9 Techniques To Defeat Low Self Esteem

Defeating low self-esteem has been one of my most challenging obstacles. It has been the demon that has proven to be the hardest to defeat. Because our identities begin to form at such a young age, it is easy for self-defeating thoughts to get a foothold and set up shop. Such was the case with me. I suffered from body image issues in my early youth and those issues bleed over into all areas of my life. I, in turn, carried those issues into adulthood.
These past hurts can do a number on our self-esteem. Not to mention, the constant bombardment from society telling us we are not enough. These things are all designed to undermine our self-esteem. That is why I have come up with 10 techniques that I have used personally to combat low self-esteem.
1. Be More Assertive
I chose for myself that it was time to be more self-assertive. By reaching out to other people discovered that I had a lot to offer other people. I had always felt that I didn’t have any value to bring to anyone. But, once I put myself out there, I realized that people valued my presence in their lives.
2. Do not compare yourself to other people.
I know many people besides myself fall into this trap. Once I realized that life is my own unique journey and not a race against other people, I was able to appreciate my own journey for what it was. Empathizing that you’re different than other people, with another personality, will help you to see yourself unparalleled and special.
3. Accept yourself
I am not perfect (so far). Learning to accept the fact that I am an ongoing work, helped me to be easier on myself. I make errors like everybody else, but that doesn’t mean I am a failure. I learn from mistakes and see them as the most beneficial teachers. Find the seed of equal benefit in situations that fail and move on.
4. Take compliments
As a person with low self-esteem, it made me uncomfortable to hear praise from other people. The voice in my head (my inner critic) would be screaming “NO!” anytime I was complimented. I learn to see compliments as payment in my spiritual bank account for the goodwill that I put out into the world.
5. Attend seminars and self-help groups
I know self-help has gotten a bad name and many people label them as “cheesy.” However, I found that groups and seminars help me get the support I needed to establish my self-esteem. They help to feed my mind and subconscious with favorable affirmations, and other great influences till this positive material sticks with you.
6. Reevaluate Your Core Beliefs
One of the biggest things I learned was that what I believed about my self to be true had a direct influence on how my life turned out. Also, that I had the power to change those beliefs and change my life. Toss out those which don’t suit you any longer and build your belief around a couple of core values.
7. Remain in contact with positive individuals at all times.
Constantly surrounding myself with positive individuals has been crucial to building my self-esteem. To heal and recover your heart needs a lot of care.
8. Be thankful
I grade myself not on what I don’t have but instead on what I do have. Find what is correct in your life and be proud of it. Write it down, keep a blog or journal.
9. Treat Yourself
Every now and then, I take the time to pamper myself. I treat myself the way I would want someone else to treat me. Buy a few nice clothes and take care of your persona. Get some fragrance, buy some flowers; get a massage or whatever makes you feel great; love yourself.
The most important thing I discovered is that building your self-esteem is an ongoing process. It is something we must be mindful of every day because it can so easily be lost. For me, all it takes is a quick glance at my reflection in a mirror and I go hurling into a downward spiral. The good news is that no matter how low our self-esteem gets, we can always pick ourselves back up. Any of these techniques can aid in that process. The more we practice them, the quicker we can regain our confidence.
