Low self-esteem almost seems like an epidemic some days. Many students suffer from poor self-esteem, which has any number of negative consequences, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and in worse cases, suicide. This epidemic needs to be stopped. We need to determine how to best help today's young people build positive self-esteem. Bringing in a youth motivational speaker to address the topic is one excellent method.
How Can a Youth Motivational Speaker Help?
It is essential that teenagers be taught to balance self-acceptance and self-improvement. While we want them to strive to be the best they can be, we also want their goals to be at least somewhat realistic. Without some level of self-acceptance, we are doomed to fail and be disappointed. On the other hand, we do not want teenagers to feel that there is no hope for improvement, so why bother even trying.
It is essential that we remain positive and encouraging when we are working with the youth. We want them to accept their flaws but, at the same time, continue to work towards becoming better people. A youth motivational speaker, with his or her unique set of life experiences, has the skill set necessary to reach the youth. Students are more willing to listen and come away feeling energized and hopeful for a better future.
Strategies to Improve Self-Esteem as Explained by a Youth Motivational Speaker
A youth motivational speaker understands that students need strategies to improve their self-esteem, which they are able to pass along in a manner that inspires students to implement those strategies in their own lives. Teachers, staff, and parents can follow up by supporting students in the process.
One essential component of raising self-esteem is to learn assertiveness skills. Students need to know how to stand up for themselves. Obviously, this must be done in an appropriate manner. Students with assertiveness skills will ask for help when they do not understand something or are having problems, rather than letting the problem fester and cause bigger issues. Assertive students can stand up to bullies, either in their own defense or in defense of friends and classmates. Learning assertiveness helps students confidently push forward to achieve their goals; in fact, it helps them set those goals in the first place.
Also important in improving self-esteem is the idea of confidence. Students need to be confident. A youth motivational speaker exhibits this confidence through their life story and how they overcame difficulties. Hearing such stories and how another individual managed to overcome barriers helps students become more confident in their own abilities and their futures.
Brad Hurtig is a youth motivational speaker able to reach students and inspire them. His unique story of losing both hands in an accident during his high school years and later becoming a defensive leader on his high school football team demonstrates to students that every individual can do extraordinary things. To learn more about Brad or to have him speak at your next assembly, please contact us today!
