10Ways To Increase Your Self-Esteem

Even the greatest leaders of all time have lacked healthy feeling, belief and opinions about themselves. Sure you have as well?

I am the first to admit that, self-esteem takes an effort. If you don’t have much of it, don’t worry… I want to share with you some tips to increase your self-esteem in this post. But, to start what is self-confidence? Self-confidence is a skill that you learn and one that you can practice and master. That old saying practice makes perfect, it is true. It takes an effort to maintain a high self-esteem too. It is an ongoing effort that requires the right values and principles to help you maintain consistently throughout your life.

So lets get started on 10 ways to increase your self-esteem. Here we go!

1. Take Proud of yourself. 

   I encourage you to think about things that truly makes you unique. You should be proud and keep in your thoughts what makes your personality great. It could be your ability to make people laugh, your sense of compassion for others, your listening skills, or your patience. You may not think there’s anything about your personality worth admiring, but realize when you begin to be proud of yourself and realize your self- worth, you will recognize that you have plenty of admirable qualities. 

2. Embrace Compliments. 

    Have someone ever said thank you for your service, or you are good at your job, and you were incredibly humbled to the point you were embarrassed? Honestly, I have struggled with having difficulty taking compliments. Early in my journey, when people gave me compliments, I assumed the person complimenting me is either mistaken or lying. I can say I have overcome having a hard time accepting compliments. If you find yourself responding to a compliment by rolling your eyes, saying, “Yeah, right,” or shrugging it off, I challenge you to re-frame your response to compliments. I learned to take it to heart and respond positively. (Saying “thank you” and smiling works well). Let the person giving the compliment know that you appreciate it, and work to reach the point where you are able to accept the compliment at heart truly. You can add the praise to your list of positive attributes about yourself and use it to bolster your self-confidence.

3. Smile in the mirror. 

   Studies surrounding what’s called the “facial feedback theory” suggest that the expressions on your face can encourage your brain to register or intensify certain emotions. So by looking in the mirror and smiling every day, you might feel happier with yourself and more confident in the long run. This will also help you feel more comfortable about your appearance, and to accept the way you look

4. Worthy mentality.

    People with low self-esteem see others as better or more deserving than themselves. Instead of carrying this feeling, belief, and opinion about yourself. See yourself as being equal to everyone. Don’t give your self-worth a discount to the world. Know how valuable you are! Other people around you are no better or more deserving than you. I challenge you to make a mental shift, and you will automatically see an improvement in your self-confidence.

5. Good Posture. 

   Similarly, the way a person carries themselves tells a story. Working in physical therapy, I am always encouraging people to improve there posture. People with kyphotic shoulders and lethargic movements display a lack of self-confidence. They aren’t enthusiastic about what they’re doing, and they don’t consider themselves valuable a lot of times. By practicing good posture and developing the “Superman Pose,” you’ll feel more esteemed. What is the “Superman Pose” Stand up straight, keep your head up, and make eye contact? You’ll make a positive impression on others and instantly feel more alert and empowered.

6. Gratitude. 

    Set aside time each day to mentally list everything you must be grateful and blessed to have in your life. God has done so much for me, and I love taking the time to recall my past successes, unique skills, loving relationships, and positive momentum. Focusing on gratitude, and you will realize how much you have going for yourself and become motivated to take that next step towards success. Again, I highly encourage you to do daily. 

7. Compliment other people.  

   I have discovered on my journey is when we think bad about ourselves, we often blame our circumstances on other people, which influences us to project that feeling on to others in the forms of insults and gossip. What has helped me break this cycle of negativity is getting in the habit of praising other people. Make an effort to complement those around you. In the process, you’ll become well-liked and build self-confidence and put you in a better mood. By looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.

8. Speak Your Mind. 

   Many people never speak up because they’re afraid that people will judge them or not like them anymore. They feel something stupid will happen that they will not be able to fix. I have discovered on my journey that people are much more accepting than we think and believe. Most people are dealing with the exact same fears. I truly believe success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm! Be willing to fail in conversations, because that is were real growth happens. Also, research shows by making an effort to speak up at least once in every group discussion, and you’ll influence, impact, and show more love to those around you. You will be seen and recognized as a leader by your peers.

9. Work out.  

   I love this one because, along the same lines as personal appearance, physical fitness has a significant effect on self-confidence. When you’re out of shape and have low energy, you’ll feel insecure, unattractive, and little motivation to strive towards your dreams and goals. By adopting exercise in your lifestyle, you will improve your physical appearance, energize yourself, and develop a lifestyle worth the investment. I truly believe self-discipline is the link that connects your dreams to reality. Self- discipline to work out not only makes you feel better, but it also creates positive momentum towards creating the best day.

10. Focus on Serving. 

    As humans, we can get caught up in our personal wants and desires. We focus too much on our problems and not enough on the needs of other people. How are you serving the world? In my opinion, the greatest leader in the world, Jesus Christ, said, “I didn’t come to be served, but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many.” Serving others will increase self-confidence and allow you to contribute with maximum efficiency. The more you help and serve the world God puts in your path, the more you’ll be rewarded with personal success and recognition.

I hope you enjoyed this post about 10 ways to increase your self-esteem. I invite you to comment below your thoughts and comments on the subject. Will be greatly appreciated! Please check out my new book, Live, Learn and Lead Powerfully: A Teen Leadership Guide.  Also, I would also love to speak at your next event, check out the programs I have to offer!

Lastly, keep those crowns on your HEARTS…and always remember tomorrow is yours to create, and don’t limit yourself.