From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: 8 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem Today!

Did you know that February is International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month? If not, now you do. If you have been feeling a little down lately, we hope after reading this blog post "From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: 8 ways to Boost Your Self Esteem" your situation will change for the better. The purpose of International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month is to cultivate deep, unshakeable self-worth rooted in self-acceptance, self-compassion, and personal or professional growth not just fleeting things you hear people talk about.

What is Self Esteem?:

Self-esteem is the foundation for living courageously, thriving, and enjoying life. True self-esteem comes from within, not extrinsically as many seem to think that it does. Unfortunately, many people struggle with low self-esteem because of societal pressures, trauma, or negative self-talk among other things. The good news is there are proven strategies to elevate one's self-worth that can be incorporated into your lifestyle as early as today to notice results rather quickly. Today, if you decide to, you no longer need to chase surface-level confidence that can lead you depleted and desperate for praise and validation outside of yourself. Today you can make a decision to change the way you see yourself and choose to always look at and accept yourself just as you are. The good, the bad and the ugly, you see as long as you have breath you can encourage yourself to be whoever you choose to be so stay strong and of a growth mindset and build your self-esteem. 

Consider these 8 ways to boost your self-esteem, open your mind and see things from a different perspective while nurturing your inner being:

1.    Protect Your Environment:

a.     Our surroundings matter: oftentimes, our confidence and courage are impacted by the environment we exist in. Therefore, it is imperative to be mindful of those we allow in our space by protecting it as much as we can. People can either boost our morale or tear it down with their energy, words, and actions. Take inventory of relationships in your life and do your best to limit those that may be dragging you down or that are not aligned with where you see yourself going in the future. Then intentionally welcome uplifting new people into your life who celebrate you for being you. Value you, know your worth, and recognize that your space really does matter and can have a detrimental or loving impact on your self-esteem.

b.    Learn to say "No" and know that it is okay to do so if that is what you really feel or want to say. Don't feel guilty for standing up for yourself. You have one life to live, live it wisely and live it happily.

• Who in your life makes you feel seen, heard or accepted just as you are; unconditionally?

2.    Uniquely Made:

a.   You are one of a kind, you are uniquely made, no one else on this earth was designed like you, and when you begin to believe and understand that you can stop comparing yourself with other people and their purpose. Everyone's path is different and therefore you should be proud of all your imperfections and gifts equally. You are here in this decade, century with a purpose like no other. Boost your self-esteem by knowing that there is no one else like you on this planet that is intended to do what you are supposed to be doing in your lifetime. Live your best life consciously, expectantly, and confidently.

• What are two characteristics about yourself you love and how can you nurture them more? 

3.    Self-Reflect:

a.  Take some time daily, weekly, or even monthly to reflect on your achievements, strengths, and the bottlenecks you've overcome. Notice what has stirred up in you to help you become more confident. Acknowledge things were not always easy, but you persevered through by using your determination and resilience, this helps to build a foundation for positive self-perception, so the next time similar situations arise you are ready to tackle them with ease.

• What have you noticed?

4.    Set Smart Goals

a. A powerful catalyst for boosting self-esteem comes from setting SMART Goals for personal growth as well as acting on them. When individuals define achievable objectives, they create a sense of purpose and direction, reinforcing their belief in their abilities. Each small achievement on the journey toward those goals becomes a building block for confidence. The process of setting, pursuing, and accomplishing goals fosters a positive cycle, showcasing one's capabilities and determination. As milestones are reached, individuals gain a tangible sense of accomplishment, affirming their competence and fueling a positive self-image. Ultimately, goal setting transforms aspirations into reality, contributing significantly to elevated self-esteem. 

• What goals can you set this month to help you on this journey?

5.    Practice Compassion

a.   Many assume self-esteem comes from success, praise, status, or appearance. But one overlooked yet powerful source of authentic self-worth lies in being a compassionate human being, extending empathy and care for yourself and others. Practicing gentleness cultivates resilience against criticism that erodes insecurity and therefore is needed often.

• How will you show yourself some compassion? How about others too?

6.    Positive Affirmation

a.   Regularly stating positive words about your capabilities and potential can actually have you believe all the things you are saying about yourself and situations and have them come into existence when you are consistent. You see affirmations redirect our attention towards strengths, accomplishments, and positive characteristics, fostering a more balanced perspective on life vs. the negative. Positive affirmations can help anyone believe that just about anything is possible; especially when coupled with faith.

b.    Speak positive words over yourself and those you love often as this is a necessity as you walk through life on earth, and it is written in the bible. There are so many unscrupulous things around ready to capitalize when we fail or fall and they try to keep us there; however, today consider challenging your negative self-talk with positive. Affirm your beauty, strength, smarts, possibilities, or your willingness to achieve whatever it is that you seek in your life. Words have power, good or bad they can work in your favor so, choose wisely the next thing that comes out of your mouth. Pinch or use a rubber band to pluck yourself anytime you say anything negative about yourself; eventually, you will get tired of the marks on your body and begin to affirm the good things you have and desire in life. The key to seeing positive affirmation come to fruition is to practice them regularly and to act on what you are seeking to accomplish.

• What can you say to activate your energy and boost your self-esteem every morning no matter how you may feel?

7.    Celebrate Your Wins

a.   When milestones or goals get checked off, it’s easy to breeze right into the next task without pausing for applause. However, taking time to actively celebrate accomplishments is crucial for everyone's self-esteem. Recognizing our wins, no matter how small they may be, trains our inner voice to speak words of pride rather than criticism. Over time, these celebrations teach us to champion our life's journey at every stop. Saying "Congrats" out loud to yourself (be proud), patting yourself on the back, taking yourself to a meal or an entertainment event, and writing yourself a thank you letter are all things you can do to recognize something great that you have accomplished.

• What was one win you had thus far this month?

8.    Work With A Coach

a.     The journey towards boosting self-esteem is undoubtedly a personal one, but it doesn't have to be a solitary one. Just as athletes benefit from the expertise and support of a coach, people on the path of self-discovery can experience profound positive benefits by embracing the guidance of a trusted confidant. The collaborative effort of self-encouragement and coaching creates a synergistic effect that propels individuals towards a stronger, more positive self-image. As you navigate the journey of life, consider the transformative impact a coach can have on your self-esteem, empowering you to reach new heights and realize your fullest potential. Nurture Your Self-Esteem with a coach visit the Nurture What Matters page to learn more.

• Can you think of a way that a coach can help with building your self-esteem

 Conclusion:

In conclusion, true self-esteem comes from within yourself, not from validation by others. It emerges from operating in line with your intrinsic values and cultivating self-acceptance despite flaws or imperfections that exist. Comprehending and accepting the truth, that no one is perfect, and everyone has their stuff, beginning to implement one or two self-esteem-boosting strategies, and then adding more techniques as they become needed is the way to go. You may be amazed at how vibrant life becomes when you embrace your gifts. This International Boosting Self-Esteem Month; elevate the one relationship always worth strengthening - the one with yourself. Because you matter and are worth the boost.

Pondering Question:

How can your life change for the better when you increase your self-esteem?

Bible Verse(s):

I am strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9)

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)