We all have days when we question everything about ourselves. From the shape of our bodies to our job security and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inadequate. But while these feelings can be strong and persistent, it is possible to build an unshakeable foundation of self-esteem.
Your self-esteem is the gatekeeper of how you feel about yourself, no matter what life throws your way. It’s the difference between feeling confident, capable, and secure and believing you’ll never make it.
So, let’s learn how to be our own cheerleaders and build self-esteem. Here are seven super tips to get you started:
Believe that You’re Stronger than the Negative Coping Mechanisms:
We all have our ways of coping with stress and difficult situations. Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain or ease the anxiety. But these are only temporary fixes. You’ll eventually realize you’ve made yourself worse off. That’ll trigger self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness.
Instead, recognize that you are stronger than the harmful coping mechanisms and work on developing healthy ones. Hit the gym, go for a run, meditate, or talk to someone who can help you. If you feel it’s time for professional assistance, Restorations Health Care offers multiple treatment programs for substance abuse and mental health.
Love Yourself for Who You Are:
Our society emphasizes a lot on appearances. It seems like the only way to be successful or feel good about yourself is to look like a model or have the perfect body. It isn’t true, of course, but it can be hard to remember when surrounded by images and messages that tell you otherwise.
One key factor in having good self-esteem is accepting and loving yourself just as you are. Work on building self-confidence by accepting compliments and striving for excellence in things that matter to you rather than basing your worth on external validation. You are worthy just because you exist!
Hype Your Strengths:
There are 8 billion people in the world to point out your “flaws.” So, leave the critic’s job to them. You focus on what you’re good at and be proud of it. Your strengths can give you the confidence to face any challenge. So, hype them!
If you enjoy cooking, throw a dinner party and show off. If you’re a great public speaker, attend as many lectures and events as possible. If your voice can beat Adele’s, learn all the songs and sing at weddings or join a choir. Find something you’re good at, hone it and make sure everyone knows you are the master of it. You’ll soon notice a boost in self-esteem.
Practice Positive Self-Talk:
Change how you talk to yourself and reframe your thoughts from negative to positive. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do or how you’re not good enough, give yourself encouragement and compliments. Acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate your victories. Speak to yourself the same way you’d speak to someone you love and respect.
For instance, if you make a mistake, instead of thinking, “I’m an idiot” or “I’ll never get it right,” try to think, “that didn’t go as planned, but I can learn from it,” or “I’m going to try again and do better this time.” You can always give yourself a second (or third, or fourth!) chance.
Make Connections:
We are humans – social creatures. We need connections to thrive. Healthy relationships can make you feel secure, accepted, and valued. These are three crucial components of self-esteem.
So, reach out and connect with people who make you feel good about yourself. Spend time with friends and family that accept you for who you are and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Participate in activities that interest you and make it easier to connect with like-minded. If you are still determining what your squad should look like, take help from online communities that align with your values and interests.
Master the Art of Saying “No”:
Only a few of us have the superpower to say “no” when we want or need to. So it’s okay if you’re not one of them yet. However, mastering the art of saying “no” is essential to have a better self-image. When you ensure that your time and energy are spent on important things, your self-esteem will increase. Plus, the feelings of unwanted burden and resentment, both destructive to self-esteem, will vanish.
You don’t have to be rude or aggressive when you say “no.” Just be firm and assertive with your decision. It’s okay to put yourself first and prioritize your needs.
Do Things that Make You Happy:
Constant worries and stress can take a toll on your mental health, as well as your self-esteem. So make sure to give yourself some breathing room and do things that make you happy. That could be anything from sipping an ice cream cone to skydiving. Even if you want to conk out on the couch for a while, go for it.
The important thing is that it brings joy to your life. When you’re happy, your mind feels relaxed to think positively about yourself and appreciate the wonderful person that you are. It also helps you look at things differently, which is always a bonus.
Final Words:
Life will never be perfect, but building self-esteem can give you a solid foundation to lean on and make it easier to weather the storms. So, follow these simple tips and start believing in yourself! You have the power within you to be anything you want. All you have to do is believe it. You can do this!
Be your biggest cheerleader, get out there, and start believing in yourself!
