Carol McClain

How to Improve Your Self-Esteem: Be Grateful

By Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

Gratitude improves self-esteem. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that gratitude increased athletes’ self-esteem, an essential component to optimal performance. Other studies have shown that gratitude reduces social comparisons. Rather than becoming resentful toward people who have more money or better jobs—a major factor in reduced self-esteem—grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments.(Pyschology Today,   http://bit.ly/2sRBIR0

This is one thing I can attest to. I tend to be competitive, but that’s because my self-esteem is just south of satisfactory. So sometimes, my competitiveness makes me envious of: those with better book sales, those who me on Fitbit challenges, people with houses on the lake.

Oh, always, I envy lake houses.

But lately?

With my short experiment on thankfulness, I’ve discovered I’m more inclined to cheer my “competitors” on. They are my friends, after all. They need encouragement, too. And truly, I’m excited for their success.

Do you feel poorly about yourself? Try writing down the things for which you’re grateful.

We all have something. Let’s grab onto them and life our lives to the fullest.

Today I’m grateful for:

1. A writing buddy with incredible sales and promotions with a good publishing house. She could even get a movie contract!  Her talent deserves it.
2. Another friend who used to be sedentary. Now she whoops me on Fitbit challenges.
3. The smell of autumn. It’s rainy today, and it’s more gloomy than yesterday. Still, the air has an incredible scent to it.
4. My latest clay creation looks pretty cool. It’ll hold my tools and has taken me one step closer to understanding this medium.
5. Good friends in New York who are working to make a book signing there a big success. What would I do without my friends?