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Five Steps for Increasing Your Self Respect
1. Why not?
Right here, right now, make the decision to appreciate yourself more, give credit where it's due, talk yourself up. Cultivate kindness, compassion and respect for you. Face the truth. You came into this world on your own and you'll leave it on your own. At some point in between it makes sense to get comfortable with yourself. It's your life. At the end of it you'll answer to yourself you'll hold yourself accountable so it's best to start doing it now. Don't ever demean or demoralize yourself in public or private. Talk yourself up. Drop false modesty. Speak only well of yourself. Exude self-assurance.
2. Change the Record
Whose opinions, thoughts and beliefs are stuck in your mind? If they're not yours and they're of no value to you, don't hold onto them. You're a grown-up now. You can think your own thoughts. You can choose what to give room to. It doesn't matter how long some stuff has been there. If it's toxic, get rid of it.
3. Reasons to Respect Yourself
Liking and respecting yourself is your birthright. Maintaining it requires momentum. Continually give yourself good reasons to like and respect yourself. Remind yourself who you really are. Be everything you desire and admire in others, yourself. This requires right thinking and right action. Keep on acquiring more evidence to sustain your conviction. Right now, draw up a list: "Reasons to like and respect myself"; include character traits and specific actions you are proud of yourself for. Think about future actions that you can take to ensure this continued flow of goodwill towards others and, thereby, yourself.
4. Enjoy Yourself
Come on, when was the last time you took yourself out for lunch, or did something special just for you? Spoil yourself. Spend some quality time with you. Wine and dine yourself. Think about you. What would be fun for you? Do you know how to enjoy yourself? Chill out with your new best friend you! Discover your hidden depths, your likes and dislikes. What makes you tick? Get some strong opinions. Entertain yourself. If you don't find yourself good company, how can others? Treat yourself well, but above all, treat yourself.
5. Look Cared For
You'll give off a far better air about yourself. Pay attention to presentation. How looked after and cared for do you look? Grooming speaks volumes. Look immaculate. Smell divine. Wear great underwear. Get the look. Buy the sharpest haircut you can afford. Stay with it. Last season's must-have item was cutting-edge then. Appearances matter. Keep up. Don't look neglected. If you have no pride, nobody can give it to you.
by Fiona Harrold
