Self-Esteem

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
Judy Garland

"If you truly love yourself, then obviously everything will be OK."
Tiger Woods

"The more I like me, the less I want to pretend to be other people."
Jamie Lee Curtis

“I used to look in the mirror and feel shame, I look in the mirror now and I absolutely love myself.”
Drew Berrymore

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is an estimate or appraisal of one’s self. Simply put, it is how we feel about ourselves. The outside world can influence our self-esteem in many ways. As a society we are always appraising who we are, what we look like, how we should act, etc. In the end, however, it is up to us to either accept or reject the messages we are sent. Each of us can decide for ourselves, who we are, who we should be, and how we feel about ourselves. Trying not to be too corny, self-esteem is much like a plant; if it is fed and taken care of it will grow, but if it is neglected it will shrivel and quickly die.

Why is it important?

• Adds stability to your life
• Keeps you from getting sick as often
• Allows you to move forward and achieve your goals
• Makes you a happier and more positive person
• Makes you a better friend, sibling, son/daughter, person

Tips for building self-esteem

• Compliment other people on what they do well
• Think positively
• Exercise regularly
• Think about things you do well
• Remember some goals you have achieved in the past, something that you have accomplished
• Eat healthy
• Set some goals and achieve them
• Surround yourself with friends and family that make you feel accepted and give you compliments
• Do something nice for someone else
• Handle things one at a time—don’t try to fix everything all at once
• Ask for help
• List your accomplishments in places that you will see often as a reminder
• Good personal hygiene
• Don’t say negative things about yourself-find the positive in everything
• Clean your room
• Reward yourself often
• Accept yourself
• Don’t compare yourself with others
• Have realistic expectation
• Change things that can be changed-don’t worry about the rest

What can destroy self-esteem?

• Yourself

• Negative attitudes from you, friends, and/or family

• Giving up

• Anything—depending on the person

• Nothing—depending on the person

• Alcohol and drug abuse

• Lack of personal goals