By Steven C. Edwards
I’ve come to conclude that there is no more powerful emotional state than that of gratitude for enabling life satisfaction, quality focus on what matters, and empowerment to accomplish things that are important to us.
I want to make an important point. This is a point I want to emphasize and re-emphasize: how you view yourself is fundamental to your success. Confidence and healthy self-perception enables your success.
High self-esteem leads to high performance, low self-esteem to low level performance. Anything you can do to build healthy self-perception is powerful success fuel.
Take time to acknowledge yourself and the things in your life. Doing so creates an energy that is magnetic in attracting other positive people and things to you.
Building Self-Esteem: the Mirror Exercise
Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and other experts I have been affiliated with over the years recommend the “Mirror Exercise”. It is a very simple practice that involves standing in front of the mirror, looking yourself in the eye and complimenting yourself on the great job you did that day (sounds a little funny I know, but it works!)
Think about the little things you did that day that were positive. Perhaps you exercised in the morning and felt great all day. Congratulate yourself on a job well done. If you made a positive comment to a co-worker that made them feel better, this is a good time to take note of it. Think back on all the little things you did that day and the positive way they make you feel.
Complete this exercise by telling yourself how much you love yourself- that’s right, look yourself in the eye and say “I love you.” I know this may sound a little weird (especially to other people who may be watching!), but trust me on this one, it’s extremely effective in building self-appreciation, confidence and self-esteem.
This is a very interesting exercise and more beneficial than you might think. For some people who do it the first time there is a level of discomfort in complimenting themselves. Do it anyway. Make the effort. It will be worth it. If you commit to doing this consistently for a month, it will make a tremendous positive difference in your life.
Real Gratitude
I feel that true gratitude is paying it forward. It is shown by how we live our lives reaching out to make a constructive difference in the lives of those around us.
The emotional state created by recognizing the blessings in our own lives and extending that energy outward invites more of the good in our lives: in our relationships, in our careers, and in our physical and emotional health.