2. Related to #1: List first why you believe negativity you tell yourself (i.e., I’m too old. I’m too fat. Nobody loves me. I’m never good enough. etc.); laugh at that piece of paper you just wrote on; THEN tear it up and move on to next strategy.

3. You may have heard phrase “Attitude of gratitude.” Count your blessings, which can include things people actually take for granted, such as food and shelter, access to a computer, etc.

4. List your positive attributes and talents—everybody has them! List at least five.

5. Make a list of what you love to do, starting from childhood until now and try to find time to do it at least once a week, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

6. List at least three things that you would love to have courage to do.

7. Surround yourself with positive people (think of volunteer or professional organizations that have something in common with your interests, for example).

If none of these strategies work over time, other factors may be at play that are beyond scope of this article.

Consistently employing these strategies will make it easier to keep going even when going gets tough. Especially when going gets tough! Whenever you are feeling low, you don’t have to try and deny it. But do know that it will pass. Knowing that it will pass will help you psychologically.

If you’re interested in seeing where you fall in terms of your self-esteem, here is a site that I found very useful: http://www.wellnessnet.com/testesarticle.htm. It also goes into hidden and surface self esteem concept in more depth.

Self-esteem is but one personal resource worth managing. It’s important to be kind to yourself and have patience. Remember, your best investment is in yourself!

Power-Ed Solutions, Inc. Copyright © 2004 All Rights Reserved

It is not easy to stay up-to-date! Fortunately, you have quality information available to you on Internet.

If your goal is to start a business, then:

- Get a book on starting business you desire - Get on Internet and do some information gathering - Start networking with people that are doing what you want to do and learn from them

Whatever you do start reading with a goal in mind.

I want you to do a little exercise. Write down five goals you want to achieve within five years.

Next, I want you to write down what steps you have to take to reach those goals. You don't have to be specific, general steps are fine.

Now ask yourself, "Will reading for entertainment help me to achieve goals I listed?"

If reading for entertainment will help you keep on reading. If it does not then it is time to modify your reading material to match your goals.

Repeating same habits and actions does not create different results! When you change action or habit you change outcome!