10 Steps to Building Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is how you perceive your worth. It is self-respect. If you struggle with low self-esteem, you may have trouble in relationships and social situations. Low self-esteem typically means a lack of assertiveness, which indicates you may need help building self-esteem.

10 Tips for Building Self-Esteem

Building self-esteem is simpler than you may think. It is not easy; however, taking specific action can simplify boosting self-esteem. Here are ten steps to building self-esteem.

Accept where and who you are now.

There is much unhappiness in trying to return to being the version of yourself you used to be. The version you were before the loss of a family member, the end of a marriage, the birth of a child, or the move to a new state.

Accepting who you are now and where you are regarding a specific life category grounds you. This acceptance provides clarity for what you want next.

Catch negative thoughts.

Negative thoughts and demeaning self-talk can do a great deal of damage. Vow to catch these thoughts as soon as you recognize them. Recognize the lie and look for the truth. You can change an old belief into a new one with practice. Flip these thoughts into positive self-talk.

Smile.

A quick tip for building self-esteem is to smile. Smiling stimulates the amygdala, releasing endorphins that brighten your mood and boost confidence. Notice how others perceive you when you greet them with a smile. You can experience a mood boost by simply smiling when you are alone.

Play music.

Energetic music, the kind that makes you want to dance, can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. A song can make you feel like you can take on the world. Create a new playlist with songs that make you feel confident and strong.

Be nice to yourself.

Showing compassion and grace is not just for other people. You must be nice to yourself. Self-worth and self-love are imperative to becoming confident in your skin. You deserve to be treated the way you treat others. Take time to do activities that make you happy. Rediscover an enjoyable hobby or learn a new skill.

Try a superhero pose.

Power poses may sound ridiculous, but research shows they reduce stress and cortisol levels in the bloodstream. Think about the Superman pose: legs hip-width apart and hands on hips. Try this pose the next time you need a boost. Other power poses include leaning over a desk or table with your hands on it and standing or sitting with your hands clasped behind your head.

Set small goals.

Setting small goals and accomplishing them leads to feelings of achievement. When you set a realistic goal and reach it through hard work, the sense of accomplishment boosts your self-esteem. You will view yourself differently as someone who can do hard things and reach goals. List three goals you want to achieve over the next three to six months.

Spend time training your body.

If the idea of working out intimidates you, think of exercise as training your body instead. To fulfill your purpose and be ready to accept opportunities, you will want to be healthy and fit. Training your body to be stronger and fitter than it was yesterday keeps your mind on progress without the preoccupation of working out or comparing yourself to people who are already at a goal that makes sense for them.

Learn to say no.

People pleasers often place themselves on a lower priority list to help others first, sometimes to the detriment of their health. When you do not set proper boundaries, you become a victim of everyone else’s schedule, leaving little time for yourself. Learn to say no to people, events, and opportunities that detract from your goals and peace of mind. Not every good opportunity will align with your goals and values.

List your achievements.

When you are feeling low, it helps to list your past achievements. You might feel overwhelmed right now, and your mind can feed into that with feelings of unworthiness, but taking the time to remind yourself that you have done great things in the past and will in the future can boost your self-esteem. This exercise also forces you to clarify your vision for the future, enabling you to set small goals.

Counseling for personal development.

Do you realize you exhibit increased self-esteem when asking for help or counseling? You are acknowledging that you are worthy of help. Take the first step in building self-esteem by contacting our office today to schedule an appointment with a counselor. Prioritizing yourself and your health shows love toward the person God created.