How To Boost Self Esteem

Self esteem is based on how much a person feels valued and appreciated. We all mentally construct a self image based on our abilities, achievements, looks, interaction with people and our experience. This self image contributes to our self esteem. Agree or disagree, all of us have been a victim of low self esteem at some point or another in our life. Low self esteem can affect the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Read the article to know how you can give a boost to your self esteem and live your life to the fullest.

As clichéd as it may sound, there is no denying the fact that looking good definitely does make you feel good. Dress up with extra care and make an effort to look nice. A good reflection in the mirror will always make you feel good about yourself. However, be sure not to attach too much importance to your external appearance. Attributes like confidence, warmth and social skills are far more influential than looks.

 

Most people focus on their shortcomings than their positives. If you are also one amongst those, it is high time you start thinking about your positive aspects. Don’t be too critical of yourself. Steer clear of negative self talk. Putting yourself down as a loser or failure will only hamper your ability to achieve your goals. You may get upset when things don’t go your way. However, don’t let it stop you from achieving your goals. Each day is a new beginning. If you had a bad day, just go to bed and wake up next morning with a fresh and focussed mind.

 

Living an aimless life will make you feel empty and confused. A personal goal defines who you truly are and what you intend to accomplish in life. Decide what you want to achieve at your personal and professional front and slowly work towards these goals. It will give a sense of purpose to your life. Pat yourself on the back every time you achieve a goal, no matter how minor it may be. Accomplishing these goals will give your self esteem a big boost.

 

You may not become an Olympic medalist or a pop singer, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be successful. Remember, everybody is good at something. Experiment with different activities that will help you get in touch with your talents. Invest some effort into developing your interests and skills into your strengths. Realize that nobody is perfect, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The key to success is not to overcome your weakness, but to develop your strengths to an extent that they can outweigh your weakness completely.

 

Give yourself full credit for your achievements and reward yourself. Don’t write-off the achievement as minor, because it may be a part of your bigger plans. Also, know that with that achievement in your kitty, you are one step closer to achieving your goal. Tell yourself repeatedly that you have tackled this obstacle in an appropriate way and that you can deal with other bigger and more demanding projects as well.

 

There may be times when other people misjudge you and let their own insecurities get in the way of their reaction. Don’t distort your self image based on other person’s negative belief. Never allow others to make you feel inferior. Stand up for what you believe in. Voice your opinion and thoughts.

Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Keep yourself busy. Take out that list of resolutions you gave up on and start working on them. Take up new hobbies - learn to dance or take up painting lessons. Keeping yourself active will give you no time for negative self talk.

People with high self esteem generally have a large social circle and a busy social life. Start off by keeping yourself involved in activities that interests you. Join clubs or groups of similar interests. Frequently plan outing with your friends and family members. Being part of a community big or small will give you a sense of belonging and acceptance, thereby giving a boost to your self esteem.

 

Make a contribution to the society. Join a volunteering organization to help the less privileged. Volunteering will give you a sense of being part of a noble cause. The feeling of being appreciated and valued can do wonders for your self esteem.  Volunteering will help you improve your perception of self-worth.

 

Attributing considerable importance to certain goals and aspirations may also pose a problem. There may be period of setbacks when everything will not work out the way you have planned. Remember that life is governed by factors which aren’t entirely in your control. Don’t fret over what you don’t have and what you haven’t accomplished. Appreciate and acknowledge what you do have and be thankful for it.