How to raise your self esteem

Self-esteem reflects a person's overall evaluation or perception of her or his own worth. Our self-esteem is very dependent on factors within our environment. Because one's unconscious accepts all incoming information or interaction as reality, regardless if information is factual, one's self-esteem is continuously fluctuating. A person can learn how to have good self esteem by learning how have a positive self perception. This article will help explain how to raise your self esteem.

Instructions

1. 

   Research on self-esteem indicates that there are three factors that strongly correlate with self-esteem. Each of the factors are separate but interrelated. It is helpful to understand these factors in order to learn how to raise self esteem.

2. 

   The three factors are: Internal Locus of control-belief that we have control over outcome of situations (cause and effect); Sense of belonging and acceptance-how much one feels accepted by others; Sense of competence-belief that person is not only capable but successful in endeavors.

3. 

   To raise self esteem, begin with internal locus of control. This is the most vital step. A person must be able to understand that actions cause an outcome. If a person believes their actions will produce a result, this gives a sense of power. When a person believes they are capable of deriving a positive outcome, then it raises self esteem. If the outcome is positive, the person takes ownership of the success, thus raises self esteem.
   Example: A person sets a goal of buying a bigger house. The person works hard and makes and saves enough money to obtain the house of their dreams. This reinforces the belief that the person had control of the outcome.
   Therefore: To raise your self esteem, set a goal for change, develop a plan and make follow through on plan. Monitor your progress. Even small success will lift self esteem.

4. 

   The next step is to understand that most humans desire a sense of belonging and acceptance by others. To raise self esteem, you must learn to accept and like yourself. It is important to accept that you may feel down at time and others may not be happy with your behavior or situation. Accept your situation for what it is and then look at the positives you have in your character. Say, "I am smart", "I am a good person" etc. Begin to live by your strengths and remind yourself daily of these positive attribute. In the end, others will see these strengths and comment on them as well. The more you believe in yourself, the more others will believe in you.

5. 

   Lastly: Sense of competence-belief that person is not only capable but successful in endeavors. Look at what you have already achieved. Now look at what you want to do and your plan (see steps listed above). Focus on past success to promote idea that success can happen again.

6. 

   Accept that at times you may feel low self esteem given different life situations. Self esteem is fluctuating. Since it does fluctuate, you can control its ability have high or low self esteem by the way you think about yourself and how you go about strengthening it.

Resources

• self esteem test