Unfortunately in my past there wasn't much in the way of encouragement or good things said about the things that i've done and instead I got the opposite. I was told that i was lazy alot and useless and that i couldn't do anything.

I realize that it is only normal to not want to do things if you don't get any kind of approval or even kind words for what you did...especially when growing up and so I can accept that I have this. I can also understand why I beat myself up alot about present tense things. I believe it is for this reason to. But, how do i start to feel encouragement and excited about my own accomplishments instead of beating myself up for not solving the problem all at once?


Mike

First off ....... accept the fact that you ARE worthy of love and praise.
Look at this program....you are actively involved in your own healing.

Take a picture of yourself as a little boy....keep it with you or remember it in your minds eye. Tell that little boy ....."I'll believe in you if you'll believe in me" Soon the child and adult in you will be supporting each other and that will give you what is so important "self approval".
When the approval comes from others then that is like a bonus but your loving yourself is the most important thing of all. The rest will fall into place.

Thats great advice. I think i have a good picture to use too. Thank you

Mike

Ninja- Mariasue had a good idea. I've done that before with the picture. Sometimes I've gotten out a picture of myself as a child looking happy playing with my dolls at Christmas time and focused on talking to me (her) and giving words of encouragement telling her that I believe in her and what a good person she is and telling her how capable she is. I also do this in guided imagery tapes. I've also listed things in my journal that I've accomplished that I feel proud of and things I've done well and read over them frequently.(no matter how trivial- and no comparing to other people's accomplishments!) I know it's nice to have out side recognition, but sometimes we have to learn how to give it to ourselves and believe it.

ooh, i like the pic idea.