Self-esteem is reflective of one's opinion and perception about oneself. High levels of personal esteem enhance someone's ability to actively create a life based on pursuit of natural passions, health and happiness, and meaningful connections.
People who desire to boost self-esteem should first assess their baseline sense of personal image, power and courage. Questions to consider regarding personal esteem levels include the following:
- "Am I worthy enough?"
- "Do I love myself?"
- "Can I set boundaries with others?"
- "Do I respect myself?"
- "Do I stand up for myself?"
- "Am I deserving of receiving good?"
- "Am I capable of overcoming challenges?"
- "Can I cope well with stress?"
- "Am I trustworthy and likeable?"
- "Are my thoughts, feelings, and actions positive?"
- "Do I make healthy, confident choices?"
Self-awareness is the initial key in determining one's degree of esteem. A balanced, consistent sense of healthy personal image and confidence should be the goal of those seeking to improve self-esteem.
Forgiveness for Past Mistakes
Blocks to increasing self-esteem can stem from guilt or shame about past mistakes. Though decisions from the past may not have been the best, it's important for people to realize the present opportunity for self-reflection, forgiveness, and compassion.
Someone will not be able to change what has already happened, but he or she does have control over choices now and in the future. Through self-forgiveness and understanding, one can choose the healthier option next time, and the stress of shame, guilt, or decreased self-esteem will not be there.
Surround Self with Positive People, Places, and Situations
Although true peace and esteem are internal concepts, surrounding oneself externally with happy people, places, and experiences can be uplifting and inspiring. When people are exposed to harmful events or others who are negative, their personal energy is drained and they may be left feeling sorry for themselves.
Manipulating, controlling, or dominating people can decrease one's sense of self-esteem. When someone is at a low-point, he or she is less likely to set boundaries confidently and may feel powerless. Being around supportive friends, participating in motivational groups, or watching spiritual cinema movies can increase perception of self-worth.
Incorporate Holistic Self-Care into Daily Routine
If people routinely put others' needs before their own, they risk neglecting their personal values, needs, and desires. Engaging in mental (say affirmations), emotional (laugh and play), physical (exercise and rest), and spiritual (journal and meditate) self-care on a daily basis can help them understand that their needs are equally important.
Self-care habits are different than selfish acts due to their inherent nature. When performing self-care rituals, one should remain cognizant of and responsible for other life aspects as well - career, family, friends, finances, and health. Selfish activities are often employed irrespective of their impact on life situations.
Actively Participate in an Enjoyable Hobby
Healthy hobbies are a great outlet to channel negative energy into productive results. Completion of a garden, knitted sweater or even difficult crossword puzzle can all develop self-esteem. As someone feels comfortable with one victory in one challenge, he or she may feel more capable of conquering another, higher level feat.
Sharing joy from hobbies can also boost confidence and help others connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Working on a project with someone else is another way to build a positive self-image because it holds one accountable for his or her actions.
Start a Personal Growth and Development Journey
Having a readiness and willingness to develop oneself and actualize one's potential can help build esteem. Taking steps every day to improve one's life, whether changes or minor or major, can strengthen abilities to overcome challenges and manage stressors.
Self-guided improvement should consider the holistic self - mind, body, heart, and soul. When making adjustments to love life, career, or financial situations, one may want to include assessments of thoughts, emotions, actions, and sense of spiritual emerging and purpose related to each.
By honoring true feelings, pursuing talents and interests, and heeding personal desires, one can naturally amplify esteem. Remember to measure success on a journey by comparing progress with a personal path, not another individual's quest.
Sources:
- SelfGrowth.com. 10 Powerful Strategies to Build Self-Esteem and Personal Confidence. Retrieved from SelfGrowth.com on 30 September 2009.
Alice Landry - After several years of working as a registered nurse, my interests shifted to holistic, or mind/body/spirit, living. I chose to supplement ...
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