Last week I gave you the 101 on self worth; what it is, what affects it negatively and now - what things we can do that improve it.

This isn’t about blowing your own horn or pretending to be something you’re not: it’s about accurate self assessment, and unconditional self love (which, by the way, we ALL deserve)

1) Live self consciously

This doesn’t mean ‘be self conscious’ which is what we tend to think of when we’re overly critical or aware of our flaws; this means being fully in the present moment. And for most, this takes a bit of practice, because many of us are conditioned to disown the here and now in order to survive what we *think* we can’t handle.

Asking questions to yourself like you’re someone you care about: how are you feeling right now? What do you need? What’s around you? What can you give your attention to?

2) Be vulnerable

Simply sharing how you’re feeling with someone takes a lot of courage - especially if you’ve been brought up in a competitive environment where admitting you’re feeling less than stellar is a challenge or seen as a weakness.

Just sharing genuine feelings with someone you trust goes a long way to boost self worth. There is nothing better than hearing the inevitable (because none of us are 100% there in all departments) ‘Me too’ that comes from sharing a sensitive thought, is priceless.

3) Pursue purpose

Make an agreement with yourself to reach your highest potential, while you maintain balance in your life. This doesn’t necessarily mean striving to become a millionaire with 6-pack abs, but it does mean having a think about what direction you want to head in.

What matters to you? How can you do or have more of that?

4) Eliminate negative self-talk

Like we discussed last week, the negative labels and frequent self-criticism we shower on ourselves only causes further damage. Eliminating negative self-talk doesn't mean you can't recognise and address problems, but it means being careful about the words you use.

Would you say that to someone you love? What would you say if someone said that to you? (F&!% off, I hope!)

5) Acknowledge your strengths

At low points, we tend to focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths; claiming that there isn't anything positive we can say about themselves. Which objectively simply isn't true.

It’s important to pay attention to your strengths and to appreciate them no matter how insignificant they may seem. The more we make an effort to notice them, the more we’ll start seeing them automatically (thank you, confirmation bias!)

6) Accept mistakes

Remember that mistakes and failures are part of the human condition. They don't make you less than others. The more actively you are involved in life, the more mistakes you will make. But being actively involved allows you more opportunity for success as well. Accept yourself—flaws and all.

“The greatest teacher, failure is”

~ Yoda

Those were the biggies which are (as I’m guessing you’ve realised) an ongoing process.

Remind yourself of them as much as possible; over time, they will sink in.

In the meantime… Here are some quick wins that will give you a nice little boost of self worth, which you can do any time:

* Write down 7 mini goals for the week and tick one off each day as you achieve it.

* Read (and finish) a book this month.

* At the end of each day before falling asleep write down something you feel proud about, either on the day or in the past.

* Tell someone else how much you appreciate them.

* Wear your favourite outfit for no good reason other than to feel good about yourself.

* Buy yourself flowers.

* Help someone.

* Accept help from other people, it means they respect you enough to help you with something.

* Do something scary. Nothing will send your self worth soaring more than facing your fears and eventually conquering them!