How to Create a Positive Self-Statement to Counter Low Self-Esteem  

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? People with Low Self-esteem think negatively about themselves and find it hard to focus on their good points. They often focus on their weaknesses and can be very critical of themselves. A positive self statement is a paragraph that describes who you are and what you believe you give to others and the world. It is useful to have a written statement that you can use when you are feeling down or discouraged about life. It can also be used as a positive affirmation that you read out loud to yourself everyday. Once you write your positive self-statement, keep it somewhere easily accessible, in the front of your journal or on your bedside table. Reading it to yourself can be all that you need at times to lift your spirit. It brings you back to your essence as a human being and acknowledges your beauty and what you give to others. It is such a simple statement, but one that has great power and over time, can raise your self-esteem. It is like a healing balm on a weary soul. Write it when you are feeling good about yourself and read it when you are having a bad day or you are full of self-doubt and self-flagellation.  

You will need about 30 to 40 minutes to complete the exercise. 

Answer the following questions with the first thing that comes into your mind.

1.      Choose 3 words that describe what you love to do. Examples: garden, bake, cook, coach, travel, paint, walk, soothe, listen, guide, explore, learn, heal, solve…. 

2.      What 3 words would describe your best qualities. Examples: I am caring, practical, generous, inspiring, compassionate, loyal, supportive.… 

3.      What do you give to other people? Examples: support, hope, love, compassion, calmness, laughter, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, hugs, openness…. 

4.      If I asked your best friend or work mate, what 3 words would they use to describe you? Examples: Caring, supportive, loyal, funny, artistic, kind, dependable, encouraging, helpful, insightful, easy-going…. 

5.      Complete this sentence: I am most myself when….. 

      Examples: I am with close friends and family eating a meal. 

6.      What makes you happy? 

       Examples: A sunset, learning new things, feeling close to my kids. 

7.      What are you most passionate about? 

      Examples: books that enrich my spirit, helping others  find peace, creating a better environment for my grandchildren. 

Using your answers to the above questions, create a positive statement about yourself. Try to incorporate all of the different aspects to who you are and what makes you happy and fulfilled. The great thing about this statement is that it is based on facts about you. It is not wishful thinking like some positive affirmations can be. You create the statement, personalised just for you!

Example: Barb is a woman full of compassion, love and understanding. She inspires, challenges and encourages many hurting souls. A lover of the simple pleasures: sharing meals with family & friends, walking along the beach, reading, dreaming, listening to music. Creative, dreamy & passionate by nature, Barb exudes a warmth, love and genuineness that is hard to find. A caring friend, a dedicated healer, a loving wife and Mother.