How to Find Self-Worth

Your sense of self-worth determines how you view yourself, others and the world and around you. Consequently, it can have a big effect on your life, your work and your relationships. Self-esteem is shaped from an early age by factors such as your relationships with those close to you. Everyone suffers from self-doubt at times, but if you frequently put little value on your opinions and ideas, obsess over your perceived failings and weaknesses, or have difficulty dealing with stressful situations, you may have low self-esteem. While you cannot change your experiences, you can learn to feel more positive about yourself and your abilities.

Instructions

• 1

  Look after your physical health. When you feel in good shape physically, you feel better about yourself and more able to cope. Eat a nutritious diet and regular balanced meals, take time to relax and make sure you get enough sleep. Adults need between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night, according to American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Fit some form of exercise into your daily routine. Get 10 to 15 minutes of moderate exercise daily, and 20 minutes of more of vigorous exercise three times a week.

• 2

  Set realistic goals. Trying to do everything at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Set small, manageable tasks each day. Whether these are relatively mundane tasks or the first steps towards a bigger challenge, praise and reward yourself when you accomplish them. Learn to enjoy your own achievements, however large or small.

• 3

  Do not strive for perfection. No one does everything perfectly all of the time, and expecting to do so will leave you feeling inadequate. Rather than give yourself a hard time when you mess up, accept that one of your rights as a human being is to make mistakes. Turn your mistakes into positives by learning from them.

• 4

  Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone is special in his own way, with his own particular strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge that you are unique, with as much right to be treated with respect as anyone else.

• 5

  Be assertive. Express what you want, what you feel and what you need in a calm and firm manner, without being aggressive. If you don't want to do something, it is okay to say "No," and to stand by your decision if you feel pressured.

• 6

  Learn a new skill or take up a creative hobby. Engaging in expressive arts -- such as singing, writing or painting -- is a good way to express yourself, occupy your mind, spend time with other people and have a sense of accomplishment. Concentrate on enjoying the experience of learning rather than trying to become an expert. Find a class through your local adult education service, local library or community center.