Self esteem is essentially a feeling of confidence in your own worth and abilities; it is closely linked with self-acceptance where we are encouraged to accept ourselves the way we are – rather than focus on what we lack, or wish we had.

Indeed, some of the most quote unquote “successful” people in the world suffer with low self-esteem but they use this as a fuel to achieve great things and take their life to a better place; yet, the challenge here is that these over-achievers tend to find that when they get to their destination, they are unfulfilled as their external success doesn’t fill the internal lack within… that comes from a lack of self-acceptance and self-esteem.

Therefore, it’s imperative, wherever you are in life, to work on your self-esteem and this article provides five ways to do just that – in a sustainable way – as often, we tend to get self-esteem hits that are short lasting like caffeine.  We therefore want to look at ways of building self-esteem in a more sustainable way.

Education

In general, people that undertake education tend to have higher levels of self-esteem as they feel they are living their full potential and improving themselves – indeed this sense of progression and getting things done is at the heart of building high self-esteem.

Today, it’s never been easier or more convenient to study as you can take even complex courses such as a civil engineering degree online.  In this sense, education can now fit around your life, which is particularly relevant for working people.

Fitness

Getting fit is not just about transforming on the outside, as whilst it can increase a person’s confidence to lose weight and tone up, the most powerful transformation that comes from getting fit is on the inside.

People that regularly exercise tend to find themselves feeling much more positive about themselves and their life, and again, it’s all about progress – the feeling of self-esteem does not come from being stick then… it comes from making progress toward your goals and feeling more in control of your life.

Self Talk

The saying “sticks and bones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is nonsense, as just look how many teenagers are committing suicide today, based on things that people are saying – even at a distance, via social media.  In a world that is full of negative messaging, for instance, just take a look at a fashion magazine in addition to advertisers toying with our emotions to make us feel inadequate so that we will go out and buy their miracle cure… we need to start filling our mind with some positivity.

It’s important we do this for ourselves, as well, for if we depend on another person to make us feel good about ourselves this breeds co-dependence, which is not what we’re looking for.  Therefore, use affirmations and just be kind to yourself on a daily basis, for instance, before you go to bed each night just reflect on the day and consider all the things you’ve done that are positive – the more positively you think, the more positively you feel, which leads to more positive action and a more positive life.