If you want to start building your self-esteem, say hello to these 9 behaviors

If you’re tired of low self-esteem holding you back in life, you’re not alone.
The constant self-doubt, second-guessing, and feeling like you’re never enough can be exhausting.
But here’s the good news: you have the power to change this narrative.
Self-esteem is like a muscle. It needs regular exercise to stay strong and healthy.
The secret lies in adopting certain behaviors that will help you build this muscle. They’re not complicated, but they will require conscious effort.
In this article, we’ll introduce 9 powerful behaviors that can help you break free from the chains of low self-worth and start embracing your true potential.
1) Be kind to yourself
The journey to higher self-esteem begins with how you treat yourself.
We’re often our own harshest critics, and this can severely damage our self-esteem.
Being kind to yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your faults. It means acknowledging them, but also recognizing your strengths and achievements.
When you make a mistake, instead of berating yourself, take it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
This is a fundamental shift in mindset that can have a significant impact on your self-esteem.
Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. The difference lies in how we respond to these mistakes.
2) Set personal goals
Setting and achieving personal goals is a powerful way to boost self-esteem.
I remember a time when I felt stuck in a rut. I was going through the motions, feeling unfulfilled and underappreciated.
I knew something had to change, but I didn’t know where to start.
Then, I decided to set some personal goals. These weren’t just career-oriented goals, but also goals related to my health, hobbies, and relationships.
For example, I decided to run a half-marathon, something I’d always wanted to do but never had the courage to attempt.
Setting that goal and working towards it step-by-step gave me purpose. And when I crossed the finish line, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
It was a tangible proof of what I could achieve when I put my mind to it.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to regularly set personal goals.
Each achievement, no matter how small, boosts my self-esteem and reinforces my belief in my abilities.
3) Practice self-affirmations
Self-affirmations are positive statements that help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They can be powerful tools in building self-esteem.
For instance, instead of saying to yourself, “I can’t do this,” you might say, “I am capable and strong. I can handle whatever comes my way.”
Interestingly, a 2013 study found that self-affirmations can protect against the damaging effects of stress on problem-solving performance.
So, if you’ve been doubting your abilities or feeling overwhelmed by challenges, practicing self-affirmations might be a great place to start boosting your self-esteem.
4) Surround yourself with positivity
The company you keep can greatly influence your self-esteem. Surrounding yourself with positive people who support and encourage you can make a big difference.
These are individuals who lift you up, believe in your capabilities, and celebrate your achievements. They radiate positivity and help you see the brighter side of things, even when times are tough.
On the other hand, negative people can drain your energy and fill you with self-doubt. If you’re constantly around individuals who criticize or belittle you, it’s hard to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem.
Therefore, make a conscious effort to spend more time with positive, uplifting people. This behavior is a key step towards building your self-esteem.
5) Learn to say no
It might seem counterintuitive, but learning to say ‘no’ can be a powerful way to boost your self-esteem.
Often, we agree to things that we don’t want to do out of fear of displeasing others. This can lead to feelings of resentment and can damage our self-esteem.
On the other hand, when you learn to say ‘no’ to things that do not align with your values or priorities, it sends a strong message to yourself and others that you respect your own needs and boundaries.
So, start practicing saying ‘no’ when necessary, and watch your self-esteem grow.
6) Embrace imperfection
Embracing our imperfections rather than shying away from them can significantly boost self-esteem.
We all have flaws and make mistakes. It’s part of being human.
However, society often pressures us to strive for perfection, causing us to feel inadequate when we fall short.
But there’s beauty in our imperfections. They make us unique, relatable, and real.
Accepting this fact can take a weight off your shoulders and help you view yourself in a more positive light.
So, start embracing your imperfections. They’re a part of who you are and they make you beautiful in your own unique way. This acceptance is a crucial step in building your self-esteem.
7) Celebrate small victories
It’s easy to dismiss small achievements and only focus on the big wins. But celebrating small victories is essential in building self-esteem.
I recall a time when I felt overwhelmed by a major project. The end goal seemed so far away and unattainable.
Instead of focusing on that huge goal, I decided to break the project down into smaller tasks and celebrate each completed task as a victory.
This approach not only made the project more manageable but also provided a steady stream of positivity and boosted my self-esteem. Each small victory reminded me of my capabilities and progress, which in turn motivated me to keep going.
So, don’t overlook the small victories. Each one is a step towards a bigger goal and a boost to your self-esteem.
8) Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can have a profound impact on your self-esteem.
Practicing gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, promoting positive feelings and reducing negative ones. It also can help you appreciate your value and boost your self-esteem.
So, if you’re looking to enhance your self-esteem, practicing gratitude is definitely a behavior to embrace.
Make it a habit to acknowledge the good in your life. This could be as simple as jotting down three things you’re thankful for at the end of each day.
9) Seek professional help when needed
Building self-esteem is a journey, and sometimes, it’s one that we can’t undertake alone.
If you’re struggling with severely low self-esteem that’s affecting your overall well-being, it may be time to seek professional help.
There’s no shame in reaching out to a therapist or counselor. These professionals are trained to help you navigate your feelings and develop strategies to improve your self-esteem.
Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards strength and healing.
Final thoughts: Self-esteem is a journey, not a destination
Embracing these 9 behaviors is your first step toward building the self-esteem that will empower you to live the life you’ve always wanted.
While change doesn’t happen overnight, each positive action you take will chip away at the doubts and insecurities holding you back.
As you incorporate these habits into your daily life, you’ll begin to see yourself in a new light—stronger, more confident, and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way