The Seed of Self Esteem

The first seed, from Denis Waitley's best selling book Seeds of Greatness is Self Esteem. Did you know that one's self esteem can often be traced back to early childhood and how much positive or negative 'affirming' one received as a child? Of course, regardless of our childhood experiences, at some point we must take responsibility for ourselves and choose our own feeling of internal value. Waitley says, "Successful people always believe in their own worth, even when they have nothing but a dream to hang on to!" It is easy to feel good about yourself when everything is going well. But in times of trouble, that is when it is so important to see yourself as a worthwhile, changing, imperfect, growing individual. When you realize that you are always growing and learning, times of trouble take on a completely different meaning.

Here are ten action steps to building self-esteem from Waitley's book:

1. Always greet people with a smile. When introducing yourself take the initiative to volunteer your name first and extend your hand first, looking the person in the eyes when you speak.
2. In telephone communications, answer the phone pleasantly and immediately give your name to the caller.
3. When in the car, listen to inspirational radio or recordings.
4. Invest in your own knowledge.
5. Always say 'thank you' when you are paid a complement, by anyone, for any reason.
6. Don't brag!
7. Don't tell your problems to people, unless they are directly involved with the solutions. And don't make excuses.
8. Find successful role models that you can pattern yourself after.
9. When you make a mistake or get ridiculed or rejected, look at the situation as a learning experience.
10. Spend one day a week doing exactly what you want to do!