Poor self-esteem affects more than just your self image. A poor self-image can make relationships with family and friends difficult create stress, anxiety and loneliness. It is one of the leading causes of depression and can negatively impact job or academic performance. Finally, poor self-esteem often leads to underachievement and susceptibility to alcohol and drug abuse.

In an unfortunate cycle effect, the more the negative impacts of a poor self-esteem become evident, the worse the sufferer is likely to feel. This can lead to a quick spiral downward in to deep depression that may lead to self-destructive behavior.

If you have made the all important step to decide you want to change your poor self-esteem and believe that you can, there are three critical steps that can help you increase your self-esteem. Remember that it took you a long time to get to your low point and it is likely to take a long time to heal completely, but you can improve your self-esteem.

Step One: Silencing the Negative Voice

Perhaps the most critical step in improving the way you see yourself is silencing the negative inner voice. Learning how to effectively combat that negativity will help foster a positive self image. It’s not as difficult as it sounds.

For example, imagine you have an important presentation to make at work. After the presentation, your negative voice is likely to start immediately pointing out all of your errors, regardless of how well you actually did.

When this happens, try telling yourself three positive things about the presentation. Perhaps someone agreed with a point you made, or maybe you got some chuckles from your opening joke, find three positive points, whatever they are, and you will soon find that negative voice fading into the background.

Step Two: Realize You Are Worth It

Another critical part of healthy self-esteem is self love, so it is critical you begin to treat yourself like a competent, worthwhile person. Low self-esteem often comes, at least in part, from the way people have treated us in our past, combating this history by learning to love yourself is an excellent step in improving your low self-esteem.

Treating yourself like a worthwhile person involves three simple steps.

First take care of yourself physically. Eat enough, sleep regularly, and work out to take care of your physical needs.

Second, have some fun. You do not need to be ‘on’ all the time, so take some time out of your schedule to do something you truly enjoy. Take a walk, read a book, learn to paint, whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed. Enjoy yourself.

Finally, recognize accomplishments by rewarding yourself. Treat yourself to a night out after a good review, or have breakfast with friends after a hard week.

Step Three: Learn to Ask For and Accept Help

It is an unfortunate fact that many people who suffer from low self-esteem are often uncomfortable asking others for help. It is difficult for them to admit they cannot do it on their own, but in order to be successful, it is important to have the help and support of y our friends and family.

Let them know you are struggling with low self-esteem. You may be surprised to hear the wonderful and true things they have to say about you. Also, do not be afraid to seek the help of a qualified councilor. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of great strength.

If you suffer from poor self-esteem, it is possible to correct the problem. By learning to silence your negative inner voice, learning that you are a worthwhile person and asking for and accepting help, you will soon find your way to a greater love of yourself.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular mini-seminar about how to develop high self confidence and high self-esteem. Take a look at this new site now because it reveals some controversial ways to become confident quickly and easily:
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