The Perfect You

Self-confidence comes from within. It cannot be bought, sold or given away. However, it can be built up or unfortunately torn down. Learn to be your greatest advocate and best friend. Celebrate your successes and learn and grow from your failures. While going through the changes of adolescence it’s sometimes difficult to feel good about everything all of the time, but the WayneTeens.Com Pages are here to empower you and give you the tools to kick the ugly duckling syndrome and race to participate in the “real” swan experience

Problems with self-esteem are a part of being human. When you feel bothered with low self-esteem, use the suggestions below to help you work on your situation. Remember to be patient with yourself; change takes time.

1. Stop using the word “should”. Live your life on the basis of what is possible for you and what feels right for you instead of what you or others think you should do. "Should" keeps you from identifying and fulfilling our own needs, abilities, interests and personal goals. Find out what you want and what you are good at. Value those and take action to help live up to your potential.
   
   
2. Respect your own needs. Recognize and take care of your own needs and wants first. Identify what really makes you happy in the long run. Respecting your deeper needs will increase your sense of self worth and well-being.
   
   
3. Set realistic goals. When making goals consider what you can realistically achieve and then work step-by-step to develop your potential. Unrealistic goals such as “Anything less than an A in school is always unacceptable”—can increase stress levels and give you a sense of failure if you do not reach that goal.
   
   
4. Think positively. Stop listening to your “mean inner self.” When you notice that you are doubting yourself, change the negative thoughts into positive ones.
   
   
5. Find out what success feels like. Find and put yourself in such situations where you are most likely to succeed. Also look for projects that stretch your ability.
   
   
6. Take chances. New experiences (both good and bad) are learning experiences. Making mistakes is part of the process. Don’t be upset if you don’t do it perfectly. Feel good about trying something new.
   
   
7. Solve problems. Don’t avoid problems. Running away from problems can lower your self-confidence. Face them and find ways to either solve them or cope with them.
   
   
8. Make good decisions. Practice making and carrying out good decisions. Trust yourself to deal with the consequences.
   
   
9. Develop your skills. Know what you can and cannot do. Determine what skills you need; learn them and practice them.
   
   
10. Highlight your strengths. Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot do. Accept your limitations and live within them. Also, think of strengths you might want and need in the future.
    
    
11. Rely on your own opinion of yourself. Listen to feedback from others, but don’t rely on their opinions. Depend on your own values in making decisions. It is up to you to decide how you feel about yourself and what is right for you to do.