7 Strategies To Boost Self-Esteem

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is really just our own self-indicator for how we think we’re doing in our own little worlds. It’s our subjective measure of what we think we’re worth in relation to everyone else.

1. Own your story – you are who you are because of the adversities you have endured. You are resilient that is why even though you have been through all that, you are here standing. Own your story and remind yourself of your resilience.
2. Stop comparing – there’s no benefit in comparing yourself to others. You really don’t know the whole story and what they had to endure to get to where they are. Social media is a highlight reel. Some people started sooner than you but it doesn’t mean they are better than you. Stop comparing yourself to other people’s highlight reels.
3. Self-awareness – Mark Manson said that self-awareness is like sex. People think they’re good at it but they really don’t know what they’re doing. Self-awareness is the same. Recognize your negative self-talk, judgment, and shame and call it out! 
4. Take accountability – stop blaming others for your own insufficiency. We all make mistakes and just admit it and then forgive yourself. 
5. Not taking it personally – it is not you. It was never personal. Whoever said or did anything that was hurtful, it was a projection of their own pains and sufferings.
6. Have a positive mantra – come-up with a phrase or a sentence that you can repeat to yourself. Example: When you are struggling with impostor syndrome say, “I am the best ______ (insert profession, title, etc.) this person is going to meet today.” Keep saying it 5 times or until you start feeling and believing it. 
7. Believe in yourself – it’s hard for other people to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Start by believing in yourself by reminding yourself of the accomplishments you have achieved. See number 1.