If you’re like a lot of people, you often, needlessly, sell yourself short. You may not underestimate your potential in a great number of areas, but if you think about it long enough, you’ll realize that there are more than one.
Most people simply have a whole lot more going on for them than they realize!
It’s normal to get into a “funk” every now and then. Times when we’re convinced that we’re a clutz at best – a disciple of doom, at worst. What isn’t at all normal, however, is to get to the point where we’re so down on ourselves that we avoid situations, places, and other people because we’re afraid we’ll embarass ourselves or that others won’t like us.
Low self esteem can be, in many ways, crippling. It keeps people from enjoying all that life has to offer. Fear of failure, or of not measuring up not only holds the individual back from enjoying the world, it robs the world of being able to enjoy them!
Whenever your self esteem or confidence gets shaky, doing the following will help get your swagger back:
- Since one of the main reasons people start to doubt themselves in the first place is from fixating on weaknesses, it stands to reason that the first thing to do is to stop looking at the weaknesses and pay attention to the strengths! Make a list of your best traits and qualitites. Are you friendly, honest, and/or intelligent? Are you a good listener? Do you make people smile and feel good about themselves?
- Write down the nicest compliments you’ve ever been given.
- Do something really nice and thoughtful for someone else.
Having said all of that, if there is something in particular that’s causing you to feel insecure or bad about yourself, you shouldn’t ignore it if it’s in you power to change it. Do the following exercise:
Find a picture of someone in a magazine to represent the area in which you feel insecure. For example, if you’re insecure about your weight, find someone who is either over or underweight. If you’re shy, find a picture of someone who looks a little on the timid side.
Once you’ve found your partner, imagine that they have come to you for advice on changing what makes them feel insecure. What advice would you give them? Again, write it down. You’ll be blown away, not only by the amazing advice you’ll see – but by the fact that it was inside of you all along.
Ummm, did I mention that swaggers are sexy?
It’s very true that if you argue for your limitations you own them.
What’s really interesting is by “acknowledging and accepting” limitations, you are exposing them to the light and they immediately begin to lose power over you.
With this acceptance, you van then begin the process of change.
Regards,
Gene
P.S. This was my first visit to your blog – enjoyed reading your posts.