What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is a feeling of confidence and self-assurance. It's being happy with who you are
and knowing your worth. People with high self-esteem know their strengths and weaknesses
and are comfortable in their skin. They can handle criticism and setbacks without it damaging
their self-worth.
Self-esteem is important because it's essential for a happy, healthy life. Low self-esteem is a
causal link in those that suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They're
also more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as using drugs and alcohol or engaging in
unsafe sex.
If you struggle with finding ways to answer the question of how to increase self-esteem, you
aren't alone. Fortunately, it's never too late to improve your self-esteem. If you're not happy with
how you see yourself, there are things you can do to change that. Here are some tips for
improving your self-esteem.
Why Do People Experience Low Self-Esteem?
The first thing to get out of the way is that no one with any brain cells will blame you for your low
self-esteem. Often people suffering from low self-esteem worry that they should "get over it" and
try to pretend to be more confident. We understand the impulse, but low self-esteem often
stems from deeper issues.
For some, it can be the result of trauma or abuse. If you've been through something like this, it's
essential to seek professional help to work through those issues. Trust us, you are not alone,
and there is nothing wrong with seeking help.
Low self-esteem might result from chronic stress or negative thinking patterns for others. It can
also be the result of comparing yourself to others, which has become a significant issue in
today's modern connected world, where we see all the picture-perfect people showing off their
beautiful lives. It's hard to separate reality from fiction, and it's equally hard not to judge
ourselves by the standards of the lucky few that tell us all just how easy it is to be rich, beautiful,
or successful.
Whatever the cause, it's important to remember that you are not responsible for your low
self-esteem. It might sound like a small thing, but this is a crucial step towards positive thinking
and improving your self-esteem.
7 Steps to Improving Your Self-Esteem
1. Get rid of perfectionism
One of the biggest things holding you back from high self-esteem may be perfectionism. You
may think that to be happy with yourself, you must meet some impossibly high standard that no
one could ever hope to achieve.
The thing is, no one is perfect. Everyone has flaws, and that's okay. What matters is how you
deal with your weaknesses. Do you let them bring you down, or do you accept them and move
on?
2. Practice self-compassion
Comparing yourself to others is a recipe for low self-esteem. It doesn't matter if you're
comparing yourself to the rich and famous or the girl next door, it's not going to do you any
good.
Instead of beating yourself up for not being as successful/beautiful/thin/rich as someone else,
try to be kind to yourself. Accept that you're not perfect, and that's okay.
3. Set realistic goals
Part of the reason perfectionism is so damaging is that it leads to unrealistic goals. If you're
constantly reaching for the stars, you will end up disappointed.
Instead, focus on setting realistic goals that you can achieve. This will help you feel good about
yourself when you reach your goals instead of feeling like a failure.
4. Take care of yourself
When you're suffering from low self-esteem, it's easy to let your appearance and your health
slide. After all, why bother taking care of yourself if you don't like yourself?
But the truth is, taking care of yourself is a form of self-respect. Making an effort to look after
yourself shows that you appreciate and value yourself, even if you don't feel like it.
5. Be assertive
Do you find yourself saying "yes" to things you don't really want to do? If so, it's time to start
being more assertive.
Assertiveness is about setting boundaries and saying "no" when necessary. It's not about being
rude or selfish; it's about respecting your own needs and wants.
Learning to be assertive can be difficult, but it's worth it. When you start standing up for yourself,
you'll find that your self-esteem will begin to improve.
6. Challenge your negative thoughts
If you're constantly putting yourself down, it's no wonder you have low self-esteem. But the good
news is that you can change the way you think about yourself.
Start by taking a closer look at your negative thoughts. Are they really true? Are they helpful? If
not, it's time to start challenging them.
7. Do something that makes you happy
When was the last time you did something just for fun? If you can't remember, it might be time to
find something that makes you happy.
Doing things that make you happy is essential for two reasons. First, it helps you get in touch
with your needs and wants. Second, it gives you a much-needed boost of self-esteem.
How to maintain good self-esteem
One of the most significant issues with self-help is remembering to carry on being kind to
yourself. Once you've started your journey to increase self-esteem, it's important to keep up the
excellent work. Take your successes for the victories that they are, and don't continue
comparing yourself to others. Remember, you are on your journey and doing the best you can.
It's also important to be mindful of what triggers your low self-esteem. If you know that certain
situations or people make you feel bad about yourself, try to avoid them if possible. And if you
can't avoid them, remember to give yourself a pep talk before entering the situation.