Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a practical guide to building self-esteem, written by renowned psychotherapist Nathaniel Branden. The book provides a comprehensive look at how to cultivate and maintain a healthy sense of self-worth.
Respect Yourself
Respect for oneself is essential for living a life of fulfillment and joy.
We must learn to honor our own needs, beliefs and values by speaking kindly to ourselves and making decisions based on what we truly want.
This helps us build up our self-esteem and assert our independence.
Pursue Goals
Having meaningful goals helps us stay focused on what matters most to us.
We should set reasonable expectations for ourselves, take action towards achieving them, and take pride in our accomplishments.
This helps us feel motivated and builds our self-esteem as we progress towards our goals.
Practice Self-Awareness
Being aware of our thoughts, feelings, behavior and motivations is essential for cultivating self-esteem.
We should strive to remain mindful of our internal experience without judgment or criticism.
This can help us gain insight into ourselves, accept our flaws and make positive changes in our lives.
Take Responsibility
Taking responsibility for our lives is key to developing self-esteem.
This means being honest with ourselves and owning up to our mistakes and failures, rather than blaming others or avoiding difficult situations.
By taking responsibility, we can learn from our experiences and grow as individuals.
Become Assertive
Assertiveness is key for expressing ourselves clearly and confidently in any situation.
We should practice being direct when communicating with others, while still respecting their feelings and boundaries.
This helps us be more confident in our relationships and boosts our self-esteem.
Live with Integrity
Living with integrity involves staying true to our values and being honest with ourselves and others.
We should strive to be consistent in our words and actions and practice accountability in all areas of life.
This helps us build trust with ourselves and others, which can lead to greater self-confidence and respect.