How to maintain a healthy and empowering self-concept.

Every one was born without any self-concept or identity except that we were either a boy or a girl. How would you explain the reason why later in life, some people identify themselves as introverts, shy or whatever labels they carry with them?

There are many reasons but it might relate to how they were addressed when they were kids or when someone of a contrasting identity sees them. Experiences too, have shaped your personal identity.

When you believe and accept what others think or describe you, it becomes you. Your parents, teachers or partners could have given you a label from a social experience that affected you and without questioning, you allow that to determine who you are. Then you start to identify yourself as "I am" so and so.

Your self-concept is however not a permanent idea of self. By experiencing a truly different experience or people and questioning your beliefs, you will evaluate and alter your perception of self.

As you move on in life and get yourself involved in different cultures, people and situations and experiences, you will inevitably reshape the idea of the person you are.

When a person's self-esteem is lacking, he allows persistent negative people to influence and change his opinion and lead him to destructive thinking and habits. Issues like drugs, alcoholism and school drop outs become critical problems.

How to maintain a healthy and empowering self-concept.

• Identify yourself with a strong opinion of self.

When you have a strong sense of self, new people and experiences will not threaten and sway you. The ability to have a healthy identify allows you to adjust regardless of the different personalities that you interact with.

Your knowledge of the person you are will avoid the need for you to feel accepted. Let your social interactions give you something to learn about and grow instead.

• Find positive role models to guide you.

Find people who will help you develop and interpret yourself and the event around you positively. Through time the thoughts and actions of these people will affect your thinking.

You can speed up your learning process by reading books and gathering the knowledge and experience from successful individuals. Subscribing to the Jim Rohn's one year success plan, for example, would help you become the person you desire to become.

• Taking time to reflect and becoming aware.

You must take conscious effort to challenge the negative self-talks that are leading you to irrational thinking regarding yourself and the world. Learn to focus within and change your opinion about yourself.

Time spent reflecting, evaluating and viewing yourself in new and powerful ways will allow you to have a proper sense of self that would direct you to personal growth and success.

• Try different experiences.

Your personal perception will evolve through experiences. Over time the experiences and conditions will provide you with great tools to help you understand yourself and become a better person. You will gain insights of your needs, motivations and that of others.

What others think of you do not have to remain true. What you think of yourself have to change if it does not benefit you.

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