International Boost Self-Esteem and Expect Success Month

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By Terry Orr

Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person's overall emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self. Self-esteem is also known as the evaluative dimension of the self that includes feelings of worthiness, prides and discouragement. One's self esteem is also closely associated with self-consciousness. (Source: Wikipedia)

Confidence is generally described as a state of being certain either that a hypothesis or prediction is correct or that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-confidence is having confidence in oneself. Arrogance or hubris in this comparison, is having unmerited confidence—believing something or someone is capable or correct when they are not. Overconfidence or presumptuousness is excessive belief in someone (or something) succeeding, without any regard for failure. Confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy as those without it may fail or not try because they lack it and those with it may succeed because they have it rather than because of an innate ability. (Source: Wikipedia)

According to Psych Center - Have you wondered about what self-esteem is and how to get more of it? Do you think your self-esteem is low? Do you know how to tell? Do you know what to do about it?

Self-esteem answers the question, “How do I feel about who I am?” We learn self-esteem in our family of origin; we do not inherit it.

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Interesting and favorite quotes:

“Believe in yourself and the world will follow suit.”

― Tadahiko Nagao, Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”

― Norman Vincent Peale

“How would your life be different if…You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day…You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“You're always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

― Diane Von Furstenberg

“People simply feel better about themselves when they’re good at something.”

― Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

“I exist as I am, that is enough,

If no other in the world be aware I sit content,

And if each and all be aware I sit content.

One world is aware, and by the far the largest to me, and that is myself.”

― Walt Whitman

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Self-esteem and Expect Success Tips:

Count Your Blessing – All too often we fail to appreciate what we have.  Take a few minutes each and every day and give thanks.

Help Others – Is always a good thing to do and frequently you will feel better too

Be True to yourself – You are unique, one of a kind – keep that in mind.

Learn how to relax – Lots of ways to do this…find a few that are just right for you.

Volunteer – Pitch in and help

Smile – Is good for you and those around you.

Laugh – Laughter is the best Medicine – no doubt about it!

Think Positive thoughts – Find the up side of things and keep them your central focus!

Have Fun - Do something that you really enjoy!

Exercise – We hear it all the time to exercise and benefits in doing so – and it works!

Give Someone a Hug – An emotion that really helps. It is a simple act – but an important one.

Get Help – There are times we simply need to get help – Do It!  Best advice I can offer you and yes, been there done that – and it made a huge difference.

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Take another look into that mirror, smile, think positive things and enjoy your day!

References and Links:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/how-to-raise-your-self-esteem/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/feelings/self_esteem.html

International Boost Self Esteem and Expect Success Month

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By Diane Forrest,

The other day I was talking to my cousin.  She had mentioned that her family had celebrated National Pie Day by having pizza pie, fudge pie and apple pie.  I informed her that I had just written an article about pie day, so she wanted to read it.  I sent her the website and when I heard back from her, she was raving about the site and the other articles.  She was mentioning how good they were and that she could claim knowing someone famous.  I laughed her off, but inside I was beaming.  It always feels good to have someone compliment you for the things you do, or the way you look.  Those compliments make you strive to continue to do better.  It’s called positive feedback.

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When I was younger I married a man who constantly criticized me.  He quit his job after we married, then laid on the couch all day, watching television and sent flowers to other women.  I became pregnant not long after our wedding, and as they pregnancy began to show, his criticism increased.  It wasn't surprising that a month before the birth of my son we separated.  When all you hear is negative feedback and complaints, it lowers your self-esteem and makes you feel bad about yourself.

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Luckily I was fortunate to find a wonderful man to marry.  He spent every day raising my self-esteem to greater heights.  He would constantly tell me how beautiful I was, how delicious the meals I prepared were, how wonderful the house looked, and how he loved everything I picked out, whether it was a birthday gift for someone, or the color of tile for the bathroom.  I can't recall a single complaint or bad comment coming from his lips. Even when I would try and cook a new dish he would say, “well, I like it, it’s very good, but don't ever cook it again".

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Self Esteem is a term used to describe a person's self-worth.  If a person has constant negative feedback or negative reinforcement, they will begin to believe and suffer low self-esteem and self-worth.  February is International Boost Self Esteem Month.  Ways to boost your self-esteem is to get rid of all the negative reinforcements in your life.  If the negative comes from friends or family, explain to them how their negativity is affecting you.  Like my mama always said, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."  Surround yourself with positive people who encourage you to improve on things in your life.  I love to bake goodies and take to people.  The constant positive encouragement I receive makes me want to do more and more. Do things that make you feel good about yourself, and don't worry what others may think.  Don't forget to share the positive reinforcements with others.  Find something positive to say to everyone you meet, you will be surprised how far a compliment will go in boosting self-esteem.  Just a simple I like your hair today, or that color looks good on you, or you have a nice smile, will make someone feel 2 inches taller.

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go. ~Dr. Seuss

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February is also Expect Success Month.  I can't imagine anyone starting a venture with the expectations of failing, but I’m sure it can happen, especially if someone constantly receives negative feedback.  This month though, start something new with the expectations of being a complete success, whether it be trying a new recipe, rearranging furniture, or learning a new dance step.   Just trying something new already makes you a success.  Being able to break away from the comfort zone of tried and true activities puts you ahead of the game.  Just remember, you can do anything you put your mind to.

When people believe in themselves they have the first secret of success. ~Norman Vincent Peale