Low self-esteem and self-distrust are not genetic, neither are they inherited from parents, therefore it is possible to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
“How do I boost my self-esteem and self-confidence?” you might ask. “What do I need to do to come across as self-content and assured?” you might wonder.
Not to worry, this article will guide you on how to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence, just keep reading.
First of all, it is essential to note that though self-esteem and self-confidence work hand in hand, they are not the same.
While self-esteem is the subjective opinion one have of one’s abilities, qualities and skills; self-confidence on the other hand is the trust and belief in those abilities, qualities and skills.
From the distinction above, it is clear that it is important to boost not only your self-esteem, but also your self-confidence.
Low self-esteem is damaging because it saps your positive and optimistic thoughts, and replaces them with negative and pessimistic thoughts.
In such light, self-distrust and self-doubt dampen your spirits and make self growth somewhat farfetched.
In light of the above, there’s a pressing need to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
How Then Can You Boost Your Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence?
Believe In Yourself
This is one of the most important steps to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
You can become someone worthy of admiration and respect of others; you can undertake anything you put your mind to despite what others say. You just have to believe in yourself.
Kill any negative thoughts you might have about yourself. Instead of making statements like “I am not good enough “ or “I will fail this interview” or “no one is going to employ a dull fellow like me”. Why not replace those thoughts with “I know I’m trying my best”, “I am going to land this job”, “I will do well if I take up this task” etc.
Know yourself, identify your strengths and limitations, endeavour to know the roots of those limitations and work hard to improve on them.
Take control of your life and make conscious efforts to improve your self-image, competence, abilities and skills.
Get Out Of Your Cocoon
It is amazing how self-esteem and self-confidence can be boosted just by leaving your comfort zone and getting involved in new things.
Undertake new tasks like skill acquisition and empowerment, new knowledge acquisition, working on new petty projects and lots more.
Get out there, make new and healthy friends, network and connect with the world. Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and aspirations. Be involved with people who will make you better and take you higher.
Be kind and generous to people, you can even volunteer for a worthy cause. You will be amazed at how this will expand your positive network and in turn boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Just be active, do something rather than nothing. It’s OK if you make mistakes, that will only leave you more knowledgeable.
Stand tall and smile when you encounter and deal with new people, do not cower and shy away from things, simply because you feel you are not up to the task.
No! Trash such thoughts! Spread your wings and fly higher. Only then do you stand a chance to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Take Self Grooming Seriously
It is very much easier to feel good about yourself if you practise effective self care. Do not abuse your body, rather pay attention to and take maximum care of it.
Instead of surviving on skimpy diet, why not try out some healthy foods? Healthy diet leaves us energised, healthier and stronger to face challenges. This in return boosts your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Exercising is another great way to groom yourself, regular exercise improves your body image, which consequently boosts self-confidence.
Do not neglect your personal hygiene too. You will be surprised how regular baths, shaves, nice dressing and the likes can change you and boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Take sleeps and relaxations seriously.
Go Easy On Yourself
Remember to be kind to yourself, mounting excessive pressure on yourself will only leave you emotionally drained.
Do not be hung up on things you can’t change, rather focus such energy on the things you can actually control.
Focus on finding solutions instead of dwelling endlessly on the problems. “Oh I failed again! I’m always failing in school!” Ok, but how do you solve that?
Boost your self-esteem and self-confidence by facing your fears. Do not procrastinate, instead, take up those things you’re afraid to do, and even when you fail, consider it as a stepping stone to greatness.
Spend some time engaging in things that make you happy. Be it writing, reading, seeing movies, shopping, even cooking etc.
Set some goals and work towards achieving them. However, the goals you set for yourself should not be huge or unattainable, so that you do not end up depressed or so.
Pause and celebrate little achievements. Do not wait until you achieve impossible feats for you to do that.
In all, boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence can be greatly beneficial to you in many ways. In addition to making you feel good, confident and exceptional about yourself, it improves your relationship with others, it also increases your perseverance and resilience to pressure.
So, let’s improve on that low self-esteem and self-confidence of yours, shall we?
You’ve got this! I know you do!
Great read, I learnt something new.