Self esteem is a key component of our basic human needs. The way we perceive ourselves has a profound effect on how we choose to live our lives. Your level of self esteem has a great effect on your thoughts, feelings and emotions. The development of our self-esteem is moulded by our experiences with other people. Our level of self esteem tends to constantly fluctuate.
What steps can you take to promote and develop your self esteem? The first step is to learn to engage in strong and rewarding relationships. In this article, I will aim to break down the two key relationships that you must learn to develop in order to promote a high level of self worth.
Key relationship one - your relationship with yourself.
- Nobody likes other people talking about them in a negative way. Why then, would you choose to say nasty things about yourself? It is vital to start thinking about the way you talk both to yourself and about yourself. Start to believe and talk to yourself in a positive way.
- High self esteem can never be given to you by other people. You need to have the desire to improve your self esteem for yourself.
- Learn to take credit for your achievements. Do not simply brush them off as chance or luck.
- Try this simple exercise. It will only take a couple of minutes a day. I want you to stand in front of the mirror and look at yourself. I want you to tell yourself that you are a beautiful and unique individual. You have thoughts and opinions that are just as valid as the next person. Do this every morning without fail. After just thirty days it will become a healthy and worthwhile habit!
Key relationship two - your relationships with others.
· It is vital for our well being to learn to nurture rewarding friendships. Everybody likes to make friends and feel valued.
· You can cultivate new friends at any age. Try to join in a conversation with other people. You are an important member of any team. You have more of an effect on others than you realise. Do not be afraid to start the conversation.
· Remember to smile :-) If you are friendly and chatty, people are more likely to gravitate towards you.
· Try to be open, friendly and kind towards other people. However, do not be afraid to say no. People with low levels of self-esteem are more likely to get talked into something that they do not really want to do.
· Learn to take a compliment. Smile and say thank you. Start to pay compliments to other people. Words cost nothing. However, they have the power to make or break your day.
· Avoid situations or people that make you feel badly about yourself.
In order to change, we must first learn to take responsibility for our actions. It will take time to learn how to develop a higher level of self-esteem. Change is not easy but it is possible. By learning to communicate effectively with yourself, it will become easier to develop your self esteem. This will have the knock on effect of helping to improve the way you communicate with others.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/how-to-promote-and-develop-self-esteem-1326861.html
About the Author: Heather Maceachern
For more information on how to promote and develop your self esteem, visit www.discover-self-confidence.com
