We all have those days where we literally cannot bare to even look in the mirror, and we all have those moments where we feel like we’re not good enough for someone/something. If you think you’re alone when you feel like that; you’re not. Self-esteem isn’t going to come over night, there are small steps you need to take, and small steps lead to big changes. That’s why we’ve put together 8 steps that you can take to change the way you feel and think about yourself. You may think; are these really going to make a difference? But the truth is – yes. It doesn’t have to be a huge life change, you can take it step by step and little changes wont feel like big scary leaps. We can be our own worst enemy, but these steps are tools to help yourself. Simple but effective steps – you’ve got nothing to lose, right?
I know it can get hard sometimes, when you feel like everything in your life is going wrong, or you see flaws in every aspect of yourself. When you let these thoughts in, they won’t go away unless you block them out. Always stay positive and always be optimistic, do not put yourself down. Be positive about the things around you, about other people and most importantly, about yourself. Cut negative people out of your life, surround yourself with positivity, always. Everyday may not be good, but you can find good in everyday.
Has your friend gained a promotion? Good for them! Has your sister bought her own home? Be happy for her! Life isn’t a competition. Aim to out-do your past and out-grow yourself – not other people. Someone else’s success is not your failure. Just because something might be right for one person, doesn’t mean that it’s right for you. Although you might think everyone is perfect, and you might think everyone has it all figured out – more often than not they don’t. Don’t worry about other people, and don’t compare what they’re doing to what you are doing, focus on yourself.
The way you talk to yourself matters. Talk to yourself how you would talk to your friends. Be kind to yourself like you would be kind to them. Build yourself up, support and encourage yourself. Be delicate and don’t put yourself down, every chance you get, think of something good and that you like about yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, but all you can do is try – be your own biggest fan.
In order to boost self-esteem, you’ve got to firstly, believe in yourself and secondly, love yourself. Take time out for you, do things that make you happy. Read books, get more sleep or have a total pamper; face masks, chocolate and candles – the lot! Do things that will make you feel better, and what makes you truly happy. That might be spending quality time with friends, taking long drives listening to your favourite songs or simply taking a red hot bubble bath. In fact, why not try something new? Push yourself out of your comfort zone and find something new you’re good at.
Remember everyday is a new beginning, a new opportunity to do something you can be proud of. A chance to start a fresh; a new day means a new mind set. Along the way, it’s inevitable that you’re going to make mistakes. But, the good thing about mistakes is that they teach us what we need to know. We make mistakes, we learn from them and then we move on from them. But always remember; it’s ok to make mistakes.
Be good to other people, try and do a ‘good deed of the day’, every day. Whether it’s giving up your seat on the bus or opening a door for someone, helping other people will make you feel better about yourself. In fact, why not help yourself? Try cleaning your bedroom or washing your car. Long, overdue jobs that you’ve finally had the chance to complete. These may seem stupid and hopeless to you now, but they will allow you to feel a sense of achievement. Feel proud of yourself – when you do good, you feel good.
Friendship has a massive impact on your self-esteem. Although self-esteem isn’t a mental illness, it can often lead down that path. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people you can fully trust and rely on. Talking things out, saying things out loud and confiding in someone who has your best interests at heart is a stepping stone in boosting self-esteem. Accept compliments, take advice and acquire support off your nearest and dearest.
Try and motivate yourself. Have a deep sleep, get up early and be as productive as you can. When you get things done, no matter how insignificant those things may be, you feel a sense of achievement, and that is the perfect pick-me-up. Take one step at a time; listen to some upbeat and feel good music, make yourself a coffee and start the day as you mean to go on. Give yourself that pep talk we all have to give ourselves when we need it most.
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