There are many ways to lose your sense of self-esteem but whatever happens, we should really try not to lose our own sense of self, that knowledge of who we really are underneath.

So what can we do to raise our self knowledge and put ourselves on the path to a fulfilled life?

1. Know your purpose

Maybe you are wandering through life with no real direction – hoping that happiness, health and prosperity will someday  come your way? Identify your life purpose or mission statement and you will have your own unique inner compass that will lead you in the right direction every time.
This may seem difficult at first when you see yourself as being in a tight or even dead end. Just make a commitment to a change of some sort, and see where it takes you. Even if you make a few wrong turns, it will eventually get you on the right path.

2. Know your values

What do you value most? List of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. Check this against a list of personal goals. If any goal doesn’t align with any of your top five values – you may want to reconsider it or revise it.
The number shouldn’t discourage you, instead it should motivate you to do more than you ever dream of.

3. Know your needs

We all have personal needs. This is not selfish but an essential part of our character that can leave us unfulfilled if they are not met. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? There are so many people who lived their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed for that matter. List your top four needs and take steps to get them satisfied.

4. Know your passions

We all have interests and passions in life and knowing what these are is a step toward self-knowledge. Our passions are like stepping stones to self-fulfillment as they map our characters and help to show us who we really are. By pursuing our passions we express ourselves and help us develop into the people we want to be.

5. Live from the inside out.

Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. If you live in a noisy city environment,get out and commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind by using meditation techniques. Or simply play some soothing music or read, both solitary activities that will clear the mind.

6. Honor your strengths

What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? List three – if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you can share what you know to others.

7. Serve others

When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you give back in service what you came to share with others -your spirit – your essence. The rewards for sharing your gifts with those close to you is indeed rewarding, much more if it were to be the eyes of a stranger who appreciates what you have done to them.