This post is about how to build confidence and self esteem.
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Self esteem is our evaluation of our worth, capabilities, and overall value. It encompasses how we see ourselves, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and influences how we interact with others and the world around us. Having a healthy level of self esteem is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being, as it allows us to feel confident, resilient, and capable of achieving our goals. On the other hand, low self esteem can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and negativity, impacting our relationships, careers, and overall quality of life. Let's uncover the signs of low self esteem and discover how to build confidence and self esteem today!
BUILD CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM
What are the signs of low self-confidence?
- Dwelling on negative experiences
- Comparing yourself to others
- Having a negative outlook
- Lacking confidence
- Focusing on your weaknesses
- Strongly fearing failure
- Struggling to accept praise
How do I improve my self esteem?
Get to Know Yourself
“The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” ~Mark Twain
To build confidence and self esteem, begin with self-discovery. There are numerous paths to gaining a better understanding of your true self. One powerful method involves initiating a personal journal, such as The Five Minute Journal, where you can capture your thoughts, emotions, and gratitude. Similarly, a guide like the Self-Love Workbook for Women can provide a structured approach to self-exploration. Regardless of your chosen avenue, embracing self-discovery is vital to cultivating genuine confidence and self-esteem.
(RELATED POST: 7 Key Self Discovery Pursuits to Explore This Summer)
Challenge Yourself
“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
To build self confidence, challenge yourself in two ways. First, challenge your thought patterns, reframe your thought process, and avoid self-critical thinking. Instead of fixating on what you did wrong in that presentation, for example, focus on what you did well. Second, look to gain new skills. What are your strengths, and how can you improve them? Are there any projects you want to complete or hobbies you want to learn? Challenge yourself to improve your skills and build on your strengths, as it provides opportunities to grow your confidence and develop your self esteem.
(RELATED POST: Top 11 Reasons to Make a Career Change at 40)
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
“The only person that deserves a special place in your life is someone that never made you feel like you were an option in theirs.” ~Shannon L. Alder
You’ll build confidence if you surround yourself with people who support you and make you feel good about yourself. It’s essential to create a support network that you can lean on when you are feeling down. You should be able to talk to someone you trust when you meet a goal and when you fail or feel upset. Focus on positive relationships that benefit you by improving your self esteem. These relationships will boost your confidence during life's stresses and help you develop better coping mechanisms during tough times.
Avoid Comparisons
“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” ~Marilyn Monroe
It’s hard to resist comparing ourselves to others, especially on social media. However, posts and videos on social media are only a snapshot of reality and certainly not worth comparing. Instead, devote your energy to your unique desires and goals. You’ll find you accomplish more and feel more confident when you drive toward your goals rather than comparing yourself to others.
Set SMART Goals
“If my mind can conceive it, my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it!” ~Jesse Jackson
On your journey to build your confidence and self esteem, you must have SMART goals to work towards. Take time to brainstorm what you’d like to accomplish and then create SMART Goals to help you meet those goals successfully. By setting SMART and realistic goals, you break down each goal into more manageable and actionable tasks to help you accomplish them. As you continue to meet each task and eventually meet your goals, you’ll find that your confidence and self esteem will benefit.
(RELATED POST: How to Create a Mind Set for Success in 9 Steps)
Accept that Failure Happens
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” ~Louise May Alcott
Even when we have the best plans or goals, failure happens for everyone! Don’t dwell on failure. Instead, use it to learn from your mistakes and try again. Pay attention to things that are going well and make a list of your achievements or successes to remind yourself of all you have accomplished. This will not only reframe your thoughts and allow you to focus on the positive but also help build your confidence and motivate you to try again.
Be Positive
“You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.” ~Diane Von Furstenberg
Embracing a positive mindset is essential to building confidence and self esteem. It’s important to be kind to yourself and to only engage in positive self-talk. If you receive a compliment, accept it, and don’t try to diminish or dismiss it. When interacting with people, try not to take things personally. People are imperfect, and sometimes social interactions can confuse or hurt you. Instead, push negative thoughts aside and embrace positivity. Exert your energy on being optimistic, being the best person you can be, and making the right choices for you. Your confidence will grow.
Focus on Your Well-Being
“I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art.” ~Madonna
Taking care of yourself is crucial for building confidence and self esteem. It's important to focus on a healthy diet and regular exercise and ensure you get enough sleep. A restful night's sleep can significantly affect how you feel. Spending time in nature and soaking up the sunshine can also help lift your spirits and put you in the right frame of mind to feel confident and increase your self esteem. Additionally, practicing self-reflection and expressing gratitude daily with The Five Minute Journal can be hugely beneficial for building self-confidence.
We have identified the signs of low self esteem and discovered practical ways of building confidence. Prioritizing a healthy level of self esteem is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to exude confidence, bounce back from challenges, and conquer our goals. Implement these methods to empower yourself and improve your confidence and self esteem.
MINDSET | ACTION:
Do you identify with any of the signs of low self esteem? How will you challenge these thoughts or beliefs to build confidence and self esteem? Use the SMART Goals worksheet and set yourself actionable steps to meet your goals.
This post was about how to build confidence and self esteem.
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