Low self-esteem has many negative side effects, including weight gain, depression, and poor opinion of yourself. Signs that you have low self-esteem includes:

* Making a conscious decision not to take on risks because you have a fear of failure.

* Participating in negative self-talk, such as, "I can't do anything right," or "Nobody likes me."

* Saying, "Oh, it's nothing," when someone compliments your achievements. Or "I just threw this on," when someone compliments the way you look.

* Craving reassurance from others and then reject their overtures.

To combat your low self-image, complete the following exercises to boost your sense of worth.

Identify your valuable traits. We all have great traits that are admired by others or that we are proud of. Pinpoint those characteristics, write a description of how you incorporate these positive qualities in your daily life, and how your characteristics benefit you and others. When you write down your traits, you are reminded of the reasons you are special and what you have to offer the world and people around you.

Here's a list of traits that are valued in this society to help you get started on your list: empathic, time management conscious, creative, witty, sharp.

Identify and work on your negative traits. No one is perfect, and we all have attributes that we need to work on. Write down the traits that you find annoying and that people in your life have complained about, and create an action plan to work on your weaknesses.

Here's a list of negative traits people need to work on that you can use as a catalyst for your own list: moody, overemotional, careless, and pompous.

Identify your accomplishments. Go through a mental search for your career and life successes. When you participate in this exercise, you'll be reminded of all the triumphs you have under your belt. To piggyback on that thought, take the time to enjoy your accomplishments. Pat yourself on the back, and tell people around what you achieved.

Here's a list of general accomplishments to get your mind going with ideas: getting a promotion, landing a sweet deal, making a homerun at a baseball game, and baking a killer apple pie.

Low self-esteem is an issue everyone suffers from every now and then. It's part of life's cycle. The key is to no allow a poor self-image to spiral out of control.

Elle Matthews is a freelance writer who promotes several websites. She enjoys writing about relationships, effective workout routines ( www.TheWorkoutRoutines.com), and organic baby food