So much of our physical health is tied to how we feel about ourselves. Over time, an unhealthy self-esteem takes its toll and it becomes more difficult to overcome. How many of these can you relate to?
Common Characteristics of Unhealthy Self-Esteem
- Always having to be right.
- Becoming defensive.
- Blaming others.
- Self-pity.
- Needing a lot of attention from others.
- Wanting others to approve of you [excessive].
- Taking things personally.
- Judgmental and critical of others and ourselves.
- We don’t deserve … a great job, relationship, etc.
- Excessive shyness.
- Poor posture, eye contact, closed body language.
- Thinking you are superior/inferior to others.
- Needing constant reassurance from others.
- Not being able to make decisions for your life.
- Not having personal boundaries.
- Having a difficult time receiving feedback from others.
- Negative self talk.
- Believing others are “out to get you.”
- Physical or emotional illness (frequent colds, headaches, etc.)
- Not being able to forgive yourself and others.
Self awareness is the first step to a positive self-esteem. Use these 10 ways to get, and stay, on the right track. But remember, this is a journey not a quick fix, so be kind to yourself!
10 Ways to Develop Healthy Positive Self-Esteem
- Love and accept yourself for the wonderful person you are. “I love and approve of myself … I deserve.”
- Put together a list of your strengths and positive qualities.
- Find a mentor or role model for support.
- Read books, listen to audio tapes, attend workshops in the area of personal growth.
- Release negative self talk and negative thoughts that you are not good enough.
- Daily positive self talk.
- Focus on one or two areas in the next six months to one year instead of trying to correct everything at once.
- Stop comparing your own worth to other people, others are not better or worse than you, they have had different experiences in life.
- Start a daily or weekly journal to identify areas of healthy self-esteem.
- Be patient and kind during the process.
I’d love to hear the ways that you’re keeping a healthy self-esteem. Let me know in the comments below.