Self-esteem shapes how one sees oneself — either valuable or unworthy. It directly influences mental health, guides decisions, and defines interactions with others. This perception alters behavior, communication, and presence in the world. Improving self-esteem involves intentional steps. Ten strategies follow, each a practical way to begin.
1. Practice positive self-talk
The easiest way to raise self-esteem is through self-talk and self-affirmations. Deny the negative aspects of yourself and replace them with something positive. For instance, if you tell yourself that you will not progress in your career, tell yourself instead that you are competent and successful.
Example: Sarah, a marketer, dealt with unreasonable doubts about her capabilities. The everyday practice of self-affirming statements proved beneficial in building her confidence and being more involved in her work’s projects.
2. Set achievable goals
When creating these achievable targets, begin small with simple tasks that not only make you feel accomplished but will also help in boosting your overall self-confidence, are iterative, and build on the difficulty of the goals with time. Spending the time to constantly evaluate your goals sets you up for success.
Setting small and achievable targets, when completed, has been proven to induce an elevated level of dopamine in the brain. This process enhances the individual’s drive as well as their pleasure level.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
The self-esteem that some people possess can be easily impacted by the company that they keep. Appreciate being near positive people who inspire you rather than kill your motivation and spirit.
The five people you spend the most time with often shape who you become.
4. Engage in physical activity
Exercise shapes both body and mind. Endorphins boost mood and self-esteem, creating a noticeable shift.
Example: John struggled with body image issues, so he started jogging three times a week. He got in shape, but more importantly, he learned to value his body.
5. Learn something new
Having the self-discipline to go out and learn new capabilities will, without a doubt, foster increased self-worth. Whether you take on a new hobby or an online class, having a broader base of knowledge brings with it newfound confidence.
Example: Maria signed up for a pottery lesson even when she knew she might fail. Making art and getting positive comments from other students helped her improve her self-esteem.
6. Practice self-compassion
Setbacks occur. Mistakes are inevitable. A moment of failure doesn’t define the whole. Extend kindness when life doesn’t go as planned. Embrace imperfections with understanding. Every stumble is part of the journey.
You deserve your own love and affection just as much as anyone else in the world.
7. Keep a gratitude journal
Writing can extract gratitude out of otherwise negative thoughts. This helps you to appreciate what you have rather than what is missing.
Example: Each day, Emily recorded three things she was thankful for. This increasingly improved her total outlook on life as time progressed.
8. Dress for success
Your overall presentation of yourself will have a bearing on the way you see yourself. Confidence-inspiring clothes can tremendously improve your self-esteem.
People who are well-dressed feel more competent than those who are not and, consequently, perform better socially and academically.
9. Limit social media exposure
Unhealthy social media comparisons can harm your self-worth. Try to reduce the time spent on social media platforms. Alternatively, you can curate your following list to include only individuals who positively influence you.
Example: After Lisa understood how scrolling through social media made her feel inadequate, she decided to focus on accounts that did not promote unrealistic standards and instead inspired her.
10. Seek professional help if needed
If undermining self-esteem is a prominent issue in one’s life, seeking the aid of a mental health professional may help. Therapy is beneficial and helps in improving self-worth, along with rectifying other issues.
A person’s life bends to the will of his or her mind. Change how you think — change everything.
Conclusion
Like any journey to improve oneself, it requires effort and a bit of time as well. And through the implementation of these ten strategies, you can work towards building a better self-image and wellness. Implementing these self-esteem boosting strategies can sometimes be tough, so remember to be kind to yourself.