Regaining Your Power: 5 Ways to Improve Self-Esteem
Posted on August 08, 2013 by Ashiya Hudson, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Did you know that words, colors, and perceptions can have a profound affect on your self-esteem. Learn 5 ways to regain power & improve self-esteem!
Not so long ago, there was a time when using certain words or language was considered as unacceptable. In fact, those who used “choice” words were considered to be irate individuals who lacked effective communication skills. Unlike then, we are living in a time when offensive language is often considered as a term of endearment or a badge of honor. Words can have a detrimental effect on one’s psyche and result in, insecurity, depression, and low-esteem. Unfortunately, each plays a pivotal role in many unhealthy relationships. However, there are five ways to regain power and improve self-esteem.
Words are powerful! They have the ability to shape our perception of others and the world, and the media has strategically used this ability to build and destroy the reputations of many. This power molds the self-image of a child, evokes change, and pricks the hearts of the oppressed. Think of the high profile cases featured on television, a celebrity’s misuse of words, and a company’s refusal to address civil rights violations. In contrast, the media is used to celebrate humanitarian acts, inform, and educate.
One of the first steps to regain power and improve self-esteem is to kill the bitch mentality! Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines bitch as a female dog/canine. It is never endearing to refer to a human being as an animal. Think of a time when someone referred to you as bitch, even when used in the comparative sense like the baddest bitch, what was your initial reaction? Did you feel empowered or offended? What you allow yourself to be called now sets the precedence for the way others will treat you later. Decide today that certain terms are never endearing, complimentary, or acceptable. Instead, they are oppressive and diminish the very essence of human stature and strength. It becomes your personal mission statement that models attitudes and behaviors. Although we cannot control the negative thoughts of others, we can control our responses to them by not giving them ammunition to degrade or insult our intelligence. After all, you are special.
Second, adopt a spirit of humility. As humans, we share common experiences and emotions such as life, death, happiness, and frustration, regardless of level of success. Unfortunately, our successes are often dictated by the power we obtain, money in our accounts, positions, and lineage. Lineage is important because it tells the story of our past and shapes our future, but it should never be used as a means to make others feel inferior. Instead, it should be used as an opportunity to improve the way we interact with others. After all, this tends to be less relevant when faced with issues of mortality exists. Instead, the positive impact made on the lives of others counts— most.
Third, become your own groupie. Think about a time when you met a celebrity or someone you admired. What was your reaction? Oftentimes, we are overwhelmed with excitement because we love their talents, sense of style, and/or charisma. They become people who are larger than life, almost invincible. We spend countless hours and dollars validating our worth based on their clothing, fragrances, and labels; yet there is a high probability that we will never know them personally. Wearing brands should never determine your worth as a person. Keep in mind that these individual pay a heavy price to a team of professionals like publicist, marketing executives, and glam squads to portray a perfect image. Yet, we see how many of them are unfulfilled and searching for authenticity and happiness. Become your own group! Without arrogance, you should reflect on those things that make your special. Everyone is carefully created for a purpose and wasting time magnifying the importance of others is not one of them.
Fourth, you must have a healthy self-image. I realize this is difficult when we are constantly bombarded by superficial images of beauty, diet pills, and exercise programs that promise us vitality and rapid weight loss within 72 hours, yet there are so many factors, such as genetics, that heavily influence the way we look. The Los Angeles Times report that nearly sixty-five percent of American women are considered plus size, which constitutes those who wear size 14 and above. If you are unhappy with your body image, you should take the initiative to change. For instance, committing to an exercise program at least 3 times a week, reducing stress, and incorporating time for leisure improves health and well-being.
Finally, wearing well-fitted, colorful clothing is a great way to boost self-esteem and improve mood. Clothes that are worn too tightly tend to magnify imperfections. Wearing clothes that that worn too loosely makes you appear larger and hide stronger features. Freshome.com addresses the psychology of colors and how it affects your mood by manifesting in three different forms: active, passive, and neutral. For example, red raises energy levels but can initiate rage. Yellow communicates happiness. Green is restful, and neutral colors create harmony and balance. Whether you decide to combine or wear solids, adding colors to well-fitted clothing can make you feel better. No one has a 100 percent approval rating. There will be things that you do, say, or think that others will approve or disapprove. Although receiving external validation is mandatory for emotional growth, challenges in life forces us to encourage ourselves. Achieving peace, developing respect for oneself, and others is nothing less than a blessing because we are created for a special time and purpose. To allow ourselves and others to abort greatness with words and low self-esteem robs the world of gifts, talents, and abilities that can inspire.REFERENCES
Bitch. (n.d). Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from https://http://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/bitch.
Herman, V. (2010, October 24). The plus-size mystery in women’s fashions. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from www.latimes.com/2010/24/image/la-ig-plussize-20101024.
Room color and how it affects your mood. (2007). Retrieved August 8, 2013, from http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/.
