Self Esteem in Three Parts

Focus on self-compassion, setting achievable goals, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Focusing on self-compassion is actually a form of self-growth. It means being kind to yourself and recognizing when you need to heal, whether that healing comes from exercise, recovery, or simply navigating the daily grind. Think about it this way: what would you tell your wife if she were struggling? You would encourage her to take care of herself and to speak kindly to herself. So do for yourself what you would want for her. When you take care of yourself, you become a better person, partner, and parent. The bonus is that when she is cared for, she is also able to take better care of the family as a whole.

Setting achievable goals is key to making real progress. Using the same analogy, you wouldn’t want your wife to clean the whole house and prepare an entire Thanksgiving meal in one day on her own. You would tell her to break it up over the week so she doesn’t burn out. Life works the same way. Push yourself, but not to the point where you break or lose the joy that life has to offer.

Finally, surround yourself with supportive people. You want your wife to spend time with people who support her, your marriage, and the positive environment you are trying to create for your kids. The same applies to you. The people you surround yourself with matter. Their energy can be contagious, for better or for worse. Stay close to the ones who bring out the good in you.

What can you do for yourself today that shows self-compassion? 

What small thing can you do today to set you up for success tomorrow? 
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Who are the supportive people you surround yourself with?