If you
have low self-esteem you may: not like yourself, be unaware that you do
not value who you are, believe you can’t achieve good results at school
or elsewhere, live in a world that does not work for you, harm yourself
by abusing drugs and alcohol, become self-destructive in other ways. Low self-esteem often makes people do things for the wrong reasons. If
you have low self-esteem you may think you have to prove you are
worthwhile. Inside you don’t believe it. If you know you’re okay
there’s nothing to prove. If you trust yourself you do things for
honest reasons. It’ s not really honest to do good deeds that are a
cover up for feeling bad about yourself. Possibly
85% of people in our society have low selfesteem. Think about that!
Even millionaires, sports idols, top executives, pop stars, teachers
and parents. It may look like they have everything going for them, but
inside they may not like themselves, are depressed or suicidal. How many people do you know who really love and regard themselves highly? “Self-esteem
is one of the most important things in life. Being comfortable with
yourself, talking to other people and getting on in life – you need it
for absolutely everything. My self-esteem is not as high as I want it
to be. I could be more confident. When I am, my self-esteem rises. I
want to live a successful life, so I’m working on it. ” – Alan (16). “This
girl has to be perfect. Every hair in place and she puts people down
who are not perfect. She can ruin the selfesteem of others. Takes it
out on them. That’s not very fair. When people are bitchy to other
people it usually means that they are insecure about themselves.” –
Chelsea (14). “If
you say bad things about other people you are trying to raise your
self-esteem, but you are just lowering it. If you say good things about
other people, you feel better about yourself.” – Angie (14). Most
people like and are attracted to people who have high self-esteem. They
express inner qualities we admire. By discovering your Essential Nature
you become selfconfident. What are the thoughts that stop you being your true self? Some
examples: I’m dumb – Nobody likes me – My hair is always a mess – I’m
no good at soccer. The beliefs you hold about yourself are powerful.
With attention and ef fort you can change those that don’ t work for
you. Write
down the statements that describe you in your notebook: I am happy. I
am sick. I am good. I am beautiful. I’m a loser. I’m a winner. I am
dumb. I am fine. I’m OK . I am bad. I am clumsy. I am a gossip. I’m
anxious. I’m boring. I’m a mess. I’m cool. I am successful. I’m a
failure. I’m lovable. I’m sexy. I am sad. I’m smart. I’m a good
student. I’m ugly. I’m a good person. I’m a slow learner. I’m not OK .
How do you score? Half are uplifting, the others are not. What
have you made of yourself? Adapted from 100 WAYS TO ENHANCE SELF-CONCEPT IN THE CLASSROOM – Jack Canfield and Harold Wells . THINGS TO DO! | 
