BE YOU – 5 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem

It can be extremely hard to believe in yourself when you start to compare your life with others, especially when you have access to a virtual world that constantly advertises and promotes how to “live your life”. There are times you may compare the way you look with celebrities online. You may start to develop a new definition of success when you discover another person with similar life experiences. Have you had negative thoughts about your appearance? Have you compared your level of achievements to your coworkers? Do you allow your inner critic to stop you from doing the things you enjoy or trying new things? In times of doubt or self-consciousness your level of confidence and self-esteem are very vulnerable. 

Here are 5 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem, these are tips to remind you to BE the best version of YOU there is:

1. Stop comparing yourself 

Everybody is unique in their own way which makes them who they are. Focus on living your own life and becoming the best version of you.

2. Recognize your strengths 

You have your own strengths and qualities! Recognize what best qualities you have to offer to the world. 

3. Rethink which relationships matter 

It is important to invest your time in relationships with supportive friends who lift you up and have your back.

4. Learn to accept compliments 

Quiet the negative self-talk and don’t let that voice put you down. The people around you see certain qualities you possess that you sometimes forget that you have. Practice saying “thank you” when someone pays you a compliment. 

5. Explore a passion 

When you explore a new passion, it brings exciting feelings of curiosity, growth and joy that can sometimes be forgotten when you are focused on a daily routine. 

When you are experiencing milestones such as entering post-secondary education or starting a new job, you may have worries about how others view you. It is hard to not be your own worst critic in everything that you do. When you are feeling down or start to think about only the negatives take a PAUSE and REFLECT. Remind yourself of the tips above and replace those negative thoughts and opinions with positive aspects of yourself that you have to offer. 

There are many other ways to boost your self-esteem, try one of the activities below during a time of reflection: 

• Look at yourself in the mirror and compliment yourself 
• Write 5 strengths and talents you have
• Ask a friend or loved one to name 3 strengths that you have 
• Write a letter to your past self about the achievement you are proud of, mistakes you learned from and advice on how to do things differently

References:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098
https://biglifejournal-uk.co.uk/blogs/blog/self-confidence-building-activities

https://www.take2minutes.org/page_blog_build_self_esteem.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga1DxjZ_qJwhdOzwANS7NM7qNkpvwwxTC2AtnAoXIecrYICxbGWwWdMaAn-TEALw_wcB