Written by: Tatjana Gaspar, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever wondered why some very talented, educated, and capable people always doubt themselves and think that others are more qualified, while some people with an average background become overachievers? There are certainly multiple reasons to be found in our upbringing, beliefs, family traditions, and childhood or youth experiences that might provide an explanation for that. However, for those who suffer from low self-esteem, knowing the cause will not necessarily be helpful on the path to becoming more confident. Self-doubt likes to lurk in the back of our minds unless we develop a tactical combat routine.
Not everybody can easily confide in others and share their personal story. Before seeking professional help or enrolling in classes that promise to empower you and boost your self-esteem and self-empowerment, there are some easy changes that you can make in your behavior and daily routine as well as some that require more willpower. Even little steps can have a significant impact over time. It is very much like playing an instrument or any physical or mental training: The result will become apparent if you keep up the discipline.
These are 6 steps that will help you start your journey of self-empowerment
Step 1: Find it in your heart to like yourself
A low self-esteem can beat you up until you find yourself utterly unappealing. Don’t let it! Start fresh by allowing yourself to look good and confident. Remember that you are worth every penny. If you are not sure about your looks, ask a professional (vendor, stylist, hairdresser) to advise you. This will instantly lift your spirits and put you in the right frame of mind.
Step 2: Find a routine of good habits
Take care of your health and physical well-being by eating fresh food and getting enough exercise, preferably outdoors. Try to walk, breathe, and observe things around you consciously. Use all your senses for this new discovery, and smile when you see something that you like. By being mindful of yourself and your surroundings, you may witness surprising effects: When you radiate positivity, people smile back at you.
Step 3: Find kindness towards your past
Those who may have wronged you should now take a back seat in your memory: Give yourself a break and acknowledge whatever was good in your life until now. Throughout your past, there have probably been plenty of positive and joyful experiences. Try to remember what you felt then and write down those emotions. Each one counts. Read them out loud so that your brain can hear your voice. Speaking is more powerful than just thinking in silence.
Step 4: Find the positive vibe in your life
Now you are ready to start your success diary: Every evening, write down at least 2-3 moments of your day when you felt proud, confident, or empowered. Each positive thought is valuable and represents a stone in your personal empowerment mosaic. Again, read what you wrote out loud before going to sleep. Do this without exception every day for three months. By then, it will have become your routine. Stick to it. With time, you will notice a shift in your self-awareness, and very likely others will, too.
Step 5: Find a network or association with a purpose that inspires you
New people provide new impulses. Get involved and give your life a deeper meaning through voluntary action that you can be passionate about: Nature and environment, social projects, charity, lobbying – there are many noble causes that you could choose to support. It will make you feel good about yourself when you engage and give back.
Step 6: Find the courage to keep at a distance those who drain your energy
We all know them: The presumptuous mental parasites do not think twice when it comes to wasting your time or giving you the feeling that you are never quite enough. But not all are ill-intentioned.
Sometimes, they are unconscious of the harm they cause because they think of themselves as motivational role models. Welcome to the world of wrong self-perception! It may be difficult to avoid them completely if they are in your family or workplace. But there are some useful strategies that you can develop to keep them at bay and protect your action plan of self-empowerment. From now on, nothing should come between you and your growing self-esteem!
I am just an email away if you need inspiration or a sparring partner.
Tatjana Gaspar, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Tatjana Gaspar is a certified Systemic Coach and Online Trainer who uses methods that focus on the clients’ individual goals, thus aiming at improving their business or life situation. She is also the CEO of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland, where she organizes events, hosts webinars and is responsible for operational and financial issues. Before coaching, she spent 20 years in international wealth management and leadership positions with different banks in Zurich. Initially, Tatjana obtained a Degree in Hispanic and Russian Literature and History from the University of Geneva. She is a firm believer in life-long learning and fluent in seven languages.
