Do you ever put yourself down or belittle your own abilities? To discriminate is not only applicable to how you perceive and treat others, but it also applies to how you perceive and treat yourself. Self-Discrimination is defined as, "an act or instance of discriminating, or of making a distinction; treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit."

How often do you tend to make a distinction against, rather than in favor of yourself? Throughout my own life there have been instances where I made the distinction to use my weaknesses as an excuse, rather than using my attributes as a catalyst to further succeed. Everyone does this to some level, but what is your balance between using your weaknesses as an excuse, versus your attributes to succeed? Self-Discrimination that is negative impacts your level of self-respect, personal confidence, attitude, individual accountability and optimism for a bright future.

It is emotionally disheartening and physically draining to undermine your own potential and to predominately discriminate against what you perceive you are not, versus the positive characteristics of what you are. To treat yourself unfairly is a copout from taking personal accountability for your life and the challenges presented to be a better you. The color of your own skin, nationality, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, physical and mental limitations, and socioeconomic class are not excuses to discriminate against yourself, or negate a potentially successful future. A belief that you cannot achieve because you are this, or you do not have that, is classic destructive self-discrimination.

One characteristic of our Nation's history is that there is every resource available to improve your life if you take the initiative and apply effort to what you wish for. However, the less individual accountability is emphasized and the more a social entitlement and dependent mindset becomes the social norm, the more likely self-discrimination will occur. If you are constantly encouraged to believe you are a victim of your race, creed, color, religion, class, misfortunes and what isn't, why would you believe you have the ability to be more than you are? In addition, the less aware you are of the core values that structure your life the more vulnerable you are to a victim mentality, because you do not know what you stand for and believe in. Therefore, your life has little direction, focus, or sense of purpose making it difficult to not undermine yourself.

Do not beat yourself up for there is no positive result for you and those who love you. Discriminate, (make a distinction) in favor of what you do well, not dwell on what you do poorly. Discriminate in favor of a complete optimistic future, not focus on an incomplete pessimistic one. Discriminate in favor of the core values that provide meaning and purpose to your life, not the behaviors that have negatively impacted your life.

However, if you have behaviors that have contributed to your lack of achievement what steps are you taking to change those behaviors? For example, if you discriminate in regard to the foods you eat and select those that are unhealthy, expect to suffer the emotional and physical consequences that follow. To then self-discriminate because you believe your weight is preventing future personal and professional success is nothing more than an excuse. To discriminate in regard to how you spend your money and select to spend beyond your means expect the financial consequences. To then self-discriminate because you do not have the financial wherewithal to pursue a desire, or save for your future financial stability, is just an excuse. To discriminate in regard to how you develop your personal and professional growth and select to not bother because it takes effort, expect the personal, professional, career and relationship consequences. To then self-discriminate because you lack enough education, is just an excuse. Stop whining in regard to what you are not, and start shining in regard to demonstrating and building on all the wonderful things you are. To appreciate the potential of your own possibilities, and not use your perceived weaknesses as excuses is the key to personal and professional fulfillment.

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