Strengthening of self-esteem

“Be quick, you have to hurry up” – such internal provocations are often a relict from our childhood. Unfortunately, these thoughts come up exactly in moments when we do not need them: moments of stress.

A helpful alternative attitude could be:

“No, I can take my time. If I want to run a marathon, I have to take a deep breath. In the long run, interval training is more efficient than to speeding up and then collapsing along the way. I will take care of myself and pace myself – and then choose my own speed.”

How do you succeed in adopting this attitude as a personal resource? – Via strengthening of self-esteem! The reason for this is that one who appreciates and values oneself, treats oneself attentively.

Tips

• Please ensure that your basic needs (food intake, sleep warmth, physical exercise, love and recovery) are fulfilled. That signals “I am worth it!” to your psyche.
• Admit that you have the need for appreciation from other people. This is not uncool, but the expression of inner sovereignty.
• Let yourself be celebrated (e.g. birthday, jubilee, job achievements) and also celebrate yourself! Allow yourself to feel worthy of something nice – now more than ever.
• Ask for feedback if you think you or your work are not appreciated enough. Win the laurels you deserve! And don’t be afraid of being comforted.
• Make a daily deposit into your “self-esteem account”. Particularly in times when others are making unwanted withdrawals. It is important for your balance and this means to do something good for yourself!
• If you realize that you are being made to feel insecure by someone, say to yourself that this person gains profit from that and that it is in reality this person’s uncertainty that you feel. In return give this person a feeling of security by smiling and “warming up” to this person.
• Be aware of how you talk to yourself: Build yourself up again after a disappointment. Clap yourself on the back after successes, be proud of yourself and enjoy this feeling! – Write down these positive thoughts!
• Do not only define yourself by work. The more sources you have for strengthening your self-esteem, the easier it is to accept criticism of your work performance.
• If your self-esteem is in danger due to criticism, say to yourself – No further development without feedback. Quite often you only retroactively realize, the value of a negative criticism. Perhaps you might be thankful for the criticism afterwards.