Low Self-Esteem

"Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand-brake on."

― Maxwell Maltz

April 2, 2023

 / 

Lisa Ulshafer

 / 

Take the Assessment

Do you struggle with feelings of worthlessness or insecurity? Do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others and coming up short? You're not alone. Low self-esteem can be debilitating, affecting your relationships, your work, and your overall sense of well-being. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are things you can do to build up your self-esteem and feel more confident in yourself.

Here are some common signs that you may have low self-esteem:

• Constant self-criticism and negative self-talk.
  
  
• Fear of making mistakes or taking risks due to fear of failure or rejection.
  
  
• Difficulty accepting compliments or believing in one's own abilities.
  
  
• Seeking external validation and approval from others constantly.
  
  
• Avoidance of challenges or new opportunities due to lack of confidence.
  
  
• Comparing oneself unfavorably to others and feeling inadequate.
  
  
• Persistent feelings of unworthiness, shame, or guilt.
  
  
• Difficulty asserting oneself or setting healthy boundaries.
  
  
• Feeling anxious or overly self-conscious in social situations.
  
  
• Engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors or self-destructive patterns.

Here are 8 strategies to help you raise your self-esteem:

1. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Recognize that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes, and that it's okay to be imperfect.

2. Challenge negative self-talk: Become aware of negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, and challenge them with more realistic and positive perspectives. Replace self-criticism with self-encouragement.

3. Set and achieve realistic goals: Set achievable goals that align with your values and interests, and work towards achieving them. Accomplishing goals can boost your sense of competence and self-worth.

4. Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, support you, and believe in you. Avoid toxic relationships or environments that bring you down or diminish your self-esteem.

5. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in regular exercise, eat nourishing foods, get enough sleep, and prioritize self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

6. Celebrate your strengths and accomplishments: Recognize and celebrate your strengths, talents, and accomplishments, no matter how small. Give yourself credit for your achievements and acknowledge your worthiness.

7. Challenge perfectionism: Let go of the need to be perfect and accept that mistakes and failures are part of the learning process. Embrace a growth mindset and focus on progress rather than perfection.

8. Practice assertiveness: Assertively communicate your needs, opinions, and boundaries in a respectful and confident manner. Learning to advocate for yourself can boost your self-esteem and assert your worthiness.

When you raise your self-esteem, you develop a positive and healthy sense of self-worth that can profoundly impact your life. With high self-esteem, you are more likely to believe in your abilities, set and achieve meaningful goals, maintain healthy boundaries, and cultivate positive relationships. You are more resilient to setbacks and challenges, as you have a solid foundation of self-confidence to draw upon. You are better equipped to handle criticism and rejection, as you have a strong sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external validation. You are more likely to take risks, pursue your passions, and live authentically. Overall, life with high self-esteem can be more fulfilling, joyful, and empowering, as you navigate the world with a positive and confident mindset, and embrace your inherent worthiness.