Most of us that know having a healthy sense self-esteem is important.

It helps us feel courageous as we try new things, encourages us to adopt a growth-set mentality, and it builds the foundations for positive self-talk.

And yet, self-esteem can be hard to foster. If you have a loud inner critic, or if you’ve been hurt by other peoples’ judgments, then improving your self-esteem can often feel beyond reach.

Let me assure you, it’s not.

I see a lot of clients struggle to build self-esteem. In the beginning, it helps to focus on small shifts. You aren’t going to change how you feel about yourself overnight. Instead, making small changes will slowly moves you towards a sense of self that is not only more confident, but also more compassionate.

My favourite analogy is that of an avalanche, which are powerful forces that change almost everything around them. But, every avalanche starts with a small trickle of snowflakes before it gains momentum.

So, start by finding your ‘trickle of snowflakes’. Here are 7 places to start:

1. Get to Know Yourself: Self-confidence starts with self-awareness. Take the time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. Knowing who you are and what you stand for is the first step toward feeling confident in your own skin.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals that challenge you but are still within reach. Accomplishing these goals will boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.

3. Positive Self-Talk: Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Whenever you catch yourself thinking self-critical thoughts, challenge them with kind and encouraging words. Remind yourself of your abilities and past successes.

4. Reframe Failure: Failure is not the end; it's a stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes and failures, and use them as opportunities for growth.

5. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for building self-confidence. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

6. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. A strong support system can provide valuable encouragement and remind you of your worth when you're feeling low.

7. Develop New Skills: Learning new skills and gaining knowledge can significantly boost your self-confidence. Whether it's taking up a new hobby or furthering your education, continuous growth enhances your sense of self-worth.

People who have healthy self-esteem, are accountable to their actions. They’re reflective, able to make changes, they value repairs in relationships, and they can experience feelings of guilt without shaming themselves as terrible people.

This work lasts a lifetime, but for now, celebrate your progress, and know that with dedication and time, you can become the self-assured person you aspire to be.

Need some help along the way? Check out my Self-Love Journal, which is a 15-day digital journal intended to help you rediscover your positive qualities, passions and compassionate self-talk.

Cheers,
Ursula