Monthly Archives: February 2011

Self-Esteem 101: 5 Practices to Generate More Brand Power

Most people wake up every day and intend to change their life for the better. We strive to live with less fear, to act with more courage, and to generate greater peace, joy, abundance and well-being in our lives. However, to live and work within our 21st century economy, there are many threats to healthy self-esteem.

How do we define self-esteem? “Self-esteem is confidence in our ability to think and to cope with the basic challenges of life, and a belief in our right to be happy; the feeling of being worthy, deserving, entitled to assert our needs and wants, and enjoy the fruits of our efforts.” according to Dr. Nathaniel Branden, the leading pioneer in self-esteem research.

Why is self-esteem so critically important? Because the relationship with our self is the single most important one we will consummate in our lifetime. Low self-esteem produces a feeling of unworthiness and adversely affects every thought we have, every choice we make, and every feeling we experience. Our unpleasant and negative thinking creates a powerful barrier to happiness, keeps us repeating unhealthy patterns, and blocks the achievement of our personal and professional goals.

How can you raise your self-esteem? Here are some suggestions:

  1. Hold the desire to live more consciously. Self-awareness is a powerful key to generating authentic power. Keep an awareness journal and record your feelings throughout the day. Begin to pay attention to repetitive patterns that do not serve your desired outcome.
  2. Begin each day with a few minutes of introspection. Simply sit for 10 min and become aware of the stories within your head and your internal state of being. Consider what might change if you consciously established your intentions for your day. Learn to mediate and soon you will appreciate the value of mindfulness.
  3. Be willing to honor yourself. Maintain high self-respect and respect for others. Do not allow someone to treat you disrespectfully or deny what you are feeling in the moment. Know your values, principles, and moral compass – and let it be the foundation upon which you stand in good times and bad. If you need self-assertiveness training, hire a good mentor to learn the art.
  4. Become a change agent. Decide what you want to change, write it down, and commit to small daily action steps to complete each goal. Be patient with yourself, yet disciplined and focused in developing your new habits of thinking, speaking, acting, and being in the world. If you have blocks to success, find a coach to help you identify them and offer tools for transformation.
  5. Acknowledge your positive results. Feel your increasing self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-appreciation with each positive change and new practice. In accepting who you are and what you feel in the moment, you will activate more creativity, expand your vision, and generate more energy to actualize your dreams.

As you navigate through the tumultuous changes now upon us, it would be wise to re-connect with your fundamental success practices. Focus on your strengths, accept your weaknesses, identify your unique value proposition, and create a personal brand that will offer a strong foundation upon which to stand. Amidst the uncertainty and fear of this time in history, learning to be more self-governing and trusting of your true voice can be a mighty fortress against the winds of change.

To discover ways to raise your self-esteem and generate more authentic power in your personal and professional lives, visit our website to learn about our services.