How to Enhance Your Self-Esteem

How you feel about yourself, or your self-esteem, has a huge effect on how you treat yourself and others, and the kinds of choices you make. If you are not confident about your abilities, then you are less apt to take advantage of opportunities, which limits your success. If you are not satisfied with who you are, then you often assume you will not be satisfied with others, and that means you do not treat them fairly.

Self-esteem can be a positive force in your life. It can become a negative influence, however, when you use it to choose the easiest paths to your goals. That only leads to breaking rules to achieve your goals. When you break the rules, those paths you thought were easier become filled with challenges and difficulties that actually make your journey harder, not easier.

Martial artists avoid “giving in” and taking what appears to be an easier path. Martial Artists seek methods to enhance self-esteem to ensure they are their best and treat others fairly. It is your duty to develop, or enhance, your self-esteem, so it’s strong and a positive influence in your life. Think of self-esteem as your “call-to-action;” without it, you will never advance to a higher level. Martial artists consistently “answer the call,” and persevere when situations become challenging.

Here are some methods to enhance your self-esteem in the true tradition of the martial arts:

• Develop your talents. Choose activities with opportunities to excel and then strive to excel in those activities.

• Be your best friend. Treat yourself well, mentally, physically and  emotionally, and act in ways that are good for you.

• Make good choices; don’t let others choose for you.

· Take responsibility for yourself, your choices and your actions.

• Always do what you know is right. Don’t ever consider cheating, lying or stealing.

• Set goals and work to achieve them. Your goals are your road map; without  that map, you will become lost.

• Treat other people with respect. Avoid greed, anger and jealousy.

• Practice forgiveness, even if the other person is wrong.

When you enhance your self-esteem, you increase your success, improve your social competence and live a better life. It’s not an easy task to accomplish, but a task that is well worth the effort. Martial artists know the importance of self-esteem and its positive effects. As you work to increase your confidence and positive attitude, you’ll reap the benefits of enhanced self-esteem each and every day.