Developing Your Self Respect

Creating self respect is an effort that is ongoing and pays dividends that grow continuously.  When you have proper respect for yourself as a person, building your self-esteem and reaching your goals and being happier is much easier.  The realistic evaluation of who you are and what your abilities are is the first step.

Evaluate Yourself

List all your positive characteristics and how they can be further developed.  Have friends, family or co-workers who are respectful of you give you input as well.  They will see things that you may miss or take for granted.  List the things that you need to work on as well.  This gives you perspective and balance and helps you to continuously improve.  Asking people for input who are not negative and critical is key.  You want honest evaluation; this helps you look at yourself more honestly as well.

‘You First’ is Not Selfish

When you are developing your sense of self worth, you must take care of yourself first.  This is not selfish.  In order to fulfill the needs of others in your life you must first focus on meeting your needs in order to have the proper strength to fulfill those of others.  Just as they tell you on an airplane, breathe oxygen for yourself first and then help others.  When you are on the road to true self respect and valuing yourself you must make self-care a priority.

Reinforcement of Your Worth

If you struggle with having proper respect for yourself, you need to self-affirm all the positive things in your character.  Wake up every morning to an alarm clock and a note to yourself telling you positive things about yourself.  Take a shower telling yourself that you are a wonderful person and that you have the strength to handle all life throws your way.  Have a Post-It on your refrigerator reminding you to respect your health as much as you respect your mind and abilities.

Develop a “Mirror” Without Distortions

Many who are working on a stronger sense of self worth have a view of themselves that is not as strong as they really are. This leads to a passive acceptance of abuse or bullying from bad influences in your life. Do not let someone be critical of you and say things to you that you would not tolerate being said to a friend or a child.  More importantly, do not say critical things about yourself that you would not tolerate someone saying to you, a friend or a child.  Look at all the good things you have done in your life; every time you have helped someone out of pure kindness, every accomplishment you have made, every sacrifice for your family or friends.

Create a Nurturing Environment

Everyone has a better sense of accomplishment and is more focused when their environment fosters positivity.  Clean and organized living and working spaces will make you feel stronger and more positive.  Freedom from clutter will help you focus on all that you have accomplished and all that you will accomplish.  A kitchen stocked with healthy food will nourish both your body and your spirit and give you the energy to exercise more and be healthier.  

Smile regularly and often.  It will give you smiles in return, make your day better and make everyone else’s day better as well.  Studies have shown that it can even improve your mood.  When all around you is more positively focused it will not only create a calmer you, but will reinforce your respect for yourself and your value as a human being. Love and respect yourself, and others will too!