Feeling confident is important, whether we realize it or not. Healthy confidence and self esteem can better equip us in our daily lives to handle just about everything. Whether it be work, school, social interaction, personal relationships, relationships with family and friends, or your perception of your own ability and self worth, confidence can lead us to better fulfilled, happier and stress free lives. If you are confident in knowing what you can do and what wonderful qualities you possess, it will leave you with a feeling of self assurance, ready for any challenges you may face.
All of us take hits to our self esteem from time to time. It can be easy to question ourselves when we’re feeling lonely, sad or inadequate. But when low confidence and self esteem become our predominant mode of interaction with ourselves and the world, it becomes problematic. So, here are 5 practical and easy solutions to help boost your self esteem!
All of us take hits to our self esteem from time to time. It can be easy to question ourselves when we’re feeling lonely, sad or inadequate. But when low confidence and self esteem become our predominant mode of interaction with ourselves and the world, it becomes problematic. So, here are 5 practical and easy solutions to help boost your self esteem!
1. Keep a Feel Good Jar
Find an empty jar and some paper. Next, make a list of as many positive qualities about yourself that you can name. It may feel strange trying to sit down and write about how great you are if you’re not feeling very good about yourself but this exercise is well worth the effort. Come up with as many positive qualities that you can think of. Add things others have told you in the past. Perhaps someone complimented your outfit recently? Or maybe a friend remarked what a help you were to them in a time of need? Anything goes! Divide your quality and compliment list into individual slips of paper and insert them into your jar. The next time you need a confidence boost, go to your Feel Good Jar and pull out a slip. It’s guaranteed to remind you that you’ve got plenty of things to be proud of and smile about.2. Remember Past Successes
Sometimes we forget past trials and difficulties we’ve faced. And in those past experiences, we made our way through them to be where we are today, and that’s really something. If it helps, write them down: list off some tough things you have persevered through in the past. This will remind you of your strength, competence and tenacity. Chances are, these little mental reminders will reinforce your confidence, helping you remember that you’re capable, talented and accomplished.3. Do Something New
Maybe it’s time to try a new hobby, activity or sport! Being social and active will not only make you feel good, but it will build your confidence and self esteem. When you prove the voice of self doubt in your head wrong by showing it, Yes, I can, you’ll see your self esteem soar to new heights. If it seems like too daunting an idea to throw yourself out there so vigorously, start with something smaller. Do an errand you’ve been putting off or do some research into where you can find places to participate in the new activity or sport. It’s all about taking one step at a time.4. Learn to Recognize Your Inner Critic
Everyone has a voice inside that crops up from time to time. This voice can be self sabotaging, telling us things like, “You can’t do that,” or “You aren’t good enough,” or “Look at that mistake you made! That’s terrible!” The problem is, many of us don’t realize it’s happening. The inner monologue of negative self talk can be toxic and detrimental and the only way to eradicate it is to start identifying it the moment it pops up. Just taking the simple action of noticing the voice of self criticism and self doubt can halt it in its tracks.
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