Recommendation Report

Recommendation Report

Although the U.S. military is responsible for fighting and winning the nations' wars, caring for and rehabilitating Soldiers who become seriously injured or ill while serving their country is also of prime importance. To address this concern the Army has developed "Warrior Transition Units" (WTU's) to aid wounded warriors through their recovery process and their transition either back to Army units or to civilian life. Not surprisingly, as engagement in the War on Terror continues, the number of injuries to Soldiers, and therefore the number of Soldiers being assigned to WTU's, is increasing. For example, approximately 6000 Soldiers were assigned to WTU's in 2007, but this number is projected to grow to over 20,000 in 2008(Martin 2001). This greater than three-fold rise in Soldiers assigned to WTU's substantially increases the workload and the associated amount of job-related adversity experienced by the WTU cadre members(Anderson 2000).

Positive self-esteem is an important attribute for workers wishing to cope effectively with worksite adversity in any demanding situation. This is especially true in healthcare settings as workers with high self-esteem are likely to affect patient care in positive directions. Having high self-esteem means healthcare providers feel good about themselves. As individuals become more positive about themselves, they generally become more positive about others, resulting in a more positive "bedside manner" which is essential for caregiver success(Anderson 2000).

Here are a few tips that military help to build up your self confidence and boost your self esteem:

Stand Tall: At the most basic level of day to day life, confidence manifests itself in our body language, demeanor and environment. You can see it in the guy who approaches you with a glint in his eye, or the team that takes to the field. Ever watch Tiger Woods on the golf course or Michael Jordan with the basketball? You can see the confidence in their eyes.

You body language and attitudes send the same signals not only to the world around you but to yourself. Stand up tall, raise your shoulders up and chest back like there's a wire attached to your sternum. Winners don't slouch on the court nor in their day to day life. In this way you are creating the same posture and sending the same signals with your body to your mind.

Try it right now. Breathe in deeply 10 times, as you hold you shoulders up and chest out. Exhale slowly, keeping the same posture. Feel the self confidence wash through your body with each breath. Send a signal to your body and to your mind with this first tip.

The same goes for your external environment. As the saying goes "the clothes makes the man". Don't underestimate the impact nice clothing and proper grooming can have on you. Think how good you feel after just trip to the hair stylist. Dressing for success is critical to cultivating self confidence and self esteem. How you dress and how you keep yourself is an indication of how you feel about ...