Addiction Articles

A poor self image and low self esteem are problems that can be crippling both in your personal life and in business. Fortunately, these are problems which are usually eliminated with a successful switch from negative to positive thinking. And you can raise your self esteem even if it's been a problem for you since childhood days. In the field of psychology, poor self image and low self esteem are considered problems best dealt with through cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The techniques of CBT are to teach you how to do away with unhealthy thinking and negative behavior patterns that are grounded in how you view yourself and your entire life. CBT teaches you how to become aware of, challenge and finally change negative ideas and beliefs with positive ones. As such, CBT is also a primary element of positive thinking concepts. There are some valuable steps you can take to begin changing to a better self image and higher self esteem. They are, of course, in line with both cognitive behavior therapy and positive thinking methods as well. They are, briefly: (1)-Be honest with yourself and identify those situations and issues that are causing you to have a poor self image and low self esteem. (2)-Recognize and understand what your beliefs and thoughts are and how they may be affecting your thoughts about yourself. Think about your self talk. What are you saying to yourself? (3)-Identify negative, inaccurate thinking about yourself and be completely honest when you do. Also think about any physical, emotional and behavioral responses to your thoughts. (4)-Don't just accept innacurate thinking. Challenge it. Realize that there is more than one way to look at things. Ask yourself if your thoughts make sense and if there is any logic in them. Be especially aware of any all-or-nothing thinking and things you only see in a negative way. Do you jump to negative conclusions without any facts to back them up? Do you mistake feelins for facts when they're not? Finally, do you tend o put yourself down automatically without knowing why? (5)- Here's the toughie! Start to change the way you see yourself by thinking only good, positive thoughts. Forgive yourself if necessary.Use only optimistic statements. Avoid any should or must statements. Focus ONLY on positive ideas and pictures. Call upsetting thoughts something new. View failures as opportunities for change. Continually encourage yourself and keep doing it every single day. These things will take ime and require practice. Stay at it and see just how different your thoughts will become in time. Achieving healthy self esteem isn't easy after years of being negative.