People across the globe have struggled with low self-esteem since the beginning of time. Although it may seem difficult at times, working to improve your self-esteem may play a key role in enjoying a happy and successful life.
Katherine Fox from www.hypnotherapy.net provides a few simple steps to take in order to gain the confidence you may be lacking.
1. Do not be a downer
It is difficult to develop high self-esteem while constantly focusing on the negatives. When you make comments that undermine your self-confidence or doubt your abilities, you are sending a message to your brain that you are not good enough. Regardless of how you feel, never speak in a self-deprecating way; it will only bring you down. Instead, focus on the qualities that you admire in yourself. Stay positive.
2. Accept a compliment
Although this step may seem simple, many people reject compliments everyday without even realizing it. Instead of accepting some praise, we oftentimes respond to a compliment by disagreeing, or even accusing the person of lying. When a person responds in this way, it gives off the message that they do not consider themselves worthy of positive attention. Next time someone compliments you on your looks or abilities, accept their praise with a simple, “Thank you.”
3. Stop Comparing
Everyone is different. Comparing your abilities, beauty and possessions with someone else’s will not get you anywhere; it’s like comparing apples and oranges. Each of us was individually designed with a specific purpose in mind. When we compare ourselves to those around us, we can never win. There will always be someone out there with more than us and someone out there with less. Try looking at yourself as an individual, someone unique.
4. Keep Good Company
You have probably heard the saying, “You are who you hang out with.” When it comes to boosting your self-esteem, this statement couldn’t be more true. If you spend your time around people who constantly put you down, it can be difficult to feel good about yourself. Try surrounding yourself with people that are positive and supportive of you. This is the best environment to place yourself in, so that you can work on building up that self-confidence with the help of people around you.
5. Take Control
Stop with the “people pleasing.” This is your life, take charge and live it. Others may have their own ideas as to where you should be or what you should be doing with your life, but ultimately the decision is yours. It is difficult to keep up your self-esteem when you continually seek the approval of others rather than making your own decisions. Branch out and feel good about the decisions you make for yourself.
6. Find your worth in the right place
This tip comes right from the Bible. Regardless of what the world thinks, you are valuable. You were made in the image of a holy and perfect God.
Psalm 139:13-14 reads, “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
God makes no mistakes. He designed each and every one of us exactly how we are for a purpose. Instead of seeking approval from the world around you, find your worth in yourself because you are a child of God.
We get a look as to what God thinks of us in Isaiah 43:4, “You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.”
Above all, know that you are worth dying for. The God of heaven and earth came and died on a cross with you in mind. There is no greater self-esteem booster than knowing that you are dearly loved.
