Gael Lindenfield - Self Esteem - Simple Steps to Build Your Confidence

At the start of this new millennium, there are some encouraging signs. When I first started writing this book in 1994, awareness on the subject was minimal. The phrase ‘self-esteem-building’ was still mysterious jargon used by a limited few in the world of therapy. Today, only six years later, not only do most people understand what is meant by ‘self-esteem’, they are complaining loudly and clearly when their precious supply is diminished by others. They know the value of this inner resource and are demanding its protection. For example:

in the workplace, employees are demanding more praise and understanding from their bosses

at home, children are demanding their fair share of cuddles or quality time, and rejecting parental put-downs

in relationships, partners are demanding more respect for their individual needs, and making it known if they feel under-valued

even in the ‘public world’, the rich and famous are demanding more protection from the paparazzi, and claiming that the media’s thirst for sleaze is knocking their self-worth and driving them to drink, drugs and depression.

Having said this, I believe that showing more human consideration and respect for each other are not the only answers.

This is why I wrote this book as a self -help guide, and why I have been very pleased to have the opportunity to revise and update it. Perhaps one day my wish will come true, and the tools of self-esteem-building will be in everyone’s natural armoury. Perhaps one day good self-esteem practices will have become cultural and personal habit. But for the moment, in this fast-changing, ever-expanding and globally competitive world, it seems these tools are needed more than they have ever been.

I believe I have made this new edition much more user-friendly, and hope that you will find it easy to read and dip into when your (or anyone else’s!) self-esteem needs a boost.

Like my other personal development books, this one is also designed as a self-help programme. It can be done on your own or in the more supportive setting of a group.

There are four main sections of the book, each covering a different area:

Section One (Exploring the Essential Elements) explains the concept and effects of self-esteem and how it is built, boosted – and battered.

Section Two (Laying the Foundations for Action) describes the essential healing and self-protective strategies needed to underpin self-esteem-building work.

Section Three (Self-help Programmes) offers practical exercises and checklists to help you rebuild flagging self-worth and keep it in tip-top condition. It includes an exercise which can be used as an annual ‘service’ for your self-esteem, and another which will help you to regain personal power after an emotional trauma such as a rejection, bereavement, divorce or job loss or a major mistake, setback or failure.

Section Four (Using Your Strength to Empower) contains tips and exercises to help you develop your ability to build self-esteem in others. It includes guidelines on how to do this in the three specific roles of Manager, Parent and Citizen.

You will probably derive most benefit from the book if you first read it through reasonably quickly to get an overall idea of the material and practical work it contains. You will then be better able to plan an effective programme for yourself or your group, using the book’s different sections to suit your individual needs.

I hope you find this self-esteem-building work as fascinating and rewarding as I and many thousands of others have done. Good luck!

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