WHAT MATTERS IS HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF

Self concept is very important to each one of us, it can determine how far you can go and can also help you build your self esteem. How you see yourself matters a lot and may end up earning you respect or even trashing down your self esteem.  Each one of us was created in a different and unique way.  We have different talents/abilities and this is so that we can be able to blend with others in the society.  

 You are Unique in your own way

We are the body of Christ and like any other body, each part of the body has its own work; for example feet to walk, mouth to talk etc. therefore it means you have your own purpose and you should not be jealous of your friend.  

What someone else is capable of doing and you are not able to, doesn’t mean that you should be jealous and start sabotaging him/her; what you need to do is identify the uniqueness in you and make good use of it. We all have strengths and weakness, all you need to do is identify your strength and capitalize on it.

There is something unique that is only in you and no one else, just identify it and use it in the right way.  Do not envy to be like someone else because you are special in your own unique way.  You may admire to be like someone else but the truth is, it's the owner of the shoe who knows where it hurts the most.  Only him/her who knows what is behind that smile that you see all the time.

Learn to value yourself no matter how other people think of you.  When you value yourself it will eventually spread to other people and it will earn you great respect.  If all you do is to please other people then you will end up being so frustrated and empty inside. 

Upholding Honor

As a young person what do you treasure the most and to what extent would you go to protect it? Have values and treasures and let them reflect in the outer you.  

Determinants of Self Concept

Self concept is determined by; Personality, Temperament and External influence (family, society, school, peers, friends)

How to build your self concept

·         Try to be pure, just and honest; be honest to yourself too.

·         Try to govern your temper, tongue and conduct

·         Try to have courage, affection and gentleness

·         It is good to appreciate the wise, the virtuous and the innocent

·         Try to commend thrift, industry and promptness

·         Despise cruelty, arrogance and ingratitude

·         Make sure you attain goodness of heart, integrity and cheerfulness.

How to Achieve this

Be yourself and be true to yourself.  Don’t fake anything and you will see how life is so simple and easy.  Let people befriend you for who you are and not what you seem to be, in that way you will definitely be able to get true friends.  

Learn from the best and compete with yourself.  I know it sounds weird but do not engage in unfair competitions because it will at times leave you so frustrated because in life there is always someone who is better that you or you are better than someone.  Competing with yourself simply means; trying to make yourself better each day.  Every experience should leave you with a lesson learned and use it to make you a better person.   Borrow something good from people who are better and ahead and use it to better yourself in your own way.   

Every time you engage in something be sure that, that is what you want to do and you have not been forced to do it. Take charge of your life and don’t be pressured to do something you are not willing to, always listen to your inner self.

Get to know what is right and wrong and learn to do the right thing always. 

Be sensitive to other people’s feelings.  Do not do to others what you wouldn’t want to be done unto you.

Maintain a positive attitude.  Try and view things in a positive way, try to be optimistic and develop and flexible mindset to be able to welcome different views.