Despite all the hype portrayed by social media and self-development gurus, learning how to overcome low self-esteem can be a challenging journey. To come to terms with this problem and admit that you need help is not easy.
However, it is important to know that with the right approach, self-worth can be nurtured, grown, and strengthened with time. You must develop the right mindset to take this journey and see results.
WebMD defines low self-esteem as lacking confidence in yourself and your abilities.
“Low self-esteem is when someone lacks confidence about who they are and what they can do. They often feel incompetent, unloved, or inadequate. People who struggle with low self-esteem are consistently afraid about making mistakes or letting other people down.”
So how can you overcome low self-esteem? What steps can you take to improve your self-confidence and build courage?
How To Overcome Low Self-Esteem
Developing a positive self-view may not happen overnight. However, by following these five tips, you can take steady steps toward a healthier, more empowered you.
Remember to be patient with yourself because change takes time and perseverance.
Here’s how you can build a stronger sense of self-worth:
1. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Low self-esteem often stems from a cycle of negative thinking that can become automatic over time.
This inner critic or negative self-talk can seem insignificant, but overtime, it can have a powerful impact on how you see yourself.
Negative self-talk is that voice in your mind that might say things like, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I’ll never be as good as them.”
Recognizing when this voice takes over is the first step in overcoming it. When you catch yourself in these negative patterns, pause and take a deep breath. The next step is to challenge these thoughts. Are they true? Could they be exaggerated or skewed by self-doubt? Do they represent who you are?
Often, negative thoughts are not based on facts but on fear. By reframing them with more compassionate, realistic alternatives, you can create a new habit of thinking.
For instance, instead of thinking, “I’m terrible at public speaking,” try telling yourself, “I may be nervous, but I can improve with practice.”
Over time, these small mindset shifts can accumulate, helping you feel more confident in your abilities and ultimately helping you to overcome low self-esteem.
2. Focus on Your Strengths
It is common to become fixated on areas where you feel that you fall short. However, constantly comparing yourself to others or measuring your self-worth by your weaknesses only feeds low self-esteem.
Instead, make a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate your unique strengths and achievements. You can start by listing your strengths, whether skills, personal qualities, or small victories you’re proud of. It could be anything from being a good friend to having a knack for solving problems.
Once you’ve noted these strengths, remind yourself of them daily.
Some people keep a “strength journal” to record moments when they feel proud or accomplished. Reflecting on these can help boost your self-esteem by reminding you of what makes you valuable.
Each small acknowledgment of your strengths builds a foundation of self-worth, giving you the confidence to face new challenges.
When you focus on what you can do instead of what you feel you lack, you’ll see a positive shift in how you view yourself.
3. Set Achievable Goals
Setting realistic goals is an excellent way to boost self-esteem. Accomplishing small objectives can help you feel capable and motivated.
However, the key here is to keep the goals achievable. Aiming too high or setting unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of failure, which feeds into a cycle of low self-esteem. Instead, try starting with small, manageable goals that don’t overwhelm you.
For instance, instead of setting a broad goal like, “I want to get fit,” break it down into smaller steps like, “I’ll go for a 15-minute walk three times this week.”
Setting realistic and achievable goals and celebrating each one you complete will build your confidence over time. Each goal you check off is a reminder that you are strong and capable. With each accomplishment, your self-esteem grows, and the challenges that once seemed daunting start to feel more approachable.
This is a simple but powerful strategy for overcoming low self-esteem: recognize your ability to achieve and succeed.
Read also: How to Be a Good Manager: 9 Key Strategies for Success
4. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people we surround ourselves with play a big role in shaping how we view ourselves.
Spending time with supportive, positive, and encouraging people can significantly impact your self-esteem. Positive people not only uplift you; they reflect a healthier and kinder perspective of who you are. These are the friends who cheer you on, family members who genuinely listen, and mentors who believe in your potential.
Take some time to think about the people in your life and how they make you feel. Are there individuals who constantly criticize, belittle, or drain you emotionally? If so, it may be worth considering whether these relationships are beneficial for your self-esteem.
While it might not always be easy to distance yourself from certain people, prioritizing those who uplift and respect you can create a healthier social environment. When you’re surrounded by positivity, it’s easier to feel good about yourself and overcome low self-esteem. You have people reinforcing a more balanced and uplifting perspective of who you are.
5. Practice Self-Care
Self-care goes beyond just pampering yourself; it’s about nurturing your overall well-being—physical, emotional, and mental.
Taking care of yourself is a powerful way to show that you are worthy of time and effort. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep, and relaxation techniques are all essential components of self-care that can greatly impact your mood and sense of self-worth.
Consider developing a daily or weekly self-care routine that fits into your lifestyle. This could include engaging in activities like yoga, stretching, journaling, meditating, or simply dedicating time to a hobby that you enjoy.
Self-care routines don’t need to be elaborate; sometimes, the most effective practices are the simplest, like spending a few minutes each day reflecting on what you’re grateful for or spending time in nature.
When you prioritize self-care, you reinforce the message that you deserve to feel good and be treated well. Over time, these acts of care can contribute to higher self-esteem by reinforcing the knowledge that you are valuable and worth the investment.
Conclusion
Building self-esteem isn’t about transforming yourself overnight; it is a journey that requires patience, practice, and compassion.
As you work to overcome this issue, remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
The above tips will guide you along the way, helping you develop a stronger, healthier relationship with yourself.
You have the power to change your inner dialogue, recognize your worth, and step into a more confident version of yourself.
Keep believing in your growth and trust that you have the strength to overcome low self-esteem and build the future you deserve.