Feeling Better About Yourself

Set some small realistic goals that you can accomplish. For example, maybe you have avoided someone because you were afraid of saying something dumb. Your first goal might be just to smile and say, "hi." Then do it.

After you accomplish one goal, add another.

Practice taking charge of situations. Find your strength so you can display confidence and help others.

Apologize, if necessary. If you make a mistake, correct it. When things don't go as you would like, it's easy to say it was someone else's fault. People are less likely to be mad at you if you own up to the mistake.

Stick with what you know is right. Don't let others talk you into doing something for the sake of popularity or status.

Realize that when you make good decisions, you gain more control over what happens to you.

Be kind to others. Whenever you help someone else, you also help yourself feel better. The way you treat others will influence the way others treat you in return.