Life's Too Short: Pull the Plug on Self-Defeating Behavior and Turn on the Power of Self-Esteem

People set themselves up to fail, according to Twerski (When Do the Good Things Start?), not from lack of ability but through self-defeating behavior stemming from low self-esteem. These behavior patterns take many forms: fear of rejection, codependence, narcissism, compartmentalizing, alcoholism and eating disorders, to mention a few. By ``turning on the power of self-esteem'' through self-assessment, changing old habits and using techniques borrowed from AA and other 12-step programs as well as traditional psychotherapy, we can overcome these self-defeating patterns that prevent us from realizing our potential. Case histories of how people have overcome low self-esteem, as well as many cartoons, add humor to this compassionate guide for living life to its fullest. (Apr.)