Your self-esteem level will determine how you feel about yourself and what you think you’re capable of doing. Find out how to build your self esteem with these 10 easy tips.

People with high self-esteem believe in themselves and their abilities. On the other hand low self-esteem can make us feel doubtful and critical of ourselves and our skills.

Additionally, low self-esteem can make you blame yourself for things that are beyond your control and stop you from developing meaningful relationships.

What is Self-esteem?

Firstly, it’s important to understand the term esteem, which means to admire, approve, like, appreciate, or to hold in high regard. 

Therefore, self-esteem refers to the degree of self-worth, self-love, self-approval, self-confidence, or respect that you have for yourself.

In other words, self-esteem means you’re able to view yourself in a positive way.

What’s more, it means you’re still capable of loving yourself regardless of your shortcomings or mistakes. Having said that, how you feel and think about yourself can vary based on your day-to-day experiences.

Experiences that Impact Your Self-esteem

We build our self-esteem since the day we are born. When we are congratulated about doing something right, we feel good and encouraged to do more.

On the other hand, if we are criticized for something we do, we may feel fearful to make more mistakes.

Here are some everyday experiences that will build your self-esteem:

• Focus on your strengths

• Keep in mind your previous achievements

• Interpret negative experiences as a learning opportunity

• Receive approval and recognition from others

• Take actions toward the life you want to live

• Accept care and support when needed

For example, if you grew up in an unstable and unsupportive family, you may lack self-esteem. This may happen because others did not recognize your strengths.

Regardless of what you are going through in life, it is possible to improve your self-esteem using the strategies below.

10 Tips to Build Your Self-Esteem

A higher self-esteem means that you feel good about yourself, your accomplishments, and your future.

Here are 10 things you can start doing right now to build your self-esteem and increase your happiness:

1 – Practice Self-acceptance

Building self-esteem starts by realizing that it is okay to be who we are because we are all unique.

What’s more, it is about recognizing that it is okay to make mistakes, and mistakes do not make you worthless.

That way, you will begin to have realistic goals and expectations for yourself, and stop looking for validation from others.

2 – Set Goals

Setting and achieving your goals reminds you of your worth and skills.

Start by setting an achievable goal. Something that you are not currently doing but that would be achievable if you put your mind to it.

Here are some tips on how working on your goals makes you happy.

3 – Use Positive Self-talk

Poor self-esteem can be caused by constant self-criticism and negative thought patterns.

Keep in mind that we all make mistakes and they are part of the learning process to be and become the person you want to be. What counts is trying your best and then go from there.

There are many quotes that will inspire you to keep going even if things are not going your way.

Here are some of my favorites:

“Success is stumbling  from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm” Winston Churchill

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Henry Ford

“It is the ability to use failure that often leads to greater success. I’ve met people who don’t want to try for fear of failing.” J. K. Rowling

Here are more tips on how to self-talk yourself into happiness and success.

4 – Learn to Accept Compliments

Poor self-esteem, or negative self-talk can stop you from accepting compliments.

Therefore, it’s critical that you learn to accept compliments by saying “thank you” for instance, every time you receive a compliment.

5 – Repeat Empowering Statements

Positive self-affirmations can calm you down and give you the confidence you need to pursue and accomplish your goals. 

Moreover,  compliment yourself every day by recognizing things that increase your happiness and productivity.

Here are more tips on how to be happy using affirmations.

6 – Spend Time with Positive People

Some relationships can tear you apart. Therefore, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. Try as much as possible to spend your time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

In other words, avoid negative people and spend more time with people who encourage you to be yourself.

7 – Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness for a few minutes every day can help you get over poor self-esteem.

Mindfulness helps you deal with negative emotions and negative thought patterns that may be contributing to low self-esteem.

Here are more tips on how to be happy practicing mindfulness.

8 – Exercise

A few minutes of working out can make you feel better about yourself and enhance your mood. Therefore, it is advisable that you take a walk at the beach, or hit the gym every once in a while.

Here are more tips on how to be happy by exercising our body.

9 – Create a List of Things You do Well

Is there something you are good at?

Well, if you are good at music, drawing, public speaking, teaching, or basketball, be sure to list them down. In essence, the secret is to focus more on your positive accomplishments and strengths, and less on your failures.

10 – Listen to Music

On the other hand, music is therapy, and a great medium for self-expression.

What’s more, upbeat music can uplift your confidence, and give you the energy you need to get through your day.

Here are more tips on how to be happy by listening to music.

It is important to work on our self-esteem every day so that when we make a mistake or fail at something we are able to keep going and try again.

Self-esteem will help you not only with feeling good about yourself but also in your relationships with others.

What is your favorite tip to build your self-esteem? Let me know in the comments below.