SELF-ESTEEM IS SELF-WORTH or self-value. So to increase your self-esteem, increase your worth or value. A lot of people would interpret that to mean “change the way you think about your worth or value.” But I mean change what you do in order to make yourself worth more — to yourself and others. Make yourself worth more in reality, not just in your mind.

How? Here are four ways to go about it:

Gain more ability. If you are a manager, you could take classes or read books to increase your ability to manage. If you live in fear of physical harm, you could take a self-defense class. Become more able to do what needs to be done.

Become more honest. Every person has been dishonest. And you know it feels bad. It doesn’t make us feel good about ourselves. Every effort you make, no matter how small, to become more honest will make you worth more to yourself. It will increase your personal pride in a healthy way.

Do something worthwhile. Are you doing something worthwhile? That depends on what I mean by “worthwhile,” doesn’t it? No! It depends on what you consider worthwhile. In order to feel self-worth, you need to know you’re doing something worthwhile. Otherwise, your self-worth would be a sham. So spend some time wondering what that worthwhile task might be for you. It is a worthwhile pursuit to find a worthwhile pursuit!

Acknowledge people. Try to give three good acknowledgments a day. It’s a whole new way of life. And it will increase your self-esteem.

All four of these things improve your value and worth, to yourself and other people. And that’s what self-esteem is all about.