Do you find yourself feeling fear, anxiety or panic whenever you encounter the following situations?
• think you have said or done something stupid, especially when you think others have noticed it
• when you cannot perform a certain task that needs to be accomplished
• or when you are unsure of what to expect from a situation or people
These experiences stem from low self-esteem and one of the main causes is a strong need for approval. This is one of the biggest obstacles that low self-esteem sufferers need to overcome. It might help to start becoming aware of how you might be seeking approval of others. For example:
Do you choose the design of your car, apartment, furniture, clothes and accessories based on how pleasing it will look to others, despite having a preference for something else?
Do you ask everyone else for their opinion before you make a decision?
Do you worry excessively about how you look in front of others?
When engaging in conversations do you try hard to appear interesting, knowledgeable or funny?
Are you afraid to say "No" out of fear of how people might think of you?
Do you do activities just to impress others?
The need for approval from others is such a deeply ingrained habit of thought that you may not realize the extent of influence it has on your life unless you stop and think about it. And so long as you continue to seek approval from external sources, your level of self-esteem confidence will always remain low.
This is because a chronic reliance on others' opinion and approval means that you are never sure of your own judgment and choices. It is from trial and error that you learn what works for you and what does not. Every mistake you experience allows you to make better choices the next time.
In time you will become highly proficient in making decisions that produce the best outcome for you, which leads to increased confidence and security in your own judgment.
The approval you have been seeking has to really come from you alone. If you learn to give constant unconditional approval to yourself, you will not be affected easily by others opinion of you, good or bad. When you finally reach this stage, fear and anxiety shall become a thing of the past.
Evelyn Yeo is a Process Coach who teaches people how to remove negative beliefs with simple mind process techniques via Skype.
To begin your healing journey, book a free 30 minute trial online coaching session with Evelyn here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evelyn_Yeo
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