Building Your Self-Esteem and Assertiveness Skills

Building Confidence in Others One of the most powerful ways to help yourself is to help others. A key part of healthy self-esteem is becoming so comfortable with who you are that you can shift your focus away from yourself and onto the people around you. Think about a time when you were with someone who was so unsure of themselves that they made you feel ill at ease — you want to avoid projecting that energy. The Seven Impressions People Form Although we are often taught not to judge, human nature drives us to make quick judgments about the people we meet. Research shows that people typically assess seven things from your appearance alone: 1. **Income** 2. **Education Level** 3. **Social Position** 4. **Sophistication** 5. **Success** 6. **Moral Character** 7. **Trustworthiness** Being aware of this list gives you the opportunity to consider how you present yourself to the world. Your Image Matters Ask yourself: *What kind of image am I trying to project?* For example, if you're feeling down and you're tempted to head out in worn, baggy clothing, consider whether that image serves your goal of building self-esteem. When you present a **confident image** — even when you don't feel confident on the inside — you will be perceived as confident, and that positive energy helps to reinforce