My grandpa, Glen Stratton, had a way of teaching things using analogies and with sayings of his that we frequently called “Glenisms”.  One of his most popular sayings was, “I wouldn’t throw stones at your outhouse like that”.  I’ll let you figure out that one.  I’m not sure if he purposely meant for his instructions in one area of life to be applied to several areas of life, but they did leave lasting impressions.

My grandpa taught me to have a love of horses and also taught me how to team rope.  In learning how to ride horses and to rope there was always a guarantee that at some point you were going to be bucked off.  With that guarantee there was also a guarantee that no matter how small you were or how big the horse was you ALWAYS got back on.  This was not negotiable.  In fact, if you didn’t get back on it taught the horse a bad lesson; that it could buck someone off and be okay with it.  Try being the next rider on the horse after it’s formed this bad habit.

Isn’t this the same with life?  At some point we are guaranteed to be bucked off and if we don’t get back on what have we taught ourselves or learned from the lesson?  In fact isn’t getting back on an empowering action that strengthens us while if we were to stay off it would be a disempowering action that would weaken us.

There is a favorite poem that I have framed, hanging in my bedroom, entitled “Don’t Quit”.

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, when the road your trudging seam all uphill.

When the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, every one of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about, when you might have won had you stuck it out.

Don’t give up, though the pace seams slow; you may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out; the silver tint of the clouds of doubt.

And you never can tell how close you are; it may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when your heart is hit; it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

I would like to hear about your greatest triumph and the feeling that came from conquering.

And as always, if you enjoyed it, please share it, digg it, stumble it and retweet it…

Imagine Things Which Make You Feel Good…About You

If you are in a state where you feel that your self confidence as well as self esteem has hit the bottom, you will start imagining yourself in a negative fashion. In such a stage, make sure that instead of criticizing yourself try to seek out the positive aspects in you. Whenever you think about yourself, make sure that you concentrate on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Visualize yourself in a positive light in the future always. These things can definitely boost the level of your self esteem.

Take Proper Care of You

It is a general phenomenon that people who possess low of self esteem as well as self confidence tend not to provide enough care for oneself. Such people care about others and what others do, but minimal care is provided for oneself. This can hamper the way you project yourself and in turn, leave a negative stamp about you. So make sure that for giving your self esteem a boost, pamper yourself with proper care.

Associate With the Right People

This is perfectly true. Being in the presence of a good company always yields you good results. So make sure that your friend circle is full of people who can radiate happiness, cheerfulness, confidence and esteem. Staying in a company of people who are really high on self esteem and self confidence can do wonders to your self esteem and self confidence.

Set Goals Which are Realistic and Focused

At any point of time, if you are feeling low on your self esteem, evaluate the goals which you have set for yourself. Any goals that are focused and realistic will definitely help you improve your self esteem. This is because you will develop the confidence that you will be able to achieve those goals. Accomplishing the goals can increase the level of your self esteem.

Education in Positive Energy

It is good to read positive quotes or articles to give you positive vibes. If you have the habit of maintaining a diary, then make sure that you read the positive aspects of yours from the diary often. Every successful incident of your life can help build your self esteem. Never feel low that you were not able to achieve something. If not this time, next time you will be able to do that.

Replication Equals Duplication

Replicating what you do on a daily basis has a vital impact on your thinking process. Think about the positive things which happen in your life on a daily basis. Never think of anything which has hurt your or is negative in any way. Being positive will add to your self esteem and self confidence.

By following these tips you will definitely be able to improve your self esteem and do well in professional and personal life.