If there is one consistent killer of securing a new job or starting a new business, it’s the poor self-esteem of the person doing the seeking. I know this is tricky—no one wants to be arrogant or egotistical. But being self deprecating will not make you an attractive candidate to anyone. People will avoid you and not want you on their team.
Here are some telltale signs your self-esteem may be slipping:
- Poor Time Management. Missing appointments or being late for commitments.
- Slacking off on Exercise program. We take care of what we value and this is a way of saying, “I don’t care about myself.”
- Dropping out of group involvement. Don’t have time this week for school committee, church meetings, study group, etc.
- Becoming a Couch Potato.The worst time use—combination of what is not urgent and not important. Excessive TV, etc.
- Relationship Deterioration. Withdrawal from nurturing friendships and personal relationships.
Low self-esteem is a common initial outcome of job loss. The cycle is usually one of anger, resentment, unforgiveness, guilt, depression. Depression implies “pressing down energy that wants to be expressed.” Depression then leads to more inactivity. Anything that will take you outside of yourself will begin to lessen the cycle. Find a way to be of service and reverse the steps listed above.
Dr. David Schwartz, in The Magic of Thinking Big, writes that over 80 percent of our hospital beds are filled with people with “EII,” of Emotionally Induced Illness. This does not mean that the people are not sick, just that their illnesses began in their minds.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise (Hebrews 10:35-36).
