I have lost count of the number of times I’ve read and heard of celebrity marriages failing.  It seems strange that we often see TV and movie stars as perfect people, living the fairytale life of riches and glamour. I suppose we all have to stop sticking our heads in the clouds and face reality.

There are many ways to lose your sense of self-esteem regardless of how trivial it could get. But whatever happens, we should all try not to lose our own sense of self.

So what does it take to keep your own sense of self? Here are 7 things to think and improve on for the next 7 days.

1. Know your purpose
Are you wandering through life – hoping that you’ll find happiness, health and wealth? Identify your life purpose and create a mission statement and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your true north every time.

This may seem like a daunting task, especially if you see yourself in a tight spot or at a dead end.  However, it is important to remember that there is always a small light within you that can shine bright and help you turn things around and make a big difference to yourself.

2. Know your values
What do you value?  Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning.  As you set your goals – check your goals against your values.  If the goal doesn’t align with any of your top five values – you may want to reconsider it or revise it.

3. Know your needs
Unmet needs can keep you from living realistically.  Take care of yourself. You can not fully take care of anyone else if you do not take care of yourself first.  Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? There are so many people who lived their lives without realizing their dreams.  Most poeple who do not realize their dreams end up being stressed or even depressed. List your top four needs and get them met before it’s too late!

4. Know your passions
You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like self doubt and a lack of enthusiasm may hinder you, but it will not derail your chance to become the person you ought to be. Express yourself and honor the people who have inspired you to become the person you want to be.

5. Live from the inside out
Increase the awareness of your inner wisdom by reflecting in silence on a regular basis. Be in touch with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your preoccupied mind.  For most of us it’s hard to even find the peace and quiet we want even in our own home. In my case I often just sit in a dimly lit room and play classical music. There’s sound, but music can focus your awareness.

6. Acknowledge your strengths
What are your positive characteristics?  What special talents do you have? List five – if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you can share what you know with others.

7. Serve others
When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to yourself, living your purpose and giving of your talents to others, you give back what you came to share with others -your spirit – your essence. The rewards for sharing your gift with those close to you is rewarding, but it is much more rewarding if it is the eyes of a stranger who can appreciate what you have done for them.

Self improvement is work that is worth it. It shouldn’t always be within the confines of an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your own room. The difference lies within ourselves and how much we want to change for the better.