Trust Yourself to Achieve Your Dreams!

Self esteem is valuing who you are as a person.  It can show itself as confidence in a particular skill or globally in your concept of yourself as a whole person.  It encompasses beliefs, emotions, values, faith, behavior and it is the pathway to being or becoming what you can truly be.

Of course there are going to be people in life that challenge all of the above by way of showing disapproval or expressing negative judgments.  These experiences can either build or diminish self esteem.  The key is in knowing you have control over your own choices.  There is of course value in listening to the words and experiences of others and you may choose to listen and act on that advice.  Take the time to ask yourself first, if you are acting out of obligation or guilt, or whether you are acting out of a sense of appropriateness.  You will know when you are not honouring yourself by your own internal responses.  You know that gut feeling you get when something isn't quite right?  That is an important feeling to listen to.

There is a significant energy pull between people with conflicting interests.  It is like an energetic tug-o-war.  There is a basic need we all crave to feel supported, validated and loved.  What happens though when what you want is in conflict with someone important to you?  Do you relent to them for the sake of the relationship?  If you do, you may feel better for a while because you have ended the negative energy pull.  However, if internally you feel that you have let yourself down, you will still feel the negative energy pull only it will be within yourself.

The following are some ideas to consider to build or enhance self esteem;

• Become aware of your inner voice; listen to the signals and begin to trust them.  You will keep moving in the right direction.
• Look your fears in the face and ask if they are real.  Sometimes the outcome that we fear the most is actually the outcome that leads us to where we want to be in the first place.  Making choices that are difficult move us through fear and build on self esteem moving us closer to our full potential.  Self esteem builds on confidence and ultimately improves relationships; fear is replaced with authenticity.
• Failures and mistakes aren't what they seem.  Learn from them and move forward knowing you are wiser for your experience.  You have expanded your potential through these growth experiences, allow yourself to keep growing.
• Know what you want and ask for it.  Assertiveness will move you towards your dreams.  So often I hear the perception that it is rude or demanding or selfish to ask for what you want.  In truth, asking is necessary to achieve your goals.  The key is in expressing yourself with care.
• Acknowledge your successes.  It is important to recognize your accomplishments and focus on the positive.  You can be your own best support system by validating your successes.
• Communicate your concerns and doubts.  Assumptions about a situation are often mistaken.  When in doubt, talk it out to know the truth.  Negative assumptions can simply be that critical inner voice that is fearful and unsure.  Don't let it take you off course...Ask!
• Keep trying.  you are talented and resourceful. I can think of all kinds of cliches here, and they are all appropriate...just keep moving forward and be creative about achieving your dreams. You will find your way there.

Warm regards,

Karen

Comments

[SpiritintheVillage]

Awesome post Karen.
The reminders are important!