How to Improve Self Esteem

Are you constantly striving for self-esteem without ever truly embracing it? This exhausting cycle can be draining. By the end of this blog, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the importance of self-esteem and learn practical steps to enhance yours.

Why Self Esteem is Important

Strong self-esteem is essential in life. When you begin to believe in your own value, you'll understand your importance. This belief will give you the energy to overcome setbacks and navigate tough times. You'll also find yourself focusing more on your own needs rather than constantly trying to please others.

Improve Self Esteem and Self Worth

I'm going to share some actionable steps you can take today to boost your self-esteem. First, take a moment to reflect on these questions to establish your starting point.

Here are some questions to reflect on:

- Am I deeply affected by others' criticisms?

- Do I frequently highlight my own mistakes to myself and others?

- Do I graciously accept compliments?

- Do I genuinely believe people when they praise me or my achievements?

- Do I feel the need to do everything flawlessly?

- Can I acknowledge my mistakes?

- If I can't do something perfectly, do I avoid it altogether?

- Do I struggle to set limits on how much I give to others?

- Do I find it difficult to establish boundaries for any project I undertake?

- Do I hesitate to try new tasks out of fear of failure?

- Do I see mistakes as equivalent to failure?

- Am I constantly observing and evaluating myself?

- Do I scrutinize my every move?

- Do I treat everything I do as highly significant, or do I use good judgment to differentiate between major and minor tasks, significant and insignificant ones?

- How often have I said yes to myself this week, this year?

Can Self Esteem be improved?

Your answers to these questions will reveal how much support you withhold from yourself and how hard you work to gain others' approval. After reflecting on these questions you may be thinking that your self-esteem could use a boost, but how? here are a few tips to help you.

How to Improve Self Esteem

Are you wondering how to improve self esteem? Here are six things you can start doing today to improve yourself esteem.

1. Give yourself a break. Stop the self-criticism and negative self-talk whenever you slip up. Life's tough as it is. No one should have to endure self-humiliation in their own thoughts.

2. Keep aiming for your goals and setting your standards, but keep them within reach. Success builds on itself. Start with small, achievable goals, put in the work, and give yourself credit for your efforts. Then, set your sights on the next set of realistic goals.

3. When someone gives you a compliment, take it in. Believe it. Let it sink in and feel its impact.

4. When you receive criticism, don't immediately accept it as gospel. Take a step back and examine it carefully to see if there's something useful you can extract from it. Filter out any insults or negativity, focusing solely on the constructive aspects.

5. Pause and reflect on your self-expectations. Ensure they resonate with your personal values and what feels right for you in the present moment. Challenge any deep-seated beliefs that may be influencing you without examination. Taking control of your expectations is a powerful way to boost your self-esteem.

6. Look for ways to say "Yes" to yourself every day. If you're not willing to, why expect others to?

If you are interested in learning about therapy or would like to setup an appointment with Person to Person Psychotherapy, serving New Jersey & New York residents, call 908-224-0007.