Beauty is not just "skin deep." Holistic thinking can help improve how men and women think about themselves. This approach involves all the facets of human beings beyond the physical level such as:
- The mind;
- The emotions; and,
- Spirituality.
First Step to Improving Self-esteem--Accept Reality
Humanity does not boast perfection. It simply does not exist. Accept that fact and move on. Reality is reality--be realistic. People are gifted in some areas and not so gifted in other areas, each and everyone! Use this concept to create a mantra centered in reality. Memorize it. Repeat it several times a day--every day! Allow it to internalize into the mind, emotions and spirit and even the physical realm! Feel it.
Second Step--Change of Focus
Where has the focus been? If the concentration has centered upon the physical body, accepting that the physical is only one aspect of humanity would be a step in the right direction.
Maybe there's a little more to the waistline than what might be desired. Maybe the muscle mass isn't comparable to Mr. Universe. So what? Look at the flip side.
Expand the area of the lens. Reflect upon the positive. Great conversationalist? The person everyone runs to when help is needed? Able to analyze and problem solve? Great organizer--time, money and things? Possess teaching abilities? Able to break down difficult concepts into understandable ones? Handy with fixing gadgets? Be creative! Have a brainstorming session with yourself and/or a trusted friend or relative.
There is so much more to human beings than just how one looks! So much more than what's pictured on a fashion magazine cover.
Third Step--Reject the Myths
Do not get sucked into the myths of the media and industries with slick marketing techniques. They want the viewer to desire what the image suggests. Believe the message, buy the product! They win!
Success does not mean having a perfect body is necessary. Turn off the television, restrict viewing glossy fashion magazines, in essence, limit the intake of unrealistic imagery and negative messages.
Fourth Step--Keep a Journal, Make a Collage
Keep a record of progress, questions and answers daily--doesn't have to be long. Review frequently, thereby enhancing a sense of accomplishment, which, in turn, builds self-esteem and confidence.
Make a collage. Enlist the help of a few trusted friends and/or relatives. Ask them to send pictures, sayings, and/or phrases that capture the positives. Make it sufficiently large enough to hang on a wall. On the back of the collage explain what each picture is representing. Refer to it frequently. Let the messages sink in.
Building self-esteem takes practice. Instead of four hours working out in the gym, spend two hours exercising and a couple more expanding other areas. Appreciate the pluses already in operation.
Fifth Step--List of Gratitude
Each day write at least two items to give thanks for. In a week there will be 14 items. Review frequently. Again, as time passes, and the list is reviewed, a sense of accomplishment will result, thus raising self-esteem and loosening the grips of insecurities.
Sixth Step--Volunteer
The gift of time, service and self-sacrifice is a great boost for self-confidence. There are so many areas in need of help: soup kitchens, animal rescue shelters, and nursing homes to name a few.
Seventh and Final Step: Self-kindness
Finally, accept that humanity is a work in progress. Operas are not written overnight, the Sistine Chapel was not painted in a day. Adopt a program of self-kindness.
Sources
Unsprungmedia.com, written for a website, no author or date
Commercialfreechildhood.org, written for a website, no author or date.
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