There are times in our lives when all of us – even the most confident individuals – suffer from low self-esteem. We worry that we’re not doing as well as other people, or we aren’t managing our lives as well as we should. So what can you do to achieve a more positive outlook? Here are a few tips:
- Don’t compare yourself with other people. You’ll always find someone who you think is better at their job, has a more satisfying social life or is better looking. It’s so easy now to see how many friends other people appear to have on Facebook, what exciting lives they lead and what wonderful pictures they post. But you never know – they may also have their own areas of insecurity.
- Make a list of things you are good at and what aspects of your life you feel positive about. Then remind yourself about these regularly. Talk yourself up; don’t do yourself down!
- When others praise you, don’t feel embarrassed and brush the compliments aside – accept that you deserve them and say ‘thank you’.
- When something goes wrong, accept that you’ve made a mistake but don’t continue to blame yourself. Get over it. But also use it as a learning experience and make sure you don’t make the same mistake again. If you feel you need more training or information ask for it. The only people who grow and develop are the ones that are willing to learn new things and take on board new experiences.
- Take the credit and give yourself a pat on the back when things go better than you had anticipated. Don’t think it was a ‘fluke’ – accept that you might be better than you realise.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed by work or jobs at home, promise yourself a reward when you’ve finished a particularly difficult or boring task. It can be as simple as a short break with a cup of coffee, or a five-minute chat with friends. If it raises your mood it will also increase your confidence.
- However busy you are, try to make time to see friends. Social isolation can lead to depression and this really does sap your confidence.
- Even if you can’t afford the latest designer fashions always make an effort to be neatly and appropriately dressed and have a good haircut. Knowing that you look good is one of the most important components of feeling confident.
- At the end of each day sit down and think for a few minutes until you come up with three things that you have enjoyed or that have given you pleasure. It will not only boost your mood but it will also make you realise how good life can be.
None of these tips are rocket science, they don’t cost anything and you can start putting them into practice straight away!
Author: Diana Nadin
