If you are in a negative environment, the logical answer is to change it. But what if you can’t? Not everyone can just up and quit a job that is an unhealthy environment. The thing is that it isn’t always easy to change that which is negative.

There are, however, things you can do to minimize the negativity. There are certain people and situations that will threaten your self esteem. You need to stay away from these in order to maintain the positive thinking you are trying hard to cultivate.

At work: Beware of “dog eat dog” theory where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non appreciative people usually thrive. No one will be grateful for your contributions even if you miss lunch and dinner, and stay up late. Most of the time you work too much without getting help from people concerned. Stay out of this; it will ruin your self esteem. Competition is at stake anywhere. Be healthy enough to compete, but in a healthy competition that is.

With people: Bulldozers, brown nosers, gossipmongers, whiners, backstabbers, snipers, people walking wounded, controllers, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers… all these kinds of people will pose bad vibes for your self esteem, as well as to your self improvement scheme.

Change: Changes challenge our paradigms. It tests our flexibility, adaptability and alters the way we think. Changes will make life difficult for awhile, it may cause stress but it will help us find ways to improve our selves. Change will be there forever, we must be susceptible to it. Focus on the positive parts of the change. It will take some getting used to, but remember the old adage “Change is good.”

Past Experiences: It’s okay to cry and say “ouch!” when we experience pain. But don’t let pain transform itself into fear. It might grab you by the tail and swing you around. Treat each failure and mistake as a lesson.

Acknowledge it, get past it, and don’t dwell on it. Letting go of the past is so important in a healthy lifestyle. We can’t change what has happened to us in the past. It’s important to focus on the future.

The World: There are so many awful things that happen in this world. Don’t wrap yourself up with all the negativities of the world. In building self esteem, we must learn how to make the best out of worst situations.
Read more Negative Environment for self esteem