Seven Tips for Building Self Esteem

Self esteem isn't something that all humans are born with. It certainly doesn't automatically spring into existence when one reaches a certain age. It is something that can be cultivated and must be held on to.

Here are seven ways to build your self esteem. Practice one or more of them to nourish self esteem.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 1: Know Yourself

Some people become so conditioned to living up (or down!) to other's expectations, that they forget who they really are. Take a quiet break and consider this. You might want to get out a piece of paper and draw a line down the center. On the left side, write down what others think you are. On the right side, list the traits that really do belong to you.

If you find a glaring difference, it will need to be addressed. Otherwise you're likely to find yourself stressed about the reality of the difference.

Do you see an area where friends feel you are better than you feel you are? Maybe it's time to give your self credit. A little bit of self pride is vital. Don't think that to avoid being prideful you mustn't have any pride in self. That's a lie intended to keep you from reaching your potential or from being the real you.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 2: Forgive yourself.

Many people who have no problem forgiving others just can't seem to forgive themselves. They remember every wrong they've ever done, often in full color and intimate detail. If you are carrying guilt, it's time to let it go. If you have trouble with this, try making a list of every wrong you can think of. When finished, either feed that list to a shredding machine or burn it. Let the guilt vanish with the list. Give yourself a fresh start. When guilt from the past tries to intrude again, simply remind yourself that today is a new day. Choose to live in today and let yesterday be just that.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 3: Be true to yourself.

Humans share one trait. They're all human. Aside from that, there are a lot of variables. Know your own values and beliefs and be true to them. Live up to your own potential, not that of someone else and certainly not that someone else expects of you.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 4: Believe in self.

You are smart. You are talented. You have skills and special abilities. You deserve to succeed. Stand in front of a mirror and tell the person reflected there how smart, special and talented they are. Say I love you and mean it. Talk to the person in the mirror every day. You'll be amazed at the changes doing so brings about.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 5: Avoid Naysayers.

Negative people poison dreams, hope and health. Avoid those who are negative, especially those who are vocal in their negativity.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 6: Seek out positive people.

Positive energy reinforces dreams, hopes, and health. It's a proven fact that a positive attitude speeds physical healing and can increase the success rate for personal and business ventures.

Self-esteem Builder Tip 7: Celebrate.

Celebrate every victory, even the little ones. Give yourself points for avoiding negativity or getting rid of guilt. When you reach a goal, celebrate. When something good happens in your life, celebrate. The act of celebration reinforces who you are and what you are. It reaffirms your destination and gets you closer to that destination.

No matter who you are, where you are or where you've come from, you are someone of importance. You exist in creation for a purpose. You have the power to give life to the real you. The first step in that direction is building healthy self-esteem and affirming self. Give it a shot. You know you can do it.