To assess your self-esteem simply ask yourself each of the
following eleven questions. Any questions that you can’t
answer with, Yes, that’s true of me most of the time, indicate
an example of where your self-esteem needs strengthening. (This
is a screening test only. Accurate diagnoses of depression or
another mental disorder requires in person diagnoses from health
professional.)
-
Can you maintain good feelings about yourself
even if someone criticizes you?
-
When you fail or do something wrong can you
say you’re sorry and accept forgiveness or do you persist
in feeling bad about yourself?
-
Can you offer a dissenting opinion to people
you respect?
-
If you talked to one of your children or to
your best friend the way you talk to yourself would they feel
esteemed?
-
Do you say thank you when you’re complemented?
-
Do you avoid comparing yourself to others,
thinking that you’re better than or less than they are?
-
When you’ve been hurt do you receive
comfort from yourself and others instead of hiding your pain?
-
If your spouse, roommate, or someone you’re
close to is in a bad mood do you maintain your own feelings
of well-being anyway (without matching their mood)?
-
Do you know what your gifts and talents are
and are you confident using them?
-
Can you say “good enough” about
a project you’re working on instead of being perfectionistic?
-
Do you appreciate your strengths and work
to improve your weaknesses instead of overlooking your strengths
and feeling bad about your weaknesses?
William Gaultiere, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the New
Hope Crisis Counseling Center at the Crystal Cathedral and a
Clinical Psychologist with a part time private practice in Irvine,
California. You can read Dr. Bill’s encouraging self-help articles
on www.NewHopeNow.org and www.ChristianSoulCare.com.
