Back from the Hiatus...

I apologize for the long hiatus. I temporarily fell off the wagon of self-acceptance for awhile. As the widely known Japanese Proverb states fall seven times stand up eight. Growth is a tedious process but it's no way around it. You either stay stagnate or continue treading through. It's time to throw those hiking boots back on.

Today, I came across the official website of Nathaniel Branden. He's a psychologist and a pioneer in the field of self-esteem and personal development. Dr. Branden has written numerous books including The Psychology of Self-Esteem, How to Raise Your Self-Esteem, and The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. On his website there's over 15 extremely informative articles on self esteem. One particular article that struck me was justifiably titled It's Your Life, So Make the Most of It. In it he touches self-responsibility and 10 different points to consider when attempting to reach your full potential. Dr. Nathaniel Branden includes an exercise in the article that asks readers to write various endings to three sentences dealing with actions and consequences. He suggests recording the results daily for an entire week and reflecting on the weekend.

I'm starting the week with this exercise. Feel free to practice along. Definitely check out Dr. Branden's website. It's plenty of helpful information there for free if you browse around.

Positive Affirmations to Boost Your Self Esteem

Low Self Esteem - Here's what to do:

* Low self esteem feeds on negative thoughts so Don't indulge in self criticism. Why are you waging war against yourself? Read self talk and silence your inner judge.

* You can choose to please yourself It is good to you care about other's feelings but aren't your needs just as important? Don't neglect yourself!

* Don't try to be like someone else. This leads to lack of self worth and confidence. You are unique and you cannot be someone else. Strive to improve but don't criticise yourself for not being as successful, beautiful, slim or as popular as someone else.

* Take life and yourself less seriously. Failure just means you are not successful YET. Everybody fails before succeeding, don't look on it as failure but as a means to learning. Perhaps you just need a change of direction. Problems make you stronger if you strive to overcome them.

* Self worth, confidence and assuredness increase when you Focus on your needs and desires. You deserve to live life as you want. This is not selfishness as what you want doesn't hurt others or prevent them from living life on their terms.

* Focus on your successes. Lack of confidence feeds on your feelings of failure and inadequacy. Remember the truly successful things you have done in your life. Reward yourself when you do succeed.
Use positive affirmations and quotes. Read them when you are feeling negative and need inspiration.

Angel Affirmations for Self-Esteem, Doreen Virtue

Staying Motivated – Notes Book #1

In the fifth chapter of 365 Steps to Self-Confidence (book #1) the focus centered on goal setting and staying motivated. Achieving self-esteem like any other task requires perseverance. You have to stay on track. Setting goals are an excellent method to keep moving in the right direction slowly building up self-confidence.

To change one’s life: Start immediately, Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions. No excuses. -Professor William James

Exercise #29 Answer the following question honestly. What am I trying to achieve by believing I lack confidence?

Wow, this was a really difficult exercise. I instantly wanted to defend myself like I’m not trying to achieve anything. WTH? But then I thought back on the previous chapter about being responsible for every thought and action. Technically the question is valid. After thinking long and hard I came up with the following:

* Comfort in bondage.
* A way to stay within the boundaries I let others set for me.
* Excuses for not trying certain things.

Exercise #34 – On an index card write down the following affirmation to repeat daily.

‘I think, speak, and act confidently at all times.’

Additional Notes:

Make a list of things you’d do if your self-image and confidence in abilities was extremely high. Turn the list into solid goals that you want to accomplish.

Keep up with your positive affirmations to stay motivated.

Confidence, Your Responsibility – Notes Book #1

In the fourth chapter of 365 Steps to Self-Confidence (book #1) readers are encouraged to take responsibility for their confidence and daily actions. The only person with the power to change how you feel is you. This chapter is all about taking full responsibility for yourself, setting goals, planning, and putting it into action.

The power lies within you. It’s important to let go of negative habits.

For any of us to be truly free, we must first be willing to be responsible for our lives. –David McNally

Exercise #25 – Create a Wall of Confidence. Post confidence boosting ideas, notes, quotes, or affirmations to inspire.

I really like this idea. As a crafter and scrapbook-er I love making collages. The book suggested designating an entire wall in your home for this but I’m going to use the back of my bedroom door instead.

Similar to Vision Boards I’ll add quotes, affirmations, and positive images to a large piece of white poster board. Hang it up on the back of my door as the ‘Door of Confidence.’ When it’s done I’ll post a picture of it.

Becoming What You Want to Be – Notes Book #1

In the third chapter of 365 Steps to Self-Confidence (book #1) readers are asked to examine where their self-esteem issues come from. Although there are several factors that contribute in the end confidence or lack of is learned. Anything learned can be altered or improved.

Staying positive is essential for this process of growth. Sow seeds of confidence daily. Think good things about yourself and your potential.

Exercise #18 – Grab an index card and write down the following:

‘I greet every new day with firm commitment to raising my confidence, I will do whatever is required to become more confident.’

Place it where you can see it each morning upon waking. Silently repeat it and a reminder to the commitment you’ve made to yourself.