Low self-esteem can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. You will have less motivation to improve your self-esteem the more you think about yourself and what you do.
It’s easy to fall into a vicious circle of negative thinking and circular thinking that keeps you stuck in harmful–and sometimes erroneous — beliefs.
How can you break this cycle and move in a positive direction?
Although it’s a slow process and won’t happen overnight there are some things you can do to help it get started and continue moving. These are 19 powerful ways you can quickly improve your self-esteem and feel more confident.
1. Learn A New Skill
You can increase your competency by becoming skilled in a field that matches your interests and talents.
2. List Your Accomplishments
Write down all the accomplishments you have. Write down everything that you are proud of and everything you have done well. You can refer to your list whenever you need to remind yourself of your ability and skill to accomplish tasks.
3. Create Something New
You can bring back the flow in your life by taking on creative tasks. The brain responds to creativity, so it’s worth putting in more effort. Grab your guitar and start writing stories or poems, or signing up for community theater productions. It’s even better when you have to try something new.
4. Be Clear About Your Values
Identify your values and look at your life to determine where you are not living in accordance with them. Make the necessary changes. You will feel more confident if you are clear about what you stand for.
5. Your Limiting Beliefs Must Be Challenged
If you find yourself thinking negative about yourself, it is time to stop and question yourself. Do not allow erroneous beliefs to limit your potential.
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6. Steer Clear Of Your Comfort Zone
Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Be uncomfortable. Try something new, meet other people, or approach a situation differently. Confidence starts at the edge.
7. Help Someone
Your talents, skills, and abilities can be used to help others. You can give someone assistance, provide resources, or teach them something. Give someone something you know well.
8. Heal Your Past
Negative self-esteem can be caused by unresolved problems and drama. Get the help of a counselor to help you move forward confidently and with self-assurance.
9. Don’t Worry About What Other People Think
You will never be free from worry about what other people think. Stop worrying about what others think of you. Instead, make a decision to focus on what you want and not what others think.
10. Find Inspiration
Reading something that inspires you and makes you feel good about yourself is a great way to increase self-esteem.
11. Reclaim Your Integrity
You must define integrity for yourself and make sure you live in line with it. Your life will be a reflection of your character and it will drain you.
12. Let Negative People Go
Negative people in your life, who have nothing to say or exploit you, should be removed. You can only improve your self-esteem by surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who value you.
13. Draw A Line In Sand
Personal boundaries are the best way to improve your self-esteem. You need to know what your boundaries are, and how you will respond when they are crossed. Do not allow others to control, exploit or manipulate you. You must maintain clear boundaries in order to be confident.
14. Take Care Of Your Appearance
You feel your best when you look your best. Look confident and show your confidence in yourself.
15. Accept Failure As Part Growth
When you fail, it’s common to get hard on yourself. It can be helpful to shift your perspective to see failure as an opportunity to grow and learn. Failure is a sign that you are trying.
16. Be A Student Always
Consider yourself a lifelong learner. You should approach everything you do with a student’s mindset, which Zen Buddhists refer to as Shoshin, or “beginner’s mind”. It is open, eager, unbiased, and willing to learn.
17. Face Your Fears
Accept that you may feel scared, but don’t give up. Self-esteem can often be found in the dance between your deepest wishes and your worst fears.
18. Become A Mentor
Help someone in need of your leadership, guidance and support. Your self-esteem will increase if they show respect and gratitude.
19. Success Is Defined
Define success for you. You must have the self-esteem to be able to do anything if you truly want to.