3 Simple Steps To Great Self Esteem

The connection between our self-esteem and what we get out of our lives is very crucial.  It's the foundation of our confidence and interactions with ourselves and the outside world.
Having esteem for ourselves plays a part in our moods, beliefs and attitudes, and the quality of relationships we have in our lives.
For many of us, we strive to develop ourselves, feel better, and become better people.  Understanding what we can do to overcome the symptoms of low self-esteem is a great way to enhance more positives in our lives.
Generally, most of us face typical problems and the bouts of the blues that can come with them.  The great part is that it can be combated with little to no effort at all.
I've outlined some practical steps that can be implemented by mature and respectable individuals to increase their self-esteem and general well being.

1.  Identify The Issue

To feel better about ourselves we must become better people.  The first place we look to do so is inward.  Are we are the source of our own self-esteem issue(s)?
Often this is the case, however there may be instances where an external source (flat tire, family member, spouse, etc.) can be the cause, or throw a wrench into the mix.
Whether internal or external, the "why," is not the most important part of this step.  It's knowing and accepting that there is a concern and area of our lives that can be improved.
Once we are aware of what needs to be changed we can then create and embrace a plan to follow and take the proper action.  If the problem happens to be external we must confront it and work towards moving on to a beneficial resolution in the proper manner.
For the sake of this article and so that we do not cover too much ground, let's presume the issue is internal, which brings us to our next tip.

2.  Managing Thoughts

Our thoughts are on the forefront of our feelings and emotions.  In addition to identifying the issues we face or struggle with on a daily basis, we want to identify our own thoughts about them.
We do this by keeping track of what may be holding us back from our full potential.  Hurtful self-talk like "I'm not good enough," or "I'll never be able to…" are both trademark signs of low self-esteem.
Start recognizing and taking inventory of how you think and speak to yourself.  This can get a little tricky since our thoughts are automatic and tripped by certain events, etc.
Some of us may have been internally beating ourselves up for so long that the defeating self-talk has moved on to become core beliefs.
Even if we're on the extreme end of the spectrum, when we monitor our thoughts we can now manage them in a more efficient manner.  A common mistake made is accepting our negative thoughts, fears, and dis-beliefs, as reality – when in fact most are just false-perceptions.

3. Challenge Yourself

In respect to thoughts, think of challenging yourself in a different light than setting difficult goals or trying something new.
Practice the art of facing your fears, doubts and the limiting thoughts head on.  When we do this with vigor and consistency, we start to shape new habits that foster positive thoughts and logical perceptions.
"I can't," soon becomes "I'm currently trying to," and there is a enormous difference between the two mindsets.
Remember that it's perfectly alright to experience bad or negative circumstances.  They are inevitable and a part of life.  But by repeatedly challenging your perspective, rather than being consumed by them, we can manage to overcome and move beyond adversity more efficiently.
Also, utilize the traditional sense of challenging yourself, too.  Triumph and accomplishment spread like wildfire in terms of self-esteem.  When we reach new heights and conquer new goals our lives become enriched in new ways.

Now I'll pass it on to you for your take on self-esteem.  Does it effect your ability to manage your business and personal relationships?  What about your overall mood or productivity throughout the day?  Please share your experiences in the comments section below.