This article is from Teen People magazine, April 2001. I think that girls should especially read it.
5 Easy Ego Booster
Before you can battle your demons, you need to feel good about yourself. Beat back your insecurities with these helpful tips and learn how to become your own best friend.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE: By reminding yourself what you're good at - whether it's a talent like drawing or a personality trait such as being outgoing - you can ward off that nagging voice of negativity in your head, says Michale Riera, Ph.D., a psychologist in Berkeley, Calif., and a Teen People advisory board member. Make a list of your strengths and read it aloud every day until you really believe it.
REACH OUT: When you feel overwhelmed by school, family, work or social pressures, don't ride it out alone: Call a friend to calm your nerves. (Don't make the mistake of thinking that asking for support is a sign of weakness.) If you're feeling lonely, you can lose perspective - small, manageable problems may start to seem insurmountable. Checking in with someone who cares is sure to make you feel less alone and better able to understand what's making you feel bad about yourself.
TAKE A RISK: Challenging yourself to tackle uncomfortable situations can boost your self-esteem, no matter what the outcome. If you want to ask your crush out for Saturday night, don't imagine the 12,000 ways it could go wrong. Instead, says Riera, "see yourself getting through it. Then, even if [the person] says no, acknowledge that by giving it a try, you succeeded."
HAVE A CHEERLEADING SQUAD: Find a "support network" who believes in you," advises Riera, whether that includes friends, family, or a school guidance counselor, and lean on them when you're feeling insecure. They might be able to see you - and your problems - more clearly than you can see yourself. And it never hurts to remember that there are people who believe in you.
TRY, TRY AGAIN: You may not reach all your goals the first time you go out for the, but by being realistic about your ambitions, you can pace yourself - and be proud of yoru improvements along the way.
Ego Boosters
