SELF ESTEEM How do you feel about you

SELF ESTEEM How do you feel about you?

DEFINITION Self-esteem is the judgment or opinion we hold about ourselves. It’s the extent to which we perceive ourselves to be worthwhile and capable human beings. Self-esteem is the picture we have of ourselves. Self-esteem is made up of all the experiences and relationships we’ve had in our lives. Everyone we’ve ever met has added or taken away from how we see ourselves. Self-esteem can be changed and changed at any age.

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SELF ESTEEM Psalm 139: 13 -14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Isaiah 43: 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Joshua 1: 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. ”

HIGH SELF-ESTEEM People with high self-esteem: Like to meet new people Don’t worry about how others will judge them Have the courage to express themselves Lives’ are enriched with each new encounter Are nicer to be around Ideas are met with interest because others want to hear what they have t say. Are magnets to positive opportunities Have an “ I THINK I CAN” attitude!!!!!

LOW SELF-ESTEEM People with low self-esteem: Don’t believe in themselves See themselves failing before they even begin Have a hard time forgiving their mistakes and make themselves pay the price forever Believe they can never be as good as they should be or as good as others Are afraid to show their creativity because they will be ridiculed Are dissatisfied with their lives Spend most of their time alone Complain and criticize Worry about everything and do nothing Have an “I CAN’T DO IT” attitude

SOME COMMON SIGNS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM Exaggerated bragging Resorting to numerous attention-getting behaviors such as clowning, acting overly silly, teasing, complaining, exhibiting both verbal and physical agression Very reactive to ups and downs of daily life – failure can be devastating, even on minor issues Being self-critical and always apologizing Easily influenced by peers Blaming Reluctance to learn new things or avoiding a challenge Over-reacting to things and situations Being unable to make choices or solve problems Putting themselves down

TAKE A MINUTE… Think about a positive experience in your life.

THE POSITIVE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU REMEMBERED CAN MOST LIKELY BE DESCRIBED BY ONE OR MORE OF THESE FEELINGS: You felt secure, safe, and trusting of your environment. You felt special or unique. You felt worthwhile. You felt important and appreciated by someone whose opinion you valued. You had a goal or purpose. You were successful in achieving what you wanted. You felt that you made a difference. You felt capable. The positive experience that you had probably satisfied a basic emotional need. It helped reinforce a belief in your own value as a person.

THERE ARE FIVE FEELINGS THAT NUTURE HIGH SELF-ESTEEM: 1. A sense of Security: a feeling of trust or safety. 2. A sense of Self-hood: knowing who you really are. 3. A sense of Affiliation: a sense of belonging. 4. A sense of Mission: a feeling of purpose, direction and responsibility. 5. A sense of Competence: feeling like you are capable and successful in the things you do.

HERE A FEW STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF-ESTEEM: 1. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. 2. Focus on your positive attributes. 3. Follow the example of successful people. 4. Become a self-talker. 5. Exhibit a good attitude. 6. Get plenty of rest. 7. Make your work/study skills your own. 8. Practice your talents. 9. Become physically fit. 10. Learn new things. 11. Improve your personal relationships. 12. Dress well!!!!

LET’S REVIEW • Self-esteem comes from every experience of your life. • How you view yourself affects everything you do in life. • High self-esteem gives you a GOOD feeling about yourself. • Low self-esteem distorts your view of yourself. • Self-esteem can be improved!!!

FINAL THOUGHT • You are a unique individual. No one else is like you in the whole world. This makes you special already! • Our time in this world is limited. Make it happen so that you leave your mark in this world!

EVALUATION QUESTIONS Use: Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know 1. I found the presentation of material easy to understand. 2. This discussion session increased my knowledge on the subject presented. 3. I will be able to use some of the information from this discussion session in the future. 4. The presenter was well prepared for this discussion session. 5. This presentation should be repeated in future sessions.