Building Confidence in Oneself
No one is immune to periods of low self-esteem. But when low self-esteem persists over time, it can be detrimental to our mental health and our Ability to Function Normally in the world.
The Meaning of “Self-Esteem”
An individual’s level of self-esteem can be defined as their assessment of their own worth. When we have a healthy sense of self-worth, we can look at ourselves and the world with optimism. It strengthens our resilience, allowing us to weather the inevitable storms of life with grace and poise.
If you suffer from low self-esteem, you are more likely to have a pessimistic and critical outlook on yourself and your life in general. We also have less confidence in our ability to deal with whatever difficulties life throws at us.
Is There A Way To Fix Poor Self-Esteem?
Children typically start off life with a lack of confidence. We receive both positive and negative self-perception messages from a variety of sources, including our educators, peers, siblings, parents, and the media.
Somehow, the message that you are not good enough is the one that sticks with you. Perhaps it was challenging for you to meet your own or other people’s expectations of you. One’s sense of self-worth might decline as a result of prolonged exposure to stressful conditions or traumatic experiences like a terminal disease or the loss of a loved one.
It’s also possible for one’s personality to play a role. Some people have a natural tendency toward pessimism, while others hold themselves to impossible standards.
What Consequences Do We Face When We Don’t Value Ourselves?
People with poor self-esteem or confidence are more likely to withdraw from others, cease trying new things, and avoid undertaking tasks they find difficult.
Short-term, you may feel more secure if you avoid trying circumstances.
Over time, this can backfire if it serves to strengthen your underlying doubts and worries. You learn the harmful principle that the best way to handle stress is to avoid it altogether.
Depression and anxiety are only two of the mental health issues that can develop when someone consistently maintains a negative opinion of themselves.
As a coping mechanism, you might turn to harmful behaviors like smoking and excessive drinking.
Improving Your Own Self-Esteem
Identifying and disputing any unhelpful assumptions you may have made about yourself is an effective way to improve your self-image.
For instance, you may persuade yourself that you are “too foolish” to look for a new job or that “nobody cares” about you.
Keep track of your negative ideas by writing them down. Try to remember how long you’ve been having these ideas.
Once you’ve identified any limiting ideas, put down some facts that disprove them, such as “I’m particularly good at cryptic crosswords” or “My sister calls me every week to chat.”
In addition to “I am a superb cook” and “I am someone that others trust,” list more positive qualities about yourself.
Include positive things that have been spoken about you by others.
Get started with a list of at least five good things and keep it updated regularly. Next, post your list someplace you will be reminded of it frequently. You’ll be able to reassure yourself that everything is fine that way.
Maybe childhood experiences have left you feeling unworthy of love and acceptance, but it’s never too late to learn to love and accept yourself.
Additional Strategies for Boosting Self-Esteem
Here are a few more easy methods you might try to boost your confidence.
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Accept Your Strengths As They Are
Whether it’s preparing a meal, singing a song, solving a puzzle, or making friends, we all have our strengths. As a bonus, doing what you’re good at usually makes you happy.
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Make an Effort to Connect With Others in A Positive Way
If you discover that spending time with a certain person or group of individuals tends to bring you down, try limiting your interactions with them or communicating how you feel to them directly.
Connect with optimistic, appreciative people as much as you can.
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Treat Yourself Kindly
Self-compassion necessitates treating oneself gently, even when doing so feels like the right thing to do.
Just imagine you were in a similar position with a friend. Advice we provide to others is usually much better than the advice we give to ourselves.
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Gain the Ability to Assert Yourself
When you are assertive, you value and advocate for the needs and perspectives of others while expecting others to do the same.
One strategy is to observe confident individuals and model their behavior.
This has nothing to do with making up a false identity. It’s taking cues from those you look up to and allowing your true self shine through.
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To Begin Rejecting Offers, Say “No”
Those who struggle with their own sense of worth are more likely to agree to other people’s requests, even if they aren’t enthusiastic about it.
Becoming overwhelmed, resentful, angry, and depressed are all possibilities.
In most cases, saying “no” is not a relationship-killer. One strategy is to repeatedly respond negatively but in different ways until the other understands.
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Create a Test for Yourself
At times, we can all benefit from a little extra courage. People who have a healthy sense of self-worth, however, are not deterred by negative emotions and continue to push themselves toward new experiences and greater difficulties.
Create a plan for yourself, like signing up for a new fitness class or attending a gathering of friends. Your confidence will grow as you accomplish your objectives.
No one is immune to periods of low self-esteem. But when low self-esteem persists over time, it can be detrimental to our mental health and our Ability to Function Normally in the world. The Meaning of “Self-Esteem” An individual’s level of self-esteem can be defined as their assessment of their own worth. When we have…