What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is a feeling of self-worth. Just like air, high self-esteem is essential for survival. It empowers a person and reflects every action. It is the foundation stone of our psyche on which our behaviour rests.
If you want to build a high self-esteem, you need to practice the following steps:
Step 1: Do Something for Others Who Cannot Repay You in Cash or Kind
Be a volunteer. It builds self-worth. Helping others by the process of giving without having expectations or getting anything in return, gives a feeling of gratification and raises one’s self-esteem.
Step 2: Learn to Give and Receive Compliments
Don’t miss out on any opportunity to give sincere compliments. Remember, the keyword is sincerity. It makes a person feel good and their self-esteem goes up. When others give you a compliment, accept it graciously and gracefully with two words, “Thank you.” Be grateful that they feel you’re worthy of it. That is a sign of humility.
Step 3: Accept Responsibility
Responsibility is accepting that you are the cause & the solution of the matter. When we don’t accept responsibility, who are we hurting the most? Obviously ourselves. We need to accept responsibility and stop blaming others. Then, and only then, will productivity and quality of life improve. When we accept or add responsibility, we make ourselves more valuable.
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Step 4: Practice Discipline
Discipline is doing what you know needs to be done even if you don't want to do it. If we discipline ourselves, others won’t have to. If we don’t, others will. Self-discipline enhances self-worth. Self-discipline may be painful in the short run, but tremendously gainful in the long run.
Step 5: Set Goals
Well-defined goals give a person a sense of direction and a feeling of accomplishment when he reaches his goals. More important than goals is a sense of purpose and vision. They give meaning and fulfilment to life.
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Step 6: Develop a Mindset That Brings Happiness
Happiness is a result of positive self-esteem. Happiness comes from being and not having. One can have everything in life and yet not be happy. The reverse is also true.
Happiness is internal. Happiness is like a butterfly. If you run after it, it keeps flying away. If you stand still, it comes and sits on your shoulder.
Step 7: Have Patience
Many times people go through motivational programmes or read books and get all charged up, and they put learning into practice, but don’t see immediate results. They get disheartened and they give up. The difference may not be visible, but something is happening.
A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success. - Joyce Brothers
Source: You Can Achieve More by Shiv Khera