A Start for Self-Esteem?

So I'm swinging in the wind with trying to get this self-esteem thing working. Maybe we could all try the first thing I found so far that makes sense:

Make 3 Lists. One a list of your strengths, one a list of your achievements and one a list of things you admire about yourself. Write those down and review them several times every day.

So here is the start of my lists:

My strengths:

1. I can keep a cool head in a chaos situation
2. I'm a good lover (my wife wanted to add that one *blush*)
3. I am honest and sincere

My Achievements: (This one is a bit tougher)

1. Graduated college (University) with degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
2. 8th Level in Wing Chun Kung Fu
3. 1991 State Powerlifting Champion (wow, that seems like forever ago)

(My work accomplishments get a little muddy because they're usually undercut.)

Things I admire about myself:

1. Honorable (although I tend to say things incorrectly, I try my best)
2. I overcome intellectual obstacles through persive ... persim ... hard work.

That's what I have for now. Maybe you could post your three lists?

that is a great way to get started on self esteem. I know I got started with one good thing about myself. I am a good professional writer. and everything I got down on myself, I could counteract that negative thought with a "yah, but, I am a great writer" and get myself thinking positively about myself again. soon the one thing became more good things about myself until I had a whole file cabinet of positive things about me. good job!

I need to add to my list of accomplishments:

Written 3 full length novels (not published, but they're written!)

It is difficult for me to accurately assess myself. My therapist has been a huge help to me in seeing positive attributes. I am dependable, conscientious, a person of integrity. I like to have good, clean fun(play). I am definitely making progress, but it took almost a year for me to see it. My progress has come at a snail's pace. She said I should be proud of myself. I have come to trust her. So if she is proud of me, I know it is something I can/should do for myself. At this time I cannot think of anymore accomplishments in my life. But it is a terrific way to help along your self esteem.

Yay congratulations!!!

I love this thread. But its hard for me come up with the answer. I'm going to think about it. Thanks for sharing

I have attained self-respect I.E. I respect the human
being I've become (warts and all) I've recognised
how intelligent I am.I am my own friend.
Blessings,
BLUEDOVE

There is only one thing about myself I love.

Self-esteem for me is about enjoying myself, wanting to hang out with myself and take myself "along".

In this book of Life
You're my protagonist,
Antagonist, heroine.
No matter what your role,
Know that I love you.
Protagonist me -
Go boldly, head high.
Antagonist me -
It's a will struggle, a trap!
Heroine me -
Thank you for your patience.
Unnamed me -
You too are loved.
My love is a promise,
A comfort, a bond;
We're in this together, Self,
You and I.

My T wanted me to come up with a list of 30 things. So I did. Some pretty nice things on there.

Problem is, I can say I did X or achieved X or whatever, but it's always followed by"but I'm still the scum of the earth."

I do the same thing. Every accomplishment is followed by a but I could've done better!