Having a healthy self-esteem can improve your quality of life in many ways including your motivation, relationships, wellbeing, and mental health. The aim is to strike a balance, one that’s not too high and not too low, as they can both be problematic. So how is your self-esteem? Being aware of your level of self-esteem and giving yourself a self-esteem boost if it’s needed, can help you live your best life.
What is self-esteem?
In a nutshell self-esteem refers to your overall evaluation of your own worth and the feelings you have about yourself. It’s pretty important. Your self-esteem is based on the beliefs and attitudes you hold about your abilities, qualities, and overall self-worth. Keep in mind much of these are tucked away in your subconscious.
What’s important to realise is your level of self-esteem can influence how you perceive and interact with the world, as well as your overall emotional wellbeing. Essentially having a healthy self-esteem is fundamental to living a joyful and satisfying life and the good news is you can lift the bar any time you choose.
How self-esteem begins
As a child your life experiences helped to shape your perceptions and understanding of how you fit into your world. For example, if your home and/or school environments were supportive the chances are you grew up with a strong belief in your abilities to succeed and have wonderful relationships. On the other hand, if your environment was unsupportive there’s a good chance you’ll have limiting beliefs that can potentially get in the way of your dreams and expectations, and your quality of life. What’s important to know is that the beliefs you take on are not necessarily true.
If your home and/or school environments were loving and supportive, chances are you grew up with positive beliefs.
Assessing your self-esteem
If you enjoy all aspects of your life, your self-esteem is more than likely robust. On the other hand if you struggle with self-confidence or in relationships for example, you may have negative beliefs that are jeopardising your ability to achieve what you truly want. Uncovering these perceptions, attitudes and/or beliefs is where your power lies, because once you have, you can replace them with positive beliefs that allow you to fully blossom.
Benefits of a healthy self-esteem
- Motivation and pursuit of goals: People with positive self-esteem are more likely to set and pursue realistic goals as they believe in their ability to achieve success.
- Emotional wellbeing: Healthy self-esteem is associated with greater emotional resilience and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. Individuals with a higher self-esteem are often more capable of handling stress and setbacks.
- Positive relationships: Healthy self-esteem contributes to better interpersonal relationships. When individuals feel good about themselves, they are more likely to form and maintain positive connections with others.
- Resilience: Individuals with higher self-esteem tend to bounce back more easily from failures or setbacks. They are better equipped to learn from experiences and move forward.
- Mental health: Low self-esteem is often associated with conditions such as anxiety and depression. Cultivating a positive self-image can contribute to better mental health.
People with positive self-esteem are more likely to set and pursue realistic goals.
Self-esteem is an inside job
The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have, and by loving and supporting yourself, just as you are, you are in effect giving yourself a self-esteem boost. Start today by acknowledging:
- Personal achievements: Wins and successes, big or small, in various aspects of your life contribute to a healthy self-esteem. Focus on what you have achieved.
- Social relationships: Positive interactions and support from others can contribute to your sense of value and self-worth. Surround yourself with people who believe in you.
- Personal attributes: An awareness of your skills, abilities, and qualities plays a significant role in self-esteem. Own and enjoy them, they are your unique gifts.
- Body image: How you or anyone else may perceive your physical appearance can affect your self-esteem. Know you’re perfectly imperfect, just the way you are.
- Life experiences: Positive or negative experiences, especially during your formative years, can shape your self-esteem. Challenge your self-talk and create new thoughts.
Positive interactions and support from others can contribute to your sense of value and self-worth.
It’s never too late
Self-esteem is a dynamic and evolving aspect of your individual psychological makeup, regardless of your age or where you’re at right now. Building and maintaining a healthier self-esteem is an ongoing process that involves self-reflection, self-acceptance, and a curiosity about how you can live life better. And although it can be influenced by external factors, internal beliefs, and life experiences, you’re in the driver’s seat, so you can give yourself a self-esteem boost.
12 ways to give yourself a self-esteem boost
Improving your self-esteem involves cultivating a positive self-image and developing a stronger sense of self-worth. Here are some strategies you can use to help improve your self-esteem.
- Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would give a friend. When you catch yourself being self-critical tell the wounded child in you it’s ok, you’ve got this, and treat yourself with loving kindness.
- Set realistic goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps. If you don’t have any, then set aside time and dare to dream. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, as they contribute to a sense of accomplishment.
- Challenge negative self-talk: Pay attention to your inner dialogue and challenge negative thoughts. Negative beliefs are based on perceptions, which are often not true. Replace self-critical thoughts with more encouraging affirmations.
Replace self-critical thoughts with more encouraging affirmations.
- Surround yourself with positive influences: Seek out supportive and caring relationships, even if it means finding a new tribe. Distance yourself from any family, members, friends or individuals who try to undermine your self-worth or contribute to a sense of negative self-perception.
- Focus on strengths: Identify your strengths and talents. Ask yourself what do I do well? Am I allowing myself to shine? What comes easily to you? Recognise and appreciate the unique abilities and qualities that make you who you are.
- Accept compliments: Learn to accept compliments graciously rather than dismissing or downplaying them. Embrace them and allow yourself to internalise positive feedback.
Learn to accept compliments graciously rather than dismissing or downplaying them.
- Learn from mistakes: Instead of dwelling on failures, or mistakes you’ve made in the past, view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Identify lessons learned and use them to improve or make changes for the future.
- Take care of your physical health: Regular exercise, proper nutrition and adequate sleep can positively impact both your physical and mental well-being, adding to a more positive self-image.
- Engage in activities you enjoy: Pursue hobbies and activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment. Doing things you love or revisiting a passion you had put on the back burner, can boost your mood and confidence.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and prioritise your own needs. If in doubt, take time to consider what is right for you. Setting boundaries can help prevent feelings of overwhelm and foster a sense of control. They’re empowering.
- Seek professional help if needed: If low-self-esteem is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking the guidance of a therapist or counsellor. They can help provide support and strategies to address your underlying issues.
- Practice gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your perspective towards the positive.
Learn new skills and have fun exploring new ways to show up as you.
Life is a journey
Remember that working on giving yourself a self-esteem boost is a gradual process, and setbacks may occur. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you work towards building a more positive self-image. Learn new skills and have fun exploring new ways to show up as you. If you find it challenging to make progress on your own, seeking support from friends, family or a mental health professional can be valuable. It’s your time to blossom!
Love You. Love Life.
