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23 Quick Self-Esteem Boosters


Self-esteem simply means understanding your own strengths, as well as faults, and being able to move through life with that knowledge. Too much focus on faults lowers your own value. Low self-esteem seems to be more prevalent in western cultures, perhaps because are values are aligned with materialistic measure more than spiritual. Things like health, skills and experiences are highly valued as well. Here are 23 ways to boost your self-esteem starting today.

Take a Self-Esteem Inventory

Take 15 minutes to write down everything you know how to do. Don’t be too critical. For example, you may be able to write short stories, but not be great in spelling. Don’t let the weaker skill hid your strength.

Journal Your Daily Accomplishments

At the end of the day, take 5 minutes to write everything you accomplished that day. Even if there is only a single item – give yourself credit for it. Simply logging your “wins” can be very helpful in feeling accomplished.

Plan The Next Day

Planning tasks and activities for the next day can help you feel in control and on top of important things in your life. If you don’t finish them all that day, don’t beat yourself up about it. Simply re-group and move the tasks over to the next day’s list.

Compare Yourself to You

Stop comparing yourself to others. The only thing that matters is the improvements you make in your own life. You are not supposed to be like everyone else.

Be Grateful

Had a tough day and feeling negative? Sit down, close your eyes and think of 5 things for which you are grateful. Can you think of more? Your mood has already lifted.

Affirmation Graffiti

Collect affirmations that appeal to you. Write them on a notepad and post the notes in your spaces where you can easily see them. If you can, also post them in your work area. Make a habit to pause and read them.

The Company You Keep

Spend time with supportive, uplifting people. Sometimes you end up in a crowd of spoilers, but limit the time you spend with them. Make an effort to connect with those who have a more positive outlook on things and avoid the cynics when possible.

Show Someone How to. . .

One of the greatest gifts to another person is to show them how to do something. This reinforces your skill, increases their value, and makes you feel good.

Set the Intention

Don’t start a task or make a promise without setting your intention to complete it successfully. Create a visual picture of how it will look once completed.

Lighten Up!

“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly” – G.K. Chesterton

Address Your Own Needs, Not Others

Do you deny your own values or goals because you worry about offending someone? As long as you aren’t being deceitful there’s nothing wrong with pushing away those who will hold you down.

Expect the Best Outcome

Set yourself up for success by expecting the best result. Too often we think that only the mediocre or lackluster is what we deserve. That encourages you to accept “good enough”. Demand the best.

Take the Compliment

Denying a compliment is like calling someone a fibber. Be gracious and accept the praise. Take it a step further and write it down in a journal or on an affirmation note.

Posture Check

Are you slumping down in your chair? Sit up straight with shoulders broad! You’ll immediately feel more professional and in control. If you are having a rough day, check your posture frequently. Good posture clears the path to sound decisions and actions.

Dress for Success

Want to stand out? Wear your standard professional attire, even on “jeans day” at the office. You never know when you’ll be called upon for an important meeting with managers. Even dressing up a little to do casual tasks like shopping has been shown to boost self-esteem.

Create Your Own Cheering Section

Surround yourself with successful people and let them know about your goals. These people understand the importance of goals and will congratulate you as you work through obstacles to achieve them.

See Yourself as Successful

Identify your unique qualities and recognize that these are the tools that lead you to success. Don’t dwell on weakness, just find someone who has those strengths and put them on your team.

Turn Negatives into Positives

Instead of interpreting everything as a negative, look at the positives. Step back and acknowledge the problem, then realize it’s a chance for you to shine as it’s a chance for you to find a way to work through the challenge.

Take Responsibility

The truth hurts. It’s much easier to blame someone or something else. If you accept responsibility, then you can also accept that you can change the situation for the better. That is pretty fulfilling.

Be Kind and Generous

Treating others with kindness and generosity boosts your confidence, as well as self-image.

Volunteer Your Time

Giving time and skill to a cause you believe in is not only a positive for your community, but also your self-worth. You’ll reap the benefits as you instantly feel better about yourself.

Create a Good New Habit

When you dwell on bad habits, but struggle to change them, you feel unworthy of success. Instead of charging after a huge challenge, change a small bad habit and increase it from there. For example, if your goal is to wake up an hour earlier each day, start with 15 minutes.

Let Your Light Shine

Oprah admits she’s technically challenged, even needing assistance to turn on a television. Technology isn’t Oprah’s “light”, but she is brilliant as a business woman and connecting with her audience.

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