Small Ways To Boost Your Self-Esteem
Have you ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecies? There is some truth to the notion that how we expect ourselves to perform on a given task will translate into reality. Self-perception is a vital part of life that can hinder or bolster our daily work. Here are a few small ways to boost your self-esteem.
Reset Your Attitude
Our self-esteem rests on our capacity to address our negative self-perceptions and value ourselves for what we are truly worth. Your attitude toward yourself directly impacts your abilities in performance-based scenarios. At work, if you consider yourself unable to perform as well as your peers, you will underperform. Similarly, if you are finishing your degree and believe that you don’t have what it takes to pass a course, you are less likely to put in the effort. Pessimism is infectious and will permeate every action you take until you rid it from your psyche. Be nicer to yourself and believe in your capacity to succeed.
Create a List and Complete It
Sometimes, large tasks feel insurmountably daunting, looming over our days. When we fail to complete these projects, we feel smaller and less capable. Take these projects to task and break them into smaller, more manageable actions. Create a checklist and cross off each item as you complete it. This way, you will see your progress and feel the triumph of success.
Get Moving
Self-esteem problems often stem from feelings of laziness that result from physical inactivity. When we feel stuck in a rut, we become physically rooted in a place or phase we wish we weren’t. Improve your confidence by moving around a bit. Exercise clears your mind and exerts your body to the point of tiredness. Though you needn’t run through a two-hour workout, simply moving will help you realize you can accomplish something.
Own Your Appearance
How we present ourselves is a direct reflection of how we feel inside. If you lose sight of your appearance and overlook daily hygiene, it will impact your self-perception. For example, when you fail to shower for several days, your self-esteem diminishes because you begin to feed into the belief that you are gross or dirty. Take hold of your appearance and own up to your self-presentation. Lay out your clothes and wear something you feel confident in. This trick even works for kids when they pick their own clothes, since the mere act of selection reinforces autonomy and confidence.
Utilize these small ways to boost your self-esteem so you can step out of negativity and into confidence. Mental health struggles are real, and you should always seek help, but there are actions you can take on your own to improve how you perceive yourself. With the right mix of small steps and redirection, you can reframe your entire day, year, and life.
Authored by Inspire Your Journey