I'm looking for tips and strategies to build and maintain my self-esteem. I've struggled with this for a long time—growing up with low self-esteem, and even at 37, I still find it pretty shaky. I often have trouble being kind and loving to myself. What advice do you all have for someone in my situation?
5 Answers
Here’s an interesting trick: when talking to yourself, try using your inner child as a reference. Imagine you're speaking kindly to your 4-year-old self rather than the adult you. You wouldn't be harsh towards a child, right? Just picture them and speak kindly; it really helps cultivate compassion for yourself. Even swearing can add emphasis when helping yourself feel proud!
This concept really hits home! It's insane how much we can be hard on ourselves. I'm excited to give this a go.
Find what truly makes you feel proud and strive for that. Whether it's maintaining your health, treating others with kindness, or bringing honesty to your dealings, focus on being the best version of yourself. This helps build genuine self-esteem based on actions that matter to you.
This is solid advice! Knowing what values are important to me has helped me stay grounded.
I can relate to nurturing friendships and that mutual support! It's definitely uplifting.
Building self-esteem can feel really tough, but there are ways to tackle it. I've managed to transform from a shy kid to a more confident adult by focusing on a few key areas: 1) **Competence**: Keep learning and improving skills—whether it's reading, working out, or trying new things. 2) **Success**: Celebrate your achievements, even the small ones, and learn from failures rather than beating yourself up about them. 3) **Social Approval**: Surround yourself with supportive friends who build you up; their encouragement can be really impactful. 4) **World View**: Try to adopt a more positive outlook—focus on the good in situations. 5) **Humility**: Remember that everyone struggles, and it's okay to be imperfect. Reflecting on how you think and feel about yourself can also lead to growth!
Great insights! It's definitely about how we react to situations. I've found that taking a step back and assessing what I can control has really helped me respond more positively.
Competence and achievement resonate with me too! Setting specific goals helps keep track of progress, whether it's a race or a new skill.
One way to build self-esteem is by helping others. When I contribute—whether through work or volunteering—I find my value increases. Make sure you’re doing things that both empower you and contribute positively to others' lives. It’s rewarding and boosts your own sense of worth!
Totally agree! Helping people lifts my spirits too. It’s like a ripple effect of positivity.
For me, exercising has been a game changer. It's rewarding to see improvements in strength and endurance, and it feels good physically and mentally. Plus, looking better can really boost self-esteem. If you track your progress, that adds even more motivation!
Absolutely! Noticing physical changes boosts my confidence too. It feels great when others recognize your hard work!
I love this idea! I'm definitely going to try picturing my younger self and using that mindset.