Improve Your Self-Esteem with These 5 Steps

People talk about self-esteem and its importance, but sadly, many still find it difficult to attain.

Self-esteem is your evaluation of your self-worth. Your level of self-esteem would mean the difference between confidence and shame, pride and despair.

Having low self-esteem — feeling less than others — can hamper your social life, build self-doubt, and prevent you from showcasing what you really have.

But when you already feel so low, how can you change your mindset overnight?

Understandably, it isn’t always that easy. But with conscious efforts, you can gradually improve your self-esteem.

Here are some things to help:

1. Realize that everyone is different

Perhaps you have a highly talented friend who steals all the attention wherever they go. Perhaps you’d love to be like them, but it seems you’re nowhere near. Or maybe you just feel you’re not living up to expectations. It’s alright to feel not good enough.

But it’s best to acknowledge that everyone is different, and you’ve got your strengths as well. You only need to shift your focus from others to yourself. This leads us to the next step.

2. Identify your positives

Instead of focusing on your weaknesses (which fuel your low self-esteem), identify the positives. What nice things have people said about you? What noticeable things have you achieved?

Whenever your mind wanders to the negatives, remind yourself that there are indeed good things as well. With consistent effort, this will become a part of you.

3. Replace toxic relationships with positive energy

Do you have a friend or sibling who makes you feel bad about yourself? It’s time to draw away. There are certainly other people who will appreciate you and make you feel better. These are the kind of people you want to be with.

4. Improve your physical appearance where you can

When you look good, you naturally exude confidence. Self-esteem is often associated with self-confidence, so it helps to improve your physical appearance wherever you can. Wear fitting, stylish clothes, care for your skin and hair, and appear elegant.

If you have certain bodily features that make you feel bad about yourself, such as excess weight or a poorly shaped nose, you can work on it. Scheduling a procedure with top rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Fechner can help you reshape an oddly-shaped nose, perfecting your facial appearance. This will, in turn, enhance your self-esteem as you look in the mirror.

5. Learn to say no

People with low self-esteem generally find it hard to say no and stand up for themselves. They give in to people’s demands and lose themselves in the process. This behavior comes from the perception that their needs are of little value compared to those of others. They do not want to hurt the feelings of others even though it means hurting theirs.

Giving yourself completely to people’s wants may increase stress, and you find yourself empty, unable to live for yourself. It would help to refuse people sometimes, especially when you need to rest or do something else that matters to you. Know what you want for yourself, and you’ll develop a sense of self-belief.

Finally…

Do something new. Take on challenges. Get out of your shell and be prepared to do something that may be difficult to achieve. Do your best to succeed and find your inner strength.

By succeeding, you show yourself that you, too, can achieve great things.