From Classroom to Board Room: 3 Self-Esteem Secrets
The answer to that question runs deeper than you might think.
The literal translation of the word "self-esteem" derives from the Latin verb aestimare, which means, "to value or appraise." In this article, we will explore three key ideas to help boost your self-esteem. These ideas will equip you with the confidence to successfully transition from the dorm room to the board room.
Why Can't I Start a Conversation with You?
Starting conversations not only depends on your communication skills; it's also a function of your self-esteem. While researching for my book, The Power of Approachability, I discovered several common barriers that stand in your way of doing so:
I don't want to be rejected.
I don't have anything good to say
I will embarrass myself
I was born shy
Yes, it can be scary. But the truth is, rejection is part of life. You can't evade it forever. Also, assuming that you can't handle rejection is a mistaken belief. Besides, more often than not, rejection isn't as bad as you think. After all, what's so bad about being rejected by someone you hardly even know? Don't let a few no's stand in your way of stepping up to bat again in the future.
Here are three techniques to help boost yourself esteem; either on campus on during your post-graduate job search:
Reprogram Yourself. Actions come from attitudes, which come from beliefs, which come from thoughts, which come from programming. So, every morning for one month, read a series of positive, attitude building affirmations. It might sound like a silly exercise, but this stuff works! Try phrases like:
"I am a confident communicator"
"Shyness is not a problem for me"
"I am willing to step out of my comfort zone"
Small Victories First. Small victories build momentum and validate self assurance. They pave the way for later success and enable you to take bolder action. Most importantly, they stretch your boundaries one mile at a time.
Try these "Victory Lap Techniques" to increase self-confidence:
Give toast at the family dinner table.
Go to the mall and strike up conversations with people who won't reject you: clerks, salespeople and cashiers.
Call a few random companies and ask several job related questions to warm up.
Try Your Luck. Does opportunity only knock once? I used to think so. Because that's what I'd always been told. By the media, by my friends, by my teachers, by everyone. Then, after college, I started to get lucky. Like, all the time. Lucky with people. Lucky with business. Lucky with life: I landed huge interviews on CNN and NBC, I experienced moments of online serendipity that drove millions of people to my website, even got landed the career of my dreams!
But it wasn't luck. See, I once read somewhere that L.U.C.K was an acronym for "Laboring Under Correct Knowledge."
If you want to increase your luck, try the following tips:
Be on the lookout. Keep your eyes and ears open. Think into the future and ask, "What could opportunity this lead to?"
Write them down. Keep track of your moments in an Luck Journal. You might try doing this with a partner with whom you can share your mutual opportunities.
Evaluate. Look for trends. Figure out what you did right. Figure out what correct knowledge you were laboring under.
With these key ideas, you'll be certain to boost your self-esteem as you transition from the class room to the board room.
Related Tags: self-confidence, self-esteem, scott ginsberg, approachable, career search, interviewing skills
© 2006 All Rights Reserved.
Scott Ginsberg, aka "The Nametag Guy," is the author of three books and a professional speaker who helps people maximize approachability, become unforgettable and make a name for themselves. To book Scott for your next association meeting, conference or corporate event, contact Front Porch Productions at 314/256-1800 or email scott@hellomynameisscott.com
Recent articles in this category:
- 3 Proven Success Tips That Never Fail
If you are looking for ways how you can achieve great success in your life, this will be the right a - Success Principles - 3 Powerful Tips That You Cannot Miss
If you want to be successful, continue to read on and you will discover the 3 powerful tips that wil - Life Is Full Of Opportunities If You Stop And Look Around You
Yes I do agree that life is hard especially when you consider the challenges that come with it. But - Dream Big, Aim Higher
start By Listing Goals Now
Life is just like a piece of coin, every coin represents every experience, all the knowledge and eac - 6 Reasons To Use An Abundant Life Coach
We live in a time of fast-paced, seemingly insensitive, frenzy; it is, in fact, sensory-overload. It - How To Develop A Winning Mindset
1. Give yourself permissionI know it sounds simple but one way to begin winning on a consistent basi - Life Balance: Tips From A Yoga Class
It can be tricky to find that place of balance in life. Juggling work, family, community and persona - 5 Guaranteed Tips That Will Get You Motivated In An Instant
Do you want to learn how you can get motivated immediately? If you do, this will be the right place - How To Achieve Great Success With 3 Powerful Techniques
If you are living in mediocrity and you would like to have a change, this will be the perfect articl - A Funky Success Article - The Blonde Caper
Benjamin Pennyworth considered himself a closet James Bond.He felt certain he was a 007 agent yet to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Succeed With Goals Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Positive Self-Talk
Do you long to breakfree from persistent, life-sapping issues ruining your life or holding you back - The Secrets of Attraction and Manifesting - Part I
We can often be so tied up in our every day realities that the thought of creating something we cons - Speed Reading For Success
We are living in the Information Age where knowledge and action are the keys to success. Business pe - On A Pathway To Wealth We Incur Many Risks
Do these quotes ring true of you?'I am scared to go against the crowd.''I am scared to be the best m - If You're In Fear Of Something - Put Your Coat On!
I remember when I was younger some of my 'supposed' friends used to tease me about being scared of s - Don't Mess With Big Bird
This is a story about someone else...not me. It's about Ralph - yeah, that's his name - Ralph!Ralph - Staying Off the Emotional Rollercoaster
We all experience this one constantly. Be it personally, professionally or anything else, we all kno - The Irrefutable Law of Success - It is About Giving and Not Necessarily Receiving
The beginning of the year is that time when people start to bring out their pens and pads and jot do - Losers Ask "Why?" and Winners Ask "How?"
There's a saying you may have come across, especially if you're in sales or sports or any walk of li - Stepping Outside the "Financial Box"
The title of this article is significant for two reasons. Firstly, because it defines the type of bo