How Will Self Esteem Impact Your Life

Shocking Affects of Low Self Esteem—

People who suffer from low self-esteem often feel helpless, powerless or even depressed.

Those with low esteem may struggle to find joy and happiness in day-to-day life and not recognize their unique abilities, talents and skills.

If your child suffers from low self-esteem or if he is expressing a false sense of self esteem to mask feelings of weakness, he may not be recognizing his own good and unique qualities, traits or talents.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, low self-esteem can have devastating consequences.

Low Self Esteem Consequence

Impaired academic and job performance
Under achievement
Increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse
Problems with friendships and relationships

Furthermore, low self-esteem can cause a person to become unproductive.

Benefits of High Self-Esteem

People who hold themselves in high esteem are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse or violence and crime.

According to the National Association for Self-Esteem, people who have high self-esteem typically:

Are friendly.
Have lots of energy.
Smile lots and lots and lots.
Feel good most of the time.
Talk positively to themselves.
Draw positive people to them.
Are independent and able to take risks.

Moreover, a recent study released by the University of Florida (May 2007) reports that people who have high opinions of themselves as teenagers and young adults earn more money than their less confident counterparts.

This study shows a clear correlation between self esteem and monetary achievement. So self-esteem does indeed have a major impact on many areas of one’s life.

How to Build and Improve Your Sense of Self-Esteem

So how can create a stronger sense of self esteem?

Well I believe in two key approaches.

Approach No.1

I learned this from a self esteem colleague, Jack Canfield (perhaps better known for his ‘Chicken Soup For The Soul’ series).

Jack says: “Stuff Happens”

“But it’s how you RESPOND to it that matters.”

Who cares who ‘created it’, whose ‘baggage’ it is, whether it means I am a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ person.

Find a way to take action and respond and you’ll feel a whole lot better.

Approach No.2

The second is to re-condition yourself to believe that the way you are right now is totally OK.

THERE IS NOTHING ‘WRONG’ WITH YOU!

We all need to accept that everything we say and do is based upon the fact that we are doing the best we can with what we know. It’s all you can ever do.

Here’s to a healthy, strong and vibrant sense of self-esteem in everyone!

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“A sweet, simple self-esteem building journal for kids!”