on in both columns and come up with an easy strategy to improve a weakness, and expand a strength.

Run Your Own Race

This is very important. You must stop comparing yourself to others, and keep the focus on yourself. Comparisons only lead to envy and jealousy, which are toxic emotions that drain your energy and keep you stuck. Society does not always value true authenticity, so you may just be conditioned to think what others have is what you need. If you feel inadequate in certain areas, try look at it as an opportunity to become the more authentic, self-actualized person you were uniquely created to be.

Accept the "Good" and the "Bad"

Throughout this exploratory process, embrace both your successes and failures as coaches and mentors along on your evolving path of self-esteem. Reject the need for perfection, and focus instead on the process in whatever you strive for, rather than outcome. This will allow you to build self-worth and value in the quality of your efforts, and not hold yourself to some unattainable expectation of perfection.

Stay present

Don't bind yourself to a self-image that is based on a self-image from your past. As your life evolves, and circumstances change, past skills and accomplishments may simply no longer be practical or obtainable. It's okay to strive towards goals, but be realistic about where you are now and build from there.

Above all, be kind to yourself! Be your own best friend.

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