How do you bulid up your self esteem ?

Dose anyone have any good tips or methods that will help to increase your self esteem or self image? I've been struggling with very low self esteem pretty much all my life and I've tried various ways (self help books, positive self talk, ect.) to try to gain confidience in myself but nothing has really improved the way I feel. I am working on this issue with a professional but even that hasn't really helped. If anyone knows of any good books, exercises or methods for dealing with and improving your self esteem, please let me know. I'm willing to try almost anything, as this causing a lot of problems in my life. Thanks so much for your help!

I just put myself in situations where I HAVE to do something im afraid of, that way I dont have the option of backing out and you just do it when your done you feel a lot more confident in your abilities

Just realize that the hand you handed is what you are. Be yourself...

Try New Things,

Get out there and do more stuff...things that you've always wanted to do and have been too afraid to try. You will be surprised at first of what you are capable of. Try new things, reach new heights, set new goals, accomplish as much as you reasonably can...and try to have fun while doing it. Maybe take dancing classes, public speaking, do something completely spontaneous. Try doing something that everyone else is afraid of doing but you are not.

These Are Little 'Starter' Tips (Building Self-Esteem Takes Time & Effort But It Is So Worth It. And You Will Always Be Able To Fall Back On 'I Am Capable Of Doing This Because I Was Able To Do That.'),

Michael

Dear twilightsky,
Having low self-esteem can be related to depression. Your professional counsellor should be able to work with you and see if you need to be treated for depression. When we have low self-esteem we tend to keep the process going instead of finding a way out. So my advice would be to find what you are good at...do you draw, are you good in math, are you a good cook. The key is to partake in events that don't set you up to fail. Do what you're good at and keep doing it. Accept the praise for what you do. The reasoning is that you are good at this particular thing and will only get good praise. Self-esteem can be related to our fear of failure...so choose things you know you won't fail at.
Sue...good luck

Get involved in outside groups as a volunteer. There are many groups which need volunteers badly.

Participating as a volunteer in one or more groups can work wonders for your self-esteem. It provides you with a sense of self-worth and helps build your confidence.

I don't know where to tell you to look for needy groups, but I would suggest you check with your local hospital, your local senior center, your local church or the Girl Scouts. You could also check your local food bank or 'soup kitchen'.