Yet Another Thing that Needs Lifting and Boosting...Sheesh!

Could your self-esteem use a boost, and just how the heck could that be accomplished? Let’s talk about that this week.

This month is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, intended to shine a light on just how tough most of us are on ourselves. If you grew up hearing phrases like, “don’t blow your own horn” and “don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back” then maybe you think it’s not OK to recognize and appreciate your strengths, talents and abilities. If you live or work with someone who is constantly belittling you, perhaps you’ve come to believe in their opinion of you instead of your own. And maybe, like most people, you feel pretty good about yourself most of the time and now and then doubts creep into the dark corners of your mind, gutting your self-esteem for a little while, until you regain your mental balance.

High self-esteem, not to be confused with egotism or sociopathic tendencies, is a healthy regard for who you are, how you show up in the world, the contribution you’re making and the talents you possess. People with high self-esteem are generally healthier, mentally and physically, than others, and tend to be people who are leaders in their workplaces and volunteers in their communities. Those with low self-esteem generally have a negative opinion of themselves, believing they’re not worthy of love or having a successful, happy life.

In 1965 a psychologist developed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale as a way for scientists to chart the self-esteem level of individuals and populations. The self-test is in the public domain so you can play with it now if you’d like. There isn’t a standard scale that will tell you what your score is as compared to the rest of the people on earth, though the results can give you an idea of where your self-esteem is and if it needs to be improved. You can access information about the RSES on the University of Maryland website. For helpful self-esteem boosters, check out these episodes from the world’s second-shortest podcast:

• Need a quick self-esteem self-test? There’s a Tiny Bite for that!
• Are you settling or celebrating? There’s a Tiny Bite for that!
• Is comparison killing your self-esteem? There’s a Tiny Bite for that!

The world’s shortest podcast runs 60 seconds or less, and since mine generally clocks in at 65 – 90 seconds, I’m proud to offer you the world’s second-shortest podcast. Find it daily here on the Center for Workplace Happiness website or wherever you listen to podcasts. There’s a new one each day to help you deal with whatever life is throwing at you.

Meanwhile, since it’s International Boost Self-Esteem Month, focus on your talents, your contribution to your family, friends, community and business. Keep a little list of the good you do so you’ll remember to appreciate yourself for all you do. That’s the healthiest way to boost your self-esteem and will give you lasting results.

Wags, Sandy Weaver, Program Director, Center for Workplace Happiness

PS... Want the perfect way to start each day? Check out the Mind, Body, Soul Sessions podcast – something for your whole self, for just $7 per month.