Self-esteem is made up of the thoughts, feelings, and opinions we have about ourselves. That means self-esteem isn't fixed. It can change, depending on the way we think. Over time, habits of negative thinking about ourselves can lower self-esteem.
Self-esteem is your general attitude toward yourself. It is your overall sense of your competence and worth. It is important to have high self-esteem. With high self-esteem, you will have confidence in your ability to learn, and willingness to try new things. There is a history of research which shows that self-esteem and achievement are related. Students with high self-esteem tend to be high achievers.
Here are ten things you can do to raise your level of self-esteem.
- Be positive about yourself. It's much better to give yourself compliments than to put yourself down.
- Think of all the things you are good at and all your successes. Write these down and keep adding to the list. Read the list every day.
- Stop comparing yourself with other students. Your comparison should be with yourself. Are you better today than you were yesterday?
- Associate with students who like, respect, and support you. Try to avoid students who are always looking to find fault with you.
- Get involved in activities you enjoy. You will likely be successful in these activities.
- Make use of your special talents and abilities. These are your strengths.
- Take good care of yourself. You will feel better about yourself if you are healthy and well rested.
- Attack what you think are your weaknesses. Prove to yourself that "you can do it."
- Help others. You will really feel good about yourself when you do.
- Keep looking for ways to improve yourself. As the old saying goes, "Reach for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among stars."
The higher your self-esteem, the higher will be your achievement.
