Defeating any bad habit
requires specific, conscious action. It also requires replacing the negative habit with a positive one. That means you will need to do something. We discussed the importance of recognizing that low self esteem stemmed from bad habits, but that is only the beginning. That's a diagnosis--the curative action is taking conscious action for change.We will be discussing some specific actions you can take to improve your self esteem as this mini course continues. Right now, let's underline a few general principles that can guide our conscious actions to elevate our self esteem
.First, our actions should be positive. Whether it is positive affirmation or taking real-world steps to do something "good," the best way to erase bad habits is to replace them with something positive. Elimination of the negative is good, but our power for positive change is enhanced when combined with positive, forward-thinking alternatives.
Second, our actions should be consistent. Our habits developed due to consistent repetition. As humans, we are creatures of habit--once we fall into a rut, we naturally tend to stay there absent a consistent force to move us elsewhere. Our positive actions and efforts to break limiting habits must be applied consistently over time.
Third, our commitment must be unwavering. We can fall back into a rut much easier than we can climb out of it. That makes even smaller decisions and actions important when they reinforce negative perspectives that hinder the development of healthy self esteem levels. We must be vigilant, committed to avoiding behaviors that reinforce negative thinking or self-perception.
By applying positive and consistent actions and remaining committed to that process, we can find ways to boost our self esteem. We can beat the bad habits that currently leave us lacking confidence and feeling poorly about ourselves. We can defeat low self esteem.
