8 Ways to Boost Your Self Esteem

Ways to boost your self-esteem

1. Change your self talks

   Stop negative thinking. Get rid of the bad thoughts you have about yourself. Instead, compliment your strengths and achievements. Remember the many things you do well.
   
   Right now, take a piece of paper and write down 5 things you do well. Tape this list to your bathroom mirror. Read the list several times each day until you can say this to yourself automatically.
   
   The next time you start to doubt yourself or someone’s comments make you feel low, remember this list. Use your personal accomplishments to come back to reality and believe in yourself again.
   
   

2. Beware of perfectionism

   Perfectionism is a stumbling block for many people—and one you need to move beyond. Make your goal to focus on accomplishments, even simple ones, rather than being perfect.
   
   No one is perfect—and trying to be perfect will cause you much pain and personal agony.
   
   

3. Move beyond your past failures

   Right now, forgive yourself for any past failures, mistakes, or slip-ups you have had. Successful people learn from mistakes and move forward. You can do the same.
   
   

4. Quit beating yourself up

   Stop putting yourself down for past mistakes. Let them go.
   
   Ignore your weaknesses and focus on your strengths. Soon everyone around you will notice your strengths and they, too, will look beyond your weaknesses to the new “you.”
   
   

5. Focus on learning new things

   Learn a new sport. Try playing a new instrument. Take a language class. Learn to dance. Do something new that only you can do—and be proud of yourself for tackling a new task.
   
   

6. Focus on others

   Turn your focus to others who need help. You might mentor a younger student or volunteer at your church. Be a tutor or help a neighbor with her yard work.
   
   Giving back to help others can make you feel better about yourself. When you make a difference in someone else’s life, your personal self-esteem will soar.
   
   

7. Know what you can change and what you can’t

   You may wish you were taller or slimmer. Or you may want bigger biceps or thinner thighs. It’s important to realize that there are certain “givens” in life -- like eye color, body type, and race. You have to except your “givens”—but if you want to have more friends, try smiling more. If you want to lose weight, cut back on calories and exercise more. Change what you can, and accept your “givens” in life.
   
   

8. Snap away negative thoughts.

   When you hear negative thoughts in your head, stop them. You might put a rubber band on your wrist and each time a negative thought pops in your mind, you snap the rubber band. After a while, you may change your thought process to steer clear of those painful, negative thoughts.