Gaining respect from others starts with having self respect, and that starts with overcoming low self esteem.

Everyone has the capability for self respect. The steps below will help to boost your self esteem, develop your self respect and consequently gain the respect of others.

1. Focus on your successes.

People who have low self esteem tend to focus on their failures. The truth is that people with high self esteem also have failures, but choose to focus on their successes. We all have a mixture of successes and failures, and we can choose which to focus on. Make the choice of thinking about successful and positive events, and once you have formed this habit you will start to attract further success.

2. Learn From Your Failures

When something goes wrong, instead of beating yourself up or blaming someone else choose to learn from the experience and make it into a positive learning point. All successful people have had failures and setbacks, but they choose to learn and move on rather than allow them to become obstacles.

3. Set Motivating Goals

Having inspiring goals to aim towards will give you purpose and motivation. When you focus on achieving your goals, and set small, achievable stepping stones along the way, you will gain more confidence each time you achieve a step towards your main goal. Develop an attitude of "I can", and you will!

4. Be Clear About Where You Are Right Now

Once you have set your goals, be very clear about how far you are on the road to achieving them. How long will it take? Are you on the right road? If you are not travelling in the right direction it is time to make changes! Taking action to get yourself on the right track will improve your self esteem and confidence.

5. Keep Your Word

If you are leaving a trail of broken promises behind you, you will not have respect for yourself, and you certainly won't have it from other people. Always keep your promises, no matter how small, including those you make to yourself. Keeping your word is one of the most important aspects of self esteem. If you do not believe you can keep a promise, then don't make it!

6. Be Honest

Most importantly of all, be honest with yourself. Be honest with others as much as you can, and if you have to lie, be sure that your reasons are sound; but ALWAYS be true to yourself. Be honest about what you want, who you want to be with and where you want to go. Learn to listen to your own heart rather than the words of others. Do not listen to your fears or the fears of other people. Follow your own instincts.

7. Look After Your Body

Your body is the vehicle in which your mind and soul travel. Take care of it by eating wholesome food, exercising regularly and keeping it clean. Dress in clothes that express who you are, and you will immediately boost your self esteem.

8. Respect Your Emotions

Acknowledge how you feel and allow yourself to feel it. Never suppress your feelings, but allow them release through expression. If you keep your feelings bottled up they will not disappear but build up until they have to be let out, and this can end up in anger, violence or even a nervous breakdown.

9. Respect Your Mind

Your mind is far more powerful than we ever give it credit for. Keep it full of positive thoughts and focus on solutions rather than problems. Learn as much as you can about yourself, other people and the world for knowledge is power, and you can use it to achieve whatever you want.

10. Respect Your Opinion

Never think that your own opinion is less valuable than anyone else's. Everyone has a right to an opinion, and you are no different. Be aware of your own opinions and respect yourself for having them. Remember to respect other people's opinions too.

11. Respect Your Skills

We all have a unique set of skills. You have your own set that is completely different to anyone else's. Be proud of the skills that you have and improve on them and use them. Do not hide them away or de-value them. Your skills have developed out of your own unique experiences and education and no-one else has that special combination.

12. Know Your Purpose

Every single person on this planet was born with a special purpose. Understand who you are, what your passions are and use and work on them. Never suppress the things you love. When you work with them, you will be moving towards your life purpose and when you have discovered that you can lead a complete and satisfied life.

Overcoming low self esteem is the first step in earning self respect and the respect of others. You cannot gain respect from others without achieving self respect first. Follow these 12 steps to boost self esteem and you will find your life will change for the better.

Ros is a professional career and confidence coach

You can get a free initial coaching consultation! See Ros's coaching site at Career and Home Business Coaching http://www.career-life-coach.com/