Boosting Self-Esteem for Dummies Learn to: Leave behind negative modes of thinking Understand the psychology of self-esteem Use a variety of effective techniques to build self-esteem for a happier and healthier life Give yourself a boost with cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioural therapists Rethink your self-image and be comfortable in your own skin Fact: even individuals who radiate confidence on the outside can still have low self-esteem. Whether you're someone who puts on a front or a shy, retiring type who frets about what other people think, this practical guide can help you to conquer insecurities, get assertive and let your inner strength shine through. So what are you waiting for? Understand the theories get to grips with what self-esteem means and how it affects your outlook Be honest with yourself acknowledge your best bits (and your limitations) and identify the positive effects of your thoughts and actions Discover boosting techniques banish feelings of inadequacy by indulging in exercises and hobbies that exhilarate you Give other people a break understand when a compliment is a compliment and take criticism constructively Go all-out reassess your day-to-day priorities and map out what you really want from life Open the book and find: Strategies for getting to the bottom of the real you Effective ways to record fluctuating moods and feelings CBT techniques for stimulating self-encouragement Advice on dealing with counter-productive comparisons Guidance on tackling social phobias, body dysmorphia and eating disorders Tips on maintaining self-discipline How to foster better relationships at home and at work

Boosting Self-Esteem for DummiesLearn to:* Leave behind negative modes of thinking* Understand the psychology of self-esteem* Use a variety of effective techniques to build self-esteem for a happier and healthier life* Give yourself a boost with cognitive behavioural therapyCognitive behavioural therapistsRethink your self-image and be comfortable in your own skinFact: even individuals who radiate confidence on the outside can still have low self-esteem. Whether you're someone who puts on a front or a shy, retiring type who frets about what other people think, this practical guide can help you to conquer insecurities, get assertive and let your inner strength shine through. So what are you waiting for?* Understand the theories - get to grips with what self-esteem means and how it affects your outlook* Be honest with yourself - acknowledge your best bits (and your limitations) and identify the positive effects of your thoughts and actions* Discover boosting techniques - banish feelings of inadequacy by indulging in exercises and hobbies that exhilarate you* Give other people a break - understand when a compliment is a compliment and take criticism constructively* Go all-out - reassess your day-to-day priorities and map out what you really want from lifeOpen the book and find:* Strategies for getting to the bottom of the real you* Effective ways to record fluctuating moods and feelings* CBT techniques for stimulating self-encouragement* Advice on dealing with counter-productive comparisons* Guidance on tackling social phobias, body dysmorphia and eating disorders* Tips on maintaining self-discipline* How to foster better relationships at home and at work

Introduction 1Part I: Understanding Self-Esteem 9Chapter 1: Explaining Self-Esteem 11Chapter 2: Exploring the Effects of Low Self-Esteem 23Chapter 3: Working Out Your Self-Worth 45Part II: Acknowledging That You're Okay As You Are 59Chapter 4: Judging Yourself Compassionately, Accurately and Objectively 61Chapter 5: Finding a Functional Focus 77Chapter 6: Becoming Comfortable with Who You Are 89Chapter 7: Building a Better Body Image 111Chapter 8: Spotlighting Personal Development 125Part III: Taking On New Techniques 139Chapter 9: Speaking the Language of Love 141Chapter 10: Rewriting Your Own History 161Chapter 11: Proving Your Worth to Yourself 191Part IV: Looking at the Ripple Effects of Low Self-Esteem 209Chapter 12: Romancing and Relationships 211Chapter 13: Working with Others 227Part V: Living Like You Mean It 245Chapter 14: Honouring Commitments to Yourself 247Chapter 15: Living According to Your Values 261Chapter 16: Developing Self-Discipline 275Part VI: The Part of Tens 293Chapter 17: Ten Hallmarks of Healthy Self-Esteem 295Chapter 18: Ten Habits for Honing Healthy Self-Esteem303Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Give Your Self-Esteem a Lift 311Appendix: Resources 319Index 323