Get positive
Write down a list of things you like about yourself
Write down even the smallest things. It can be easy to forget about these things when your confidence is shot to pieces.
What have you done in your life that you were happy with? Have you done something well? Something that took a lot of effort?
Have you had to deal with some tough things in your time? Think about how you faced that? What does it say about you?
e.g. I'm a good friend. I'm a good cook and people say they enjoy what I have made. I am handy with a hammer. I coped really well after Johnnie got made redundant.
If you can, ask people you know what they like about you and what your strengths are. Write these down too. It may be hard to start with. Stick at it. It will get easier once you get going.
Reward yourself when something goes well
Made that phone call and got something sorted? Finished that report? Got all the shopping and housework done with time to spare?
Whatever has gone right, pat yourself on the back. Take the night off. Treat yourself to something.
Keep on reminding yourself when things go right.
Forgive yourself when you cannot get everything right
If you are not used to giving yourself credit, this can be hard. It is easier to criticise yourself than give yourself praise.
You can't be perfect all the time. The perfect person does not exist. When things don't go the way you planned, ask yourself:
- Was there anything that did go ok?
- Was it all your fault?
- What went wrong and how can I change it next time?
- Has the world caved in because that just happened?
- Will it still matter in a few years?
