| Copyright (c) 2008 Soaring Eagle Companies LLC | | | | like doubt and lack of enthusiasm can hinder you. |
| There are many ways to lose your sense of | | | | Decide what you truly want and do not let |
| self-esteem and your sense of yourself. We are | | | | anything derail your chance to become the person |
| faced with problems everyday?many of which | | | | you want to be. Express yourself and think about |
| are beyond our ability to solve. And, sometimes, | | | | people that inspire you. |
| our self-esteem takes a hit. We get frustrated | | | | 5. Live from the inside out. Increase your |
| because we can't fix the problem. But whatever | | | | awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly |
| happens, we should all try not to lose our own | | | | reflecting in silence. Breathe deeply to quiet your |
| sense of self and what is really important. | | | | distracted mind. For most of us it's hard to even |
| But how do we find our sense of self in the first | | | | find the peace and quiet we want even in our |
| place? So what does it take to be a cut above | | | | own home. In my case I often just sit in a dimly |
| the rest? What can we do to get back on track? | | | | lit room and play some classical music. Sometimes, |
| Can a week really make a difference? Try staring | | | | the only quiet place is the bathroom! Try to find |
| with these seven exercises. You'll be surprised at | | | | that quiet place to think and reflect, even if it is |
| how your outlook will change! | | | | only for a few minutes. |
| 1. Know your purpose. Are you wandering through | | | | 6. Capitalize on your strengths. What are your |
| life with little direction - hoping that you'll find | | | | positive traits? What special talents do you have? |
| happiness, health and prosperity? Identify your life | | | | List three. If you get stuck, ask those closest to |
| purpose or mission statement. This mission | | | | you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, |
| statement should be your guiding compass. When | | | | witty, good with your hands? Find ways to |
| you get off course, remember your mission | | | | express your authentic self through your |
| statement and it will lead you to your truth north | | | | strengths. You can increase your self-confidence |
| every time. | | | | and help others when you share what you know. |
| 2. Know your values. What do you value most? | | | | 7. Serve others. When you live authentically, you |
| Make a list of the top five things you value the | | | | may find that you develop an interconnected |
| most. Some examples are security, freedom, | | | | sense of being. When you are true to who you |
| family, spiritual development, learning. As you set | | | | are, living your purpose you will find that giving of |
| your goals- check your goals against your values. | | | | your talents to the world around you comes |
| If the goal doesn't align with any of your top five | | | | naturally. You give back by serving others. The |
| values - you may want to reconsider it or revise | | | | rewards for sharing your gifts with others are |
| it. | | | | immeasurable. |
| 3. Know your needs. Unmet needs can keep you | | | | Self-improvement is indeed one type of work |
| from living authentically. Your basic needs: shelter, | | | | that is worth it. The difference between leading a |
| food, clothing must be met first?otherwise all your | | | | routine life and the life we have dreamed of lies |
| effort (conscious and subconscious) will be | | | | within ourselves and our ability to continually |
| devoted to trying to meet these basic needs. | | | | change for the better. You have to start |
| 4. Know your passions. Do you know who you | | | | somewhere and these seven ideas should help |
| are and what you truly enjoy in life? Obstacles | | | | you get the ball rolling. |