Long-term self-esteem is a goal for many people, but achieving it takes time, practice, and encouragement.
If you can believe in yourself every step of the way, along with listening to your loved ones, then you can discover self-esteem that will help you live a better life.
There are lots of ways to get started. Simple exercises, such as doodling, can be small, but invaluable acts of self-love needed for long-term self-esteem.
Additionally, services like BetterHelp serve to help you by putting time and consideration into each post, providing nuggets of positivity to help you keep moving forward. BetterHelp also provides access to certified mental health professionals who can further support you on your journey toward self-confidence.
Be sure to consider the following tips, provided for your benefit, about being your best self, one step at a time.
1. Use positive affirmations correctly
Positive affirmations, or statements that affirm positive thoughts, should include realistic goals that you know you can accomplish.
These goals do not have to be specific. A simple message, such as “I will persevere in my challenge” can inspire you to make it through your day, no matter how difficult of a time you are having.
Although, other positive affirmations, like “I am going to be the absolute best,” might make you feel like you are comparing yourself with others rather than trying to stand on your own merits.
Use these affirmations as a first step to paying attention to what you are doing in the present rather than looking far ahead into the future.
2. Eliminate self-criticism and introduce self-compassion
Try to avoid heavily critiquing yourself for something you felt you did poorly on. Instead, practice self-compassion, such as forgiving yourself for making a mistake and promising that you will learn from your observed failure.
Your harshest critic may always be you. As a result, the easiest answer or response to failure might be to blame yourself.
But, by forgiving yourself, you are not expressing anger; rather, you are showing your willingness to try again.
3. Remember that long-term success is built upon a series of nows.
Practicing self-compassion will help with learning that long-term success relies on focusing on the present rather than looking ahead in the distant future.
Others may find themselves waiting for a miracle to happen in the future that will help them out of their current situation. However, waiting for a miracle means you are not working on yourself in the present.
So, if you feel like you are struggling with something new, take it slow and easy. Focus on individual steps, and once you master one step, move on to the next. Through hard work, you can move past your obstacles.
4. Surround yourself with a network of supportive people
One of the best teachers for practicing self-compassion and working on smaller steps is surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends.
Every time you think you are feeling dispirited, a simple conversation with a loved one might be all you need to regain your confidence.
Even if your loved ones have passed away, cherish their memories and try to do something in their honor.
If they wanted you to work hard to achieve your dreams, then try something small that could help you inch closer to them, even if it’s something as simple as making dinner for yourself.
5. Remember that there’s no harm in trying
Most importantly, throughout this entire process, remember there is no harm in trying.
Some people may avoid trying because they do not want to experience failure. However, the only way for you to be a better person is by throwing yourself into situations that may seem uncomfortable at first.
If it does not work, don’t be afraid to back away and look for something else. You can always regroup with friends and make up a plan with their help for your next step.
Find a Way Forward
Hopefully, these tips can help you find a way forward in your life. Everyone at one point in their life may feel stuck and alone.
But by remembering that there are people who want what is best for you and using your inner strength, you can maintain self-esteem for longer periods and be your best self.
Self Care: 5 Lessons On Self Love We Should Learn And Implement
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Ways In Which Self-Love Can Influence Success In Your Career