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