Nurture your self-esteem: The role of affirmations, confidence, and self-compassion

Your self-esteem is like the foundation of a house—when it's strong, everything built on it feels secure. But when it's shaky, life can feel unstable and uncertain. The good news is that your self-esteem isn't fixed; it's something you can improve with practice and intention.

Rewriting the Script

Your thoughts are powerful. What you tell yourself day in and day out shapes how you see yourself. If you constantly criticize yourself, it's no surprise that your self-esteem might take a hit. Pay attention to when you're being hard on yourself. When you catch yourself saying, "I'm not good enough," or "I'll never get this right", ask yourself, "Is this really true?" Often, you will find that your harshest criticisms are based on feelings, not facts. Then, reframe the thought. For example, instead of thinking, "I always mess things up," you could reframe it as, "I'm learning, and it's okay to make mistakes." Positive affirmations can go a long way in improving your self-esteem.

Taking Action

One of the best ways to improve your self-esteem is to get a taste of success. So, begin by setting achievable goals. These don't have to be grand; even small tasks can make a big difference. For example, if you want to exercise more, start with a goal of walking for 10 minutes a day. Then, take action toward it consistently. Each time you accomplish a small goal, you will gain a sense of achievement, which boosts your confidence. Don’t wait for the big wins to celebrate. Acknowledge every little step forward. These small celebrations reinforce positive behavior and build your self-esteem over time.

Being Kind to Yourself

Finally, be kind to yourself. When you're going through a tough time, instead of pushing your feelings away, acknowledge them. Allow yourself to feel disappointed, sad, or frustrated. Accepting your emotions is the first step toward healing. Talk to yourself like a friend. If a friend were in your shoes, how would you comfort them? Use that same language with yourself. Instead of saying, "I messed up," try, "It's okay, I'm doing my best, and that's enough." Change doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s perfectly fine. Be patient with your progress. Being kind to yourself means understanding that everyone encounters setbacks, and it’s part of the journey.

Conclusion

Improving self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. It involves reshaping the way you talk to yourself, building confidence through meaningful actions, and being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. By taking these steps, you can build a stronger, more positive relationship with yourself—one that supports your mental well-being.