12 Unit 1 Your Development and Relationships
person’s performance. They may have made remarks such as, “She can’t
act at all. I could have done a much better job.” These statements are not
helpful or a true indication of the person’s acting abilities. They just make
the people who said them appear jealous.
Remember, only one person in the world can be the best snowboarder or
the best rapper. These titles are short-lived. There will always be people who
can do something better than you. There will also be people who are better
looking, smarter, funnier, or more graceful than you are. Just because you
may not be as funny as someone else, does not mean you are not funny at all.
Try to do the best you can do, and avoid comparing yourself with others, 1-7.
Learn to Give and Accept Compliments
Giving people compliments builds their self-esteem. Look for strengths in
other people. It is easy to see positive qualities in your close friends. If you try,
you can fi nd something nice to say about everyone. Compliment people about
their strengths. You might even try complimenting someone you do not know
very well. You may be pleased at the reaction.
Sometimes accepting compliments is harder than giving them. People
often brush off compliments with a negative comment. For instance,
Keisha’s classmate complimented
her on a report she gave in class.
Keisha replied, “You’re kidding.
It’s the worst report I’ve ever
given.” Keisha may not have
realized how her reply put down
her classmate’s opinion.
You should not sell yourself
short on what you have done. You
may want to make mental notes
on how you can improve the next
time. Try to accept that you might
have done a good job this time
as well. Thank people when they
give you compliments and allow
their remarks to give your self-
esteem a lift.
Develop New Interests
You can improve your
self-esteem by getting involved in
groups and activities you might
enjoy. Pursuing new interests can
give you the chance to discover
talents you did not know you had.
Displaying these talents can help
you feel confi dent about yourself.
1-7 You do not have to be the best athlete to enjoy
playing a sport.
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