Tips on self esteem.

The following tips on self esteem will help you in all aspects of your life.

1) Break the habit of connecting your self-esteem to what others may do or not do. If, for instance, someone fails to show up for a date accept it for what it is. Do not turn on yourself. If you grew up in a sub-standard living environment learn to understand that as a child it was beyond your control. As an adult, or more mature person, you can increase your self-esteem by how you think.

2) Get into the habit of treating yourself good. This is primarily your thoughts. Many people don't recognize the thoughts that they have and how these thoughts have a negative affect on self-esteem.

When you begin to feel bad, not worthy or in same way you don't feel proper, slow your thoughts down. Listen to what it is the thoughts are telling you. Then cancel the thought and change it to a true thought. For instance, say you are at a social event and begin to feel anxious. You may have negative thoughts such as, 'I don't like it here. I don't know these people. They're strangers. I don't feel safe.'

Your first instinct may be to flee or go into a full fledge panic attack. Instead begin to think consciously about your situation. In other words stop your thoughts by telling yourself 'hold on here, I know I feel weird, my heart is beating fast, I can't breathe so well but this is okay. These are only people. They are harmless and I don't have to react this way if I choose not to."

Basically, correct your thoughts by telling yourself the truth. Use rational, logical thoughts to replace the negative thought. This takes practice but is well worth the effort. Once you get into the habit of thinking true thoughts you will always think in a positive light. You will change your internal concept of yourself. You will feel better.

3) Do the mirror exercise every day. Many people have a hard time accepting themselves. They don't like how they look, their body shape, or some other physical feature of themself. Begin accepting yourself. Every day look into a mirror and smile. Really practice your smile. Appreciate you for what you are. Do this because this is true. Soon you will be good at smiling. Begin smiling, when appropiate, at people you know and meet. This will show confidence.

Come back to this tips on self esteem page and re-read it on a regular basis. It will take time but you will notice the change.

Nathaniel Branden, PH.D., the father of self-esteem, in his book How To Raise Your Self-Esteem, suggests standing naked in front of a mirror. This way you truly begin to accept yourself for what you are.

4) Change yourself. This is the power of the human brain. It is capable of change. Physical change starts with your mind. You first have to set a mental goal or desire. Next you have to act on it in a positive way.

Say you are overweight and you want to lose a few pounds. Start thinking consciously about what you have to do to accomplish this goal. Stop allowing your mind to generate excuses as to why you should eat another piece of cake or why you should not exercise today. Cancel the thought, 'One more piece won't hurt.' with 'Yes, it will. I've got a goal and I'm sticking to it."

Get into the habit of transforming yourself for the better. This applies to all aspects of life. You may want to start a business. Do it consciously. In other words, do the proper research and investigation into what it would take to start a successful business. Don't half-heartedly take a stab at it. Don't get caught without a plan. Think it through. Use the power of your mind. Employ it to the fullest. This way you are more likely to be prepared when required.

5) When you make a mistake learn from it. Don't beat yourself up over it. Mistakes are how we improve ourselves. Analyze your error and correct it. If you want to be good at something, practise consistently. Get assistance from an expert. Don't, though, use your mistakes as an excuse for failure. Use them to make changes.

Remember to practice these tips on self esteem regularly. Challenge the thoughts that attempt to sway you.