Introduction
Sometimes we become a bit down about ourselves, don't we? Maybe your project didn't get the results you were striving for, or maybe it's just that something feels off. This is absolutely typical! Yet if all that self-doubt continues to linger, it can affect your overall confidence and level of happiness. It turns out that self-esteem has the last word in this respect. Self-esteem is literally how you see yourself, and it can make or break your entire life. However, to gradually increase your confidence level go through the following 10 steps in order step up and improve self-esteem.
1. Be Kind to Yourself
We can be really hard on ourselves at times, cant we? It is easy to engage in negative thinking if things do not happen as planned. But then think about how you talk to yourself in a similar situation with those that are dearest — most likely extremely empathetic. Start with practicing some self-love, give yourself a break and be kind to you. Did you make an error? But you are only human!
Importance of this:
Being kind to yourself, in turn lowers your stress and creates a more positive view of it selves.Experience based, Practical advice Would I talk to a friend the way that I talked about myself in those moments? Simply put, change your mind – if that is possible.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Satisfying to cross items off of your to-do list right? One way to increase confidence in yourself is setting achievable goals. Start with the simplest ones first, like drinking more water or cleaning up one of your messy drawers. By doing little things like this will make you feel good about yourself and that sensation can be a small building block to run with as proof why YOU CAN DO IT!
Here is a helpful tip:
Break Down Large Goals in to Small Manageable Tasks One completed task is a win.
Example:A daily 10-minute walk to form the base of a routine exercise habit. And as you practice it more and continue to grow in this area.
3. Focus on What You’re Good At
We all have talents we are really good at but these tend to go unnoticed. Take a break and think of your qualities - be it in cooking or level headedness, etc. Whatever it is, recognising and celebrating your wins will boost self esteem like nothing else.
Action Step:
Write down your strong points and have it somewhere that you can see it every day.
Example:
Blogging or writing essay in journal if you are fluent enough with words. When you do things that your great at doing, it builds confidence.
4. Associate with the Right Crowd — Surround Yourself with Positive People
Who you hang around also has a huge impact on how you see yourself. It is hard to feel good when we are constantly being put down by the people around us. Fill your life with positive people who uplift you and value your existence.
Practical Advice:
It is okay to set limits and create distance from a person that is always negative in your life.
Real-Life Example:
Just reflect on a time when you were over the moon from interacting with another individual. That is the kind of company you should keep!
5. Practice Gratitude Every Day
Gratitude is about pointing your attention at what you do have. Even in disdain, it is hard to stay unhappy for too long with all that you have/will come got ya and so much more. Take few moments every day to acknowledge what you are grateful for, no matter how big or small it may be (your health, a favorite meal or a heartfelt text message received).
Gratitude Exercise:
Keep a gratitude journal writing three things you are grateful for each day. Altering the way you look at things is quite an effortless technique.
Example:
Think of one good thing that happened today before you log out. It could be anything from having a good chat with one of my colleagues, to some personal victory.
6. Challenge Negative Thoughts
They can bring your mood down, negative thoughts but the encouraging news is you don't have to entertain them. Identify and challenge negative self-talk. Are you sure that this is really true? Most often though, you will discover that those thoughts are completely unfounded.
Example:
Stop believing you will always fail at this, and think more like "I'm learning/improving every day."
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Study Insight:
CBT strategies and a construct of healthy self-esteem can help you challenge negative thought patterns in light of living with HIV or improve general mental health.
7. Take Care of Your Body
When you feel good in your skin, it becomes much easier to be positive in the head. Exercise, eat well and get a lot of sleep. Techniques like going for a morning run or healthy choices make all the difference in how you perceive yourself.
Health Tip:
Daily Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days and get at least 7-8 hours sleep per night
Example:
If the gym is not your thing then do something physical that you love, maybe else dancing, swimming or hiking. The goal is to keep moving!
8. Learn Something New
The new informations are good for quenching the mind's thirst and it also enhances confidence; Take up a new hobby, enroll yourself in some course or delve into your favourite subject to amplify your sense of achievement and bolster the level of confidence within you.
Learning Opportunities:
Find some free courses online or start reading a book on a topic you've always been curious about.
Example:
If you always wanted to learn cooking, begin with basic recipes and work your way up. It only boosts your confidence more the further you know.
9. Give Back to Others
It is a good way to increase your self-esteem if you help others. Doing something kind for someone else can boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of satisfaction. When you help, support a friend or volunteer it is like an instant confidence boost.
Suggestion for volunteers:
Find a charity or group in your local area where you can volunteer some of your time or knowledge. The satisfaction you can receive from knowing that you gave back to someone.
Real-Life Example:
Try to remember an instance when you helped somebody and how much better did it made you feel? There is a reward system and payoff for helping others that also impacts your self-worth.
10. Accept your flaws.
Nobody suffers from being imperfect because everyone is. It can also result into stress and disappointment because nobody is perfect. Instead of hiding them, embrace them and attribute your flaws to what makes you unique. You first need to realize that accepting yourself, as imperfect you is the key towards a solid self-esteem attitude.
Practical Step:
Stay encourage and remember that you won't be perfect, the goal is progress. Pat yourself on the back for taking consistent action, even when it is not executed perfectly.
Inspirational Quote:
"Perfection is an illusion, the lie our brain has fed us for years. — Shannon L. Alder
Conclusion
Boosting your confidence will take a while, but with little steps done regularly you could soon start to feel more positive about yourself. Be kind to yourself, manageable goal setting play on your strengths and avoid negativity. Practicing these tactics repeatedly will help you develop self-confidence and trust in yourself.
Action Step: Ready to skyrocket your self-esteem? Pick one from the suggestions above and take an action today. Share your personal growth and well-being related stories in the comment section below.Read more similar blog posts. If you enjoy this article, share it with a friend who could use some inspiration!
