by Steven Walker

Created on: January 28, 2009

The first guideline for improving your self-concept is to realize that God didn't make any garbage. The master of the universe created each human to be uniquely different. When a person does not like themselves he or she is saying that God doesn't know what he's doing. That would be a big mistake. Make sure your God is an important part of your life.

The second guideline for improving your self-concept is to love and respect yourself regardless of what you look like, if you are overweight, have crooked teeth, have a big nose or come from a bad background. Change what you want physically and accept the final physical outcome. God did not give you your heaviness, your yellow teeth or your bad parents. Humans did that to you. Excellent parental care would have alleviated many of those problems. Remember, you can fix yellow teeth and weight problems. Do not allow bad parents or bad experiences growing up, destroy your life. That is baggage that will destroy your life and stop you from achieving your goals. If I were you I would shed all that baggage. And remember, don't blame yourself for other peoples mistakes. you did not make all those mistakes.

The third guideline for improving your self-concept is to avoid taking the easy way out. Don't be afraid to take risks and work hard. The best decision I ever made was to become a Marine Corps officer. Most of my friends were afraid of that particular risk, but it boosted my self-concept and allowed me to grow at a faster rate. You must learn to hate failure and fight for success. This will only make you stronger and more successful.

The fourth guideline for improving your self-concept is not to be a follower. You are not part of the sheeple race but the human race. Why follow when you could lead. If you're being run out of town get in front of the group and lead him like a band. Many years ago, my Colonel gave me a cartoon. There were nine Marines lined up in a row and each were wearing a clown nose except for the last Marine. The caption said "what's wrong Walker you a nonconformist". Just because everybody else is acting foolish doesn't mean you have to except that premise. Don't you wear the clown nose just because everyone else is wearing one.

The fifth guideline for improving your self-concept is to be the best you can be. Whatever goal you set, try to do it the best you can even if it leaves you exhausted. When you're ready to quit just tell yourself to put one foot forward, or go to the next paragraph, the next page, the next thought. Never quit! Confidence comes from knowing you'll never quit and people will love you knowing they can rely on you, whatever the circumstance. Do more than people expect in the world will be your oyster.

The sixth guideline for improving your self-concept is to be likable. Most of the successful people in the world are people who other people want to be around. Smile, be happy and treat people with respect. This includes the people you do not like or respect. Everybody gets treated the same way, with love, dignity and respect. If you're likable people will want to help you succeed in life. No one gets ahead in life without the help of other people.

I have not listed all my guidelines...maybe I will in the future. If you need help drop me a line.

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