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Zig Ziglar, a world famous motivational speaker says the starting point for both success and happiness is a healthy self-image. Dr. Joyce Brothers, well known author, columnist and psychologist says, "An individual's self concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, the choice of friends, mates and careers." It Is no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.
I have said for years that the typical American worker has a below average self-esteem and this is the cause for many challenges in the workplace such as "back biting," "negativity" and "rumor spreading." All of this affects team building "synergy" which affects overall productivity. From my observation of seminar attendees I have noticed a decrease in self-esteem since the economic down turn of 2008.
However, self-esteem can be improved. I have four suggestions that can help. If one is willing to change their habits and practice these for 30 days, I will GUARANTEE results.
The first thing is to "massage your brain" with good information. In 1982 I read a famous book titled "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. He said it takes 4 positive things coming into your brain to counteract one negative thing you hear or experience. Read 20-30 minutes of positive good stuff every day.
Second on the list of four is to have a positive stance towards yourself and others. Talk positive and act positive. It is much more attractive to be around than negativity. Have you ever said "good morning" to someone and their answer was "what's good about it?" Be upbeat, smile more, be pleasant. The more you do it and say it, the more you will feel it.
My third suggestion is to surround yourself with those who are positive and whenever possible, avoid toxic people. Jack Canfield, co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" said that as a person, you are an average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. He said to make a list of everyone you spend time with and put a plus by the good ones and a negative by the bad ones and stay away from the negative people (as much as you can).
The fourth and best step of all is to develop more of a "giving" heart. Do you remember the "random act of kindness" movement that was popular a few years ago? I think you should do three "intentional acts of kindness" everyday. Give a sincere compliment, hold a door open for someone, let someone merge into traffic. I know people do nice things but I think we need to do more. Whenever we do or say something that people appreciate it always makes us feel better about ourselves.
Zig Ziglar was right! You Gotta Believe--In You before things start falling into place. Do these four things for 30 days and I guarantee you will see positive results.
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