Learning to Love Yourself More

What can one do with feelings of inadequacy besides worry about them?  There are many things you can do to improve your self-esteem.  For example:

  1. Pursue satisfying and useful occupations that realistically reflect your strengths and interests.
  2. Work hard to develop the skills and interests you have rather than fret about those you don't.
  3. Work on being more honest and open with other people.
  4. Make efforts to appreciate the good things you have rather than focus on the more negative things in your life.
  5. Avoid excessive daydreaming and fantasy living.
  6. Continue your efforts even when some results are discouraging.
  7. Reevaluate the standards by which you have learned to think of your self as inadequate - try to be smart enough, slender enough, or successful enough rather than continue to impose unrealistic standards on yourself.
  8. Decide to be your own good friend, complimenting yourself when you do things well enough.  Celebrate little successes.  Do not criticize yourself too harshly.
  9. Relax.  Take a little time each week to enjoy life in the here and now.
  10. Learn about the power of positive thinking, rather than being a problem focused person.