Improving self-esteem is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. This is a key-steps guide and self-esteem worksheet to help you to quickly have some tools to develop your self-esteem. By implementing these strategies and practices, you can gradually build a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence:
Building Self-Esteem – Self-Help Guide
Self-esteem is related to your self-concept or ideas about yourself. If you have low self-esteem, you will often have a more critical view of yourself, your skills and your abilities. Self-esteem is based upon your past experiences and is affected by negative life-events. It is based on self-value whilst self-confidence is more about being positive about completing a task successfully.
Self-esteem is a measure of how “worthy” you feel and is a “take” on your opinion of yourself. Its influences spread throughout all aspects of your life.
Listed below are some of the tools that we teach clients to use in therapy to develop self-esteem.
1. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk or self-criticism, challenge those thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations and compassionate self-statements. For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” replace it with a positive affirmation like, “I am capable and deserving of success.”
2. Celebrate Your Achievements
Recognise and celebrate your accomplishments, big or small. Make a list of your achievements and revisit it regularly to remind yourself of your capabilities and strengths. For example, if you complete a challenging task at work, take a moment to acknowledge your effort and give yourself credit for a job well done. Treat yourself to a small reward or engage in a self-care activity as a way of celebrating your achievements.
3. Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. For example, prioritise self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities you love. This will help you to boost your mood and enhance your overall well-being. Set aside time for self-reflection and self-care rituals, such as meditation, journaling, or taking soothing baths.
4. Set Realistic Goals
By setting and reaching realistic goals, you build a sense of competence and accomplishment. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Set realistic and attainable goals that align with your values and interests. For example, if you want to learn a new skill, start by researching and enrolling in a beginner’s course. Celebrate each milestone along the way, such as completing each module or reaching a specific proficiency level.
5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. Seek out positive and nurturing relationships. For example, join social or hobby groups where you can connect with like-minded people who appreciate and value you for who you are. Distance yourself from toxic and negative influences that undermine your self-worth.
6. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind and compassionate toward yourself. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer a close friend. For example, when you make a mistake, instead of berating yourself, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. Practice self-forgiveness and remind yourself that making mistakes is a part of the human experience. Treat yourself with love, patience, and acceptance.
7. Engage in Positive Affirmations
Use positive affirmations to reframe your thoughts and beliefs about yourself. Create a list of positive statements that reflect your worth, strengths, and abilities. Repeat positive affirmations daily, especially in moments of self-doubt or negativity. For example, stand in front of a mirror and say, “I am worthy of love and respect. I believe in my abilities and embrace my uniqueness.”
8. Embrace Mistakes as Opportunities for Growth
View mistakes and failures as valuable learning opportunities. Embrace them as a chance to grow, improve, and develop resilience. Recognise that setbacks are a natural part of life, and they don’t define your worth or abilities. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward with determination. For example, if you make a mistake at work, reflect on what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and use that knowledge to improve your performance in the future.
Reflecting on Self-Esteem
Remember, building self-esteem takes time and effort. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the journey. With consistent practice and self-reflection, you can cultivate a healthy and positive self-image.
Please note that these references and self-help guides are intended as supplemental resources and should not replace professional diagnosis or treatment. Consulting with a mental health professional is recommended for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan. Further details and information/self-help…
Ken McLeish is Principal Therapist at Reflexions Counselling and Therapy in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Reflexions provides counselling and therapy for a wide range of issues. He can be contacted through the website: https://counselling-newcastle.co.uk .
Information contained here is not a substitute for face-to-face therapy. It can only every be one view of a situation and may not be applicable to your situation. You are advised to seek specialist support. The work here is a personal view which may change over time and should not be taken as representative of Reflexions Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Ken McLeish BA DMS MBA MSc MSc Cert Ed UKCP Reg
Reflexions Counselling and Psychotherapy
Saville House, NE1 8DQ
0191 5805080
https://counselling-newcastle.co.uk
