More on How to Increase Your Self-worth

I received some interesting comments to my recent newsletter on increasing your self-worth. I invited everyone to practice increasing your self-worth by sharing your strengths and/or recent accomplishments. It was fantastic to read so many celebrations of strengths and successes, and I invite you to participate if you haven't already!

There were also a couple of comments from people who are having a very difficult time building their self-esteem. These comments really struck me.

Brenda said:

I think in theory this is great advice. in reality, when one has a low self esteem it is very difficult to recognize your accomplishments much less celebrate them.. Good try but it has taken me years of therapy and meetings to recognize my self worth and I have set backs every day. I am 55 years old and a successful businesswoman.

And Kelly said:

I am in agreement with Brenda's blog that increasing self-esteem looks good in theory, but is incredibly difficult to do when it is already very low. I have been without a job for nearly a year, and opportunities for accomplishments are rare. My self-worth has never truly existed,like Fergie, and is difficult to find at age 51. I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago (late bloomer). Any suggestions from those who understand? I'm game!

Sadly, I think Brenda and Kelly are not alone in their feelings. So here's a bit of advice for Brenda, Kelly, and anyone else who is struggling: if you don't know what you're good at, if you don't know what you've done in your life that's worth acknowledging and celebrating, then ask someone who loves you.

Ask many people who love you. Ask your spouse, your kids, your parents, your siblings, and your friends. And if you don't have many people who love you, then ask people whom you love or admire. What do you think I'm good at? What do you like about me? What do you think some of my greatest accomplishments are?

Trust the answers that you get. Acknowledge them and repeat them to yourself over and over until YOU believe them.

I guarantee you that you DO have strengths, and that you DO have achievements worth celebrating. It may take a little time to find them under all those negative feelings but, trust me, they are there.