One of the best things about high self esteem is that it can help to reduce negative emotional reactions. It can also help to build confidence and make you a better person.
However, it can be a difficult thing to achieve. If you or your child is struggling with low self esteem, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you’re struggling with self-esteem, focusing on your strengths can be the secret to developing it. Research shows that people who focus on their strengths are more likely to succeed in their careers and personal lives.
One of the most common reasons for low self-esteem is not knowing what you’re good at. Weaknesses are obvious, but it can be difficult to find your strengths – even though they’re often the things you do best.
To identify your strengths, start by making a list of the things you’re most good at. You might find it hard to spot them at first, but it will get easier.
Having strong self-esteem means you have the confidence to know what’s right for you and that your decisions are in your best interest. People with low self-esteem rely on others for their approval and don’t take chances because they believe they won’t succeed.
Taking time to identify your strengths can be helpful for developing self-esteem. It also helps you recognize that you can improve and grow in areas where you are weaker.
You don’t have to try to fix your weaknesses, instead, work around them and find ways that they won’t hinder you or stand in your way.
Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on your strengths than your weaknesses, but if you want to develop self-esteem and lower negative self-talk, it’s important to understand both.
One of the best ways to develop self-esteem is to set goals. However, it’s important to set the right kind of goals.
To ensure you achieve your goals, make them SMART. That means they should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based.
Breaking down big goals into smaller objectives can also be helpful, as it makes them feel more manageable.
Another great way to stay focused on your goals is to write them down and hold yourself accountable for them.
Another good idea is to tell people who you trust about your goal, as it will give you more accountability. These people might be family members, friends or coworkers. They may be able to support you and encourage you in your efforts.
Kindness is a great way to reaffirm your value and boost your self-esteem. It may be in the form of a smile, friendly words or thoughts, random acts of kindness, volunteering or helping someone in need.
The act of giving and helping others is often linked to a release of the 'feel-good' hormone oxytocin, which reduces inflammation in your body, improves your mood and helps you feel more connected to other people.
But it's also important to be kind to yourself, too. Ruminating on negative feelings can increase your anxiety and depression, while positive thoughts lead to higher levels of self-compassion.
There are many things that can cause a person to feel low on self-esteem, such as difficult life experiences or a negative perception of oneself. Some of these factors may be unavoidable and can't be changed, but others can be addressed.
A key aspect of developing self-esteem is being patient with yourself and your goals. Patience helps you to avoid making hasty decisions, which can lead to poor outcomes and feelings of frustration.
Studies have shown that people who are patient tend to be happier, more satisfied with their lives and better able to manage their emotions. They also report higher levels of gratitude, mindfulness and a sense of abundance in their lives.