5 Ways to Boost Self-esteem
Boost your self-esteem
Self-esteem is something we all need so that we feel good about ourselves and our place in the world. For some it seems to come naturally, while others feel the need to conform to the crowd.
If you think you could give your self-esteem a boost, you’re not alone. Lots of people need an uplift from time to time. Here are some ways that could help improve your self-esteem:
1. Be your own best friend
It's important to be kind to yourself. Sometimes, people are much harsher on themselves than they'd ever be on a friend. Treat yourself like you would a close friend, especially when things don’t go well.
When you mess up or don't reach a goal, try being gentle and supportive instead of critical. You can tell yourself, "It's alright; everyone makes mistakes. I'm doing my best." If you practice this regularly, it'll become second nature and you'll start seeing yourself in a better light.
2. Stop self-doubt by playing up your strengths
Everyone's good at something, and recognising what you're great at helps build self-esteem. Make a list of qualities, skills, or personality traits that showcase your talents, whether it's big achievements like doing your job well, or smaller things like being a good listener.
Focusing on your strengths redirects attention from self-doubt and helps appreciate the good things about yourself.
3. Challenge that inner critic
Negative self-talk hinders healthy self-esteem. Your inner critic might say things like "I'm not good enough" or "I always mess up." When these thoughts pop up, pause and question them. Are they really true?
Often, self-criticism is blown out of proportion or based on fear rather than facts. Swap those negative thoughts for balanced, realistic ones. Instead of saying, "I never do anything right," say, "I made a mistake, but I'm learning and I'll do better next time."
4. Set small, doable goals
Setting goals can boost confidence, but make sure they're realistic and achievable. Start with small steps that are easy to tackle. Hitting these tiny targets builds up belief in yourself and your ability to follow through.
Even little wins can boost self-esteem. For instance, if you want to exercise more, aim to walk for ten minutes every day. Success with these small goals creates momentum and gives you the courage to tackle bigger challenges.
5. Spend time with supportive people
Your social circle has a big impact on how you see yourself. It's a good idea to spend time with positive, supportive people who appreciate and uplift you. On the flip side, try to avoid relationships that bring you down.
Constant negativity or criticism from others can chip away at your confidence. Stick with friends, family, or colleagues who show respect and encouragement—they'll help you feel valued.
Source: www.calm.com
If you feel like your self-esteem could use a boost, make a booking with Hilary to put some of these ideas into action.