Boost Your Self-Esteem

Everyone is susceptible to periods of poor self-esteem.

Despite outward appearances of confidence and success, almost everyone confronts issues of low self-esteem. Poor self-esteem often stems from youthful experiences. It is the cumulative product of what you were told while growing up, feedback from those around you, life experiences and the unconditional love and acceptance you got – or didn’t get – from your parents, teachers, relatives and peers. Positive and negative reactions from others and your beliefs, perceptions, conclusions, criticisms and predictions all influence your self-esteem. 

Your own misperceptions or erroneous conclusions based on limited evidence, false beliefs, contradictions, omissions or exaggerations can distort your self-esteem. No one is an unbiased observer of his or her own behavior, potential or achievements. The past may be the foundation of low self-esteem, but as an adult you have the right and responsibility to keep developing in more healthy ways. You weren’t in charge of yourself then, but you are now. Issues of low self-esteem can present themselves in a multitude of different ways, such as:

• Doing things to try...