If you have a fear that people will see what you think is a defect, you'll find it difficult to assert yourself. Your fault or vulnerability may have to do with the way you look, your size, your perceived intelligence, your past, or your home experience. To get going on your self-exploration, go to a calm and comfy place and think about the matters that make you feel bad about yourself. These things might stem from your skin problem, weight, a nasty habit, a family secret, abusive behavior in your household, or guiltiness over something you’ve done. It might be awful to think about the root of your bad feelings, but it's healthy to uproot something that's hidden deep inside and to work through it.

In assembling self-assurance, your first goal is to contrive a truthful understanding of your fortes and weaknesses. You’ll have to take a difficult beginning step and look inside yourself to determine why you feel vulnerable. As a kid, parents are the biggest determinant on self-esteem. Kids who are consistently knocked, bawled out, shouted at or battered by a parent quickly learn they're useless.