Self-esteem
Healthy Self-Esteem
Healthy self-esteem is:
- A sense of internalized core self-worth or value in your own unique qualities and characteristics.
- Independent of external accomplishments or characteristics.
One way to improve your self-esteem is to focus on the positive qualities that represent your core self-worth.
Positive Affirmations
Positive Affirmations are positive, present-focused statements that we repeat to ourselves in order to change negative thought patterns in our minds. They help to combat self-doubt and self-criticism to help us build self-confidence.
This means we have to be very careful with our words, choosing to speak to ourselves in a way which works towards our benefit and cultivates our highest good. Affirmations help us create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which we move closer to our aspirational selves by challenging our self-defeating, negative thoughts.
A good rule of thumb is to repeat these affirmations 3-5 times to yourself at least twice per day, every day. Eventually, these statements become as second nature as any self-critical thoughts have become.
When creating positive affirmations, keep in mind that they should be:
| PRESENT | Set in the present tense. |
| POSITIVE | No negative words. |
| PERSONAL | Tailored to you. |
| PRECISE | Detailed and specific. |
| POWERFUL | Empowering words. |
| PUNCHY | Short and concise. |
| PLAUSIBLE | Realistic statements. |
| PRIVATE | Can keep to yourself daily. |
| PERSISTENT | Use even if you don't believe it's true |
Adapted from Works by Che Garman
Additional Resources
If you feel you are struggling with your self-esteem or any of the factors associated with developing stronger self-esteem, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 850.474.2420 or visit our center in Building 960, Suite 200A, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to set up an appointment.
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