Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 1, Session 3: Building Self-Confidence | Page 39 of 93
Handout 1: Put-Down, Turn Around
Ask yourself some questions about each negative thought you have experienced.
Is this message really true?
Would a person say this to another person? If not, why am I saying it to myself?
What do I get out of thinking this thought? If it makes me feel badly about myself, why not stop
thinking it?
You cannot think both a negative and a positive thought about yourself at the same time so develop some
positive statements to replace the negative ones.
Use positive words: happy, peaceful, loving, enthusiastic, warm
Avoid negative words: worried, frightened, upset, tired, bored, not, never, can’t
Examples:
Negative Thought Positive Thought
I am not worth anything. I am a valuable person.
I have never accomplished anything. I have accomplished many things.
I always make mistakes. I do many things well.
I am a jerk. I am a great person.
I don't deserve a good life. I deserve to be happy and healthy.
I am stupid. I am smart.
You try it!
What Samantha Might Think Samantha’s Positive Thoughts
I am foolish
I never have any original ideas
I never have common sense
I am a thief
My ideas are never realistic
I always waste other people’s time
Source:
Curie, Charles G. and Arons, Bernard S., Building Self-Esteem: A Self-Help Guide. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, SMA-3715.
http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Counseling/Files/Building_Self.pdf