BOOST YOUR SELF ESTEEM

We have all gone through ups and downs with our self-esteem. For many of us, the lows have outlasted the highs. When that happens, it can be hard to pull yourself up out of that funk and put a smile back on your face. That's when you need to shake things up and get that spark back into your life. It is that spark that keeps us going and lifts us up.

Here are some of the best ways to boost your self-esteem and get you back onto the path you want to take!

Stand up for yourself!

In order to have more confidence in yourself, you can't allow others to disrespect you. By letting other people's treatment of you weigh you down, you are giving yourself an emotional punch in the stomach. And a punch in the stomach makes it hard to stand tall. The great lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Write your life mission statement.

When you have a clear-cut mission statement, it can really define the person you are or hope to become. It is an affirmation that you are going to be the best you there is. Write it down and keep it in a conspicuous place so that you can always see it and be reminded of your purpose.

Set your personal goals and start doing them.

Without a clear set of goals, you are going through life without a path. This is a lot like taking a trip without a map. You'll end up lost and frustrated. When you lay out a plan for your life with goals to accomplish along the way, you will feel more fulfilled. When you finally achieve your goals, you will feel more confident in yourself.

Sign up for classes.

Acquiring more knowledge and skills can help build up your self-esteem quickly. Whether it's an educational course at the local college or a cake decorating class at the nearby craft store, adding new things to your repertoire will give you more confidence and just plain make you feel good. It is one more step in giving you control over your own life.

Get out there and take action!

Stop being afraid to take chances. If you are thinking of starting your own business, then go out there and do it! You don't have to fit yourself into other people's dreams. You are free to blaze your own trails. Taking controlled, positive risks in your life can help you feel invigorated and ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

Start socializing.

There are tons of ways to meet new people who share the same interests as you. Join groups and clubs in your area. You can sign up on any social network and find groups of people in your area that focus on thousands of different topics, from knitting groups to book clubs to car collectors. When you are part of a group, you will have a sense of belonging and being accepted.

Volunteer your time.

One of the greatest ways to boost your self-esteem and give back to your community is through volunteering. There are many people in your community who will benefit from the help you can give. There may be a women's shelter you can help with or the local food pantry. When you see gratitude and thanks from others, your own self-worth will skyrocket.

Take that step and come out of the deeps, work on yourself and boost that low morale!

- By Deb Lamb.