What Do You Like About Yourself?

One of the most annoying questions at any job interview is the question, “What do you like about yourself?”. After sitting there for what seems like an eternity I always come with the trademark answers, I'm friendly, outgoing, I can learn quickly and the list goes on. I don't know about you but answering questions about myself is hard. I don't see myself as someone really special. I am just an ordinary guy, trying to live out my life.

But how you think about yourself affects every aspect of your life. That is why it is important to keep in mind those things you like about yourself. I am not talking about being conceited. I am talking giving an honest account of what you like about yourself.

If you can't do it in your head get out a piece of paper. On the paper write down those things you consider to be your best traits. Once you get rolling you will find there is more to like about you then ever thought.

If you're so inclined you can also make a list of those things which you don't like about yourself. Though don't be to defacing just list those things you really need to improve. For example if you are a little over weight don't list yourself as a fat slob. It only defeats the purpose.

Once you have your list written you can use your positives to build upon. Always keep them in mind. On the days you feel down recall all your positive traits. For example, I have been laid off from my full time job for three years. I do have a part time job but it's not the same. Recently I finally found a full time, but after two months I was laid off again.

I could be down but I looked to my list of things I like about myself and realized while I am not a great writer, I do love to write. So while I surf the web looking for jobs, I write articles and poems I post on Hub Pages. It helps me keep my head up. The trick at least for me is to build in my positives while at the same time I work on changing certain items on my “What I don't about myself list.

Having a positive self image also has some benefits.
Reduces your level of stress
Lower stress equals an increased life span
Lower stress means a lower blood pressure
You'll have better coping skills at home and the workplace

These are only some of the benefits there are a lot more. So the next time you are down on yourself try to think about what you like about yourself and then take it from there.