Raising self esteem begins within you. Self esteem is a measure of we feel about ourselves. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So, if someone has low self esteem that means that they have a low estimation of their own self-worth, and they lack confidence in their own abilities. How we feel about ourselves comes from the stories that we tell ourselves about who we are, and how we think that others feel about us.

People who have low self esteem often have a negative attitude and outlook on life. A major part of gaining self confidence is to stop criticizing yourself and others. Your negative self-talk and negative thought patterns are what keep your self esteem low.

Another key is to learn to deflect negative criticism from others. Just because someone says a negative comment does not mean that you have to take it in. You are free to let it go, and let it roll off of you like water off a duck's back.

By the time you have finished reading this article you will have learned that raising self esteem is accomplished by changing the stories that you tell yourself about yourself and your abilities. It is also accomplished by focusing on your own needs, eating a healthy diet, getting exercise and learning new skills that will challenge you forcing you to stretch yourself beyond your present limits.

Just take a moment and imagine what your life will be like when you can get up in the morning and feel great about what you are doing, when you feel confident, vibrant, healthy and strong. All of these things are completely within your reach. Even now you are the only one who holds the keys to self confidence. You just have to decide when you are ready to take the first step.

Let's look at some concrete steps that you can take to improve self confidence:

• Find ways to feel good about yourself.

Do things that you enjoy. Schedule in some "me time" and pursue something for the pure enjoyment of it.

• Try something new.

Take a class, join a new gym, start a new hobby.

• Set exciting new goals.

Achieving goals is a great way to increase your self confidence.

• Do that thing that you have been putting off.

Procrastination steals your life away. Accomplishing something that you have been avoiding will make you feel really good about yourself.

• Make time for friends

Hang out with people who affirm you and make you feel good. Stay away from those who criticize and bring you down.

• Take care of your body

Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and rest, and wearing clothes that flatter you—these are all ways of raising self esteem.

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