Like Fort Knox, one's self esteem should be guarded with great intensity of purpose. We should be on guard, constantly vigilant and aware of anything that could damage our feelings of worth and value. We should guard our own self-esteem as well as that of our children and other loved ones by constantly building them up and encouraging them. We are all of great value. Do not ever allow anyone, whether intentionally or not, to attempt to convince you otherwise. As Zig Ziglar is noted for saying, "When you point a finger at someone else, you have three times that many pointing back at you."A person who lacks self-esteem is often critical of others; she strives to find fault in those around her in order to build herself up. Don't be fooled by this game, and don't fall victim to this kind of assault. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and the defining variable is often sincere belief and caring. At your core, do you actually believe that you can achieve, or is your confidence a front designed to mask a sense of fear and inadequacy? True confidence often empowers others with inspiration through leadership. Arrogance often includes a sense of cockiness or a slight demeaning of others possibly attempting the same task as you. An arrogant person may think that she is the sole person capable of the successful completion of a task, while a confident person will often inspire and empower others by leading them to join in on the accomplishment of a specific task or goal, sharing the glory and empowerment afterwards.
Success has been defined in many ways by dozens of people over the years. I prefer to view success as a worthwhile journey whose reward is evident in the process itself. Success is more about the how than the what. That journey, that "pursuit of a worthy ideal," often defines one's character, because self-esteem is enhanced by the pursuit. Self- esteem will deepen and grow because of this pursuit. It is seldom a result of reaching the goal, but more a function of the process itself. Self-esteem is enhanced by the very belief of "I can" and the action that is associated with it. Self-esteem will grow with action and perseverance. Self-esteem will be enhanced each and every time you step out and expand your comfort zone. Self-esteem will deepen every time you lift someone else up and encourage them. Your self-worth will grow each time you share these simple principles with someone else and help them to grow. You are empowered by the growth and confidence you inspire in others.Success then, is almost a by-product of self-esteem, and is proportional to the depth of one's convictions. The journey of accomplishing a worthy ideal involves digging deeply inside and mustering confidence, self-belief, discipline, and persistence. Self-esteem and success, though appearing dependent upon one another, are in reality, independent. Immediate or apparent success, or lack thereof, will not impede the self esteem of a person who is consciously on the trail of a worthy pursuit, for she understands that the success she seeks will come eventually. This person is not discouraged by short-term setbacks. Her mind is focused upon her goal and she constantly is "adjusting her sails for changes in the wind."
See yourself as a person of great value, capable of making wonderful contributions to enhance the lives of others—perhaps some of whom which are not even known to you. Do not allow others to control your self-esteem. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Simply withhold permission, no matter the circumstances. Self-esteem is your own. Start cultivating it today!About the author:
Daniel Sitter is the author of the popular, award-winning e-book, Learning For Profit. Designed for busy people, his new book teaches simple, step-by-step accelerated learning skills, demonstrating exactly how to learn anything faster than ever before. Learning For Profit is currently available at the author’s web site http://www.learningforprofit.comand from numerous online book merchants. Mr. Sitter, having expertise in sales, marketing and personal development, is a frequent contributor to several publications.
