Strategies for improving self-esteem

Today in class we discussed self-esteem: the importance of self-esteem as a professional and encouraging it in patients.

SELF TALK- If you're having a bad hair day, tell yourself that you have beautiful eyes and lots of friends who like you anyways.

VISUALIZE- If you feel nervous before a meeting, visualize everyone in the room congratulating you on your great idea.

AVOID COMPARISONS- Focus on what you can do to enhance your own talents and abilities.

REFRAME- If you experience one failure, keep the larger picture in mind rather than focusing on that isolated incident.

DEVELOP HONEST RELATIONSHIPS- Cultivate friends in whom you can confide and who will give you honest feedback for improving your skills and abilities.

LET GO OF THE PAST- Talk yourself out of your "old tapes"; focus on ways to enhance your abilities in the future.

SEEK SUPPORT- Talk with professional counsellors who can help you identify your gifts and talents.