Self-confidence isn’t something we are born with and is something that must be worked on to develop. The world around us can have either a positive or negative impact on our esteem and when it is knocked down, it’s extremely difficult to build again. For some, low self-esteem and low confidence can begin to affect their daily lives, such as failing to maintain relationships or feeling unworthy of taking on new opportunities.
If you have always struggled with your self-esteem and are on the lookout for ways to put that spring back in your step, the below tips may be worth a read:
Cut out the self-criticism
It’s easy to consistently criticize yourself and focus on the negatives – but can you remember the last time you paid yourself a compliment? In most cases, the answer is usually no. Many find it unnatural to praise themselves and instead, feel more comfortable focusing on the negatives as a shield against criticism from elsewhere. However, this is one of the unhelpful bad habits which lead to poor self-esteem.
Sometimes, it’s worth taking a step back for a second and imagining the advice you’d give to a close friend when they’re feeling bad about themselves or are faced with a difficult situation. As they are person you care about, you’d be warm, compassionate, and supportive – and that is the same attitude that you should direct to yourself. In doing so, you’ll be slowly but surely building on your self-esteem and adopting a more positive and proactive attitude.
Build positive relationships
Your self-esteem can be significantly affected by the people you choose to spend time with. If certain relationships are causing you to spiral into a negative frame of mind or cause you to doubt your abilities, it may be time to cut ties. Their energy is bound to rub off on you and impact your outlook on life. Instead try and build relationships with individuals that give off optimistic energy and have your best interests at heart.
Think about your image
Body image and self-esteem often go hand-in-hand. When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? Most people have niggling opinions about certain aspects of their appearance, however, allowing these beliefs to consume you can have catastrophic effects on your confidence. It can be difficult to act self-assured when you’re not satisfied with your appearance and you can suffer from a range of emotions including fear, anger, depression and anxiety. But you can fix certain appearance issues quite easily. For example, if your nose has been through an accident, a Rhinoplasty in Orange County is surely going to make wonders for your self-image.
Changing up your appearance is one of the best ways to improve your self-esteem. When you look good, you feel good, which is sure to put you in a much more positive headspace. If you have neglected your style in recent years, getting expert advice on how to dress well would be a step in the right direction to create a ‘new you’. By checking out Nadine West Reviews, you can discover how fashion experts can assist you in finding your unique personal style with a monthly styling service.
Remember, though, that worrying about your appearance can easily spiral into obsessive plastic surgery or eating disorders – try talking to family and friends about any worries about your appearance, they are likely to give you honest opinions.
Become more assertive
People who struggle with self-confidence often find it difficult to say no, both in their personal and professional life. This may mean that you’re pushing yourself to your limit because you’re afraid to let others down or are worried that they will think poorly of you. By placing so much stress on your shoulders, you’re bound to become even more run down and anxious to the point of burnout.Although you may be shy and afraid of confrontation, standing up for yourself and learning to become more assertive will allow you to make your own decisions and feel more control of your life.
Improve your physical health
Individuals with low self-esteem often fail to take care of their health and wellbeing, simply because they don’t believe they are worthy of self-care. However, in time, you may start to suffer the consequences. Therefore, ensure you’re getting a good diet, regular daily exercise and a good night’s sleep. In doing so, you’ll not only feel physically stronger but also in a mentally better place.
Developing good self-esteem and self-confidence does not happen overnight and is a work in progress that requires dedication and patience. Some people have confidence issues from past experiences which can be difficult to overcome, while others may be shy by nature. If you believe you may need some extra advice, it may be worth booking an appointment with a counsellor or therapist who can help you cut out negative thinking and deal with your individual case.
