How Can I Stop Feeling So Bad About Myself?
Self-Esteem & Why It’s So Important
Self-esteem plays a critical role in shaping our experiences and interactions with the world. It affects our confidence, decision-making, and overall happiness. If you struggle with low self-esteem, you may notice feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
Do you constantly find that you compare yourself to others? Do you feel like nothing you ever do is good enough? Does it seem that you can't improve your confidence no matter how hard you can't or what you accomplish?
In this blog, I'll discuss practical strategies to improve your self-esteem and self-worth.
Understanding Self-Esteem:
Self-esteem is the confidence and satisfaction we have in ourselves. It impacts how we handle challenges, relate to others, and approach various aspects of our day-to-day lives. Healthy self-esteem allows us to face setbacks with resilience and view ourselves positively, while low self-esteem can limit our personal and professional growth.
How Can I Boost My Self-Esteem & Improve My Self-Worth?
Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Negative self-talk can significantly affect self-esteem. To build a healthier self-image, it's essential to identify and challenge your negative thoughts. Reframing negative thoughts, as taught in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, can be a way to challenge unhelpful negative thoughts. For example, if you often think, "I'm not good enough," "try to reframe it to," "I have valuable qualities and am continuously improving."" If you're struggling with reframing your negative thoughts, an excellent place to start is to identify the silver lining in a situation and build upon that.
Set Achievable Goals:
Setting and achieving small, realistic goals can significantly boost self-esteem. Break larger objectives into manageable steps and celebrate each success along the way. This approach helps build confidence and reinforces a positive self-image by demonstrating your ability to achieve your goals. As counterintuitive as it may sound, breaking our large goals into smaller, achievable ones can lead to more progress than focusing on a massive resolution.
What does this look like for the average person? If you want to be more physically active, set a small goal of walking for 5-10 minutes and build upon that. Interested in learning more about setting & achieving goals & building healthy habits but unsure where to start? I recommend checking out Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially when you make mistakes. Instead of self-criticism, practice being gentle with yourself and focus on learning and growth. This approach helps foster a more positive self-view and greater emotional resilience.
If you catch yourself beating yourself up for a mistake, ask yourself," Is this how I would talk to a loved one?" If the answer is "no," then it can be an opportunity to practice treating yourself the same way you'd treat a loved one. Need help with practicing self-compassion? Self-compassion meditations are a great way to start flexing this muscle.
Develop New Skills:
Engaging in new activities and learning new skills can enhance self-esteem. Pursuing hobbies or mastering new challenges provides a sense of accomplishment and contributes to a positive self-image. Whether it's picking up a new sport or learning a musical instrument, expanding your skills can boost your confidence and sense of self-worth. Just remember to be gentle with yourself as you re-learn the new skill. No one starts as an expert at anything!
Surround Yourself with a Supportive Social Circle:
The people you spend time with can significantly influence your self-esteem. Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift and encourage you. A strong support network reinforces your self-worth and provides valuable encouragement during challenging times.
Yes, It Is Possible to Have Healthier Self-Esteem.
Improving self-esteem involves challenging negative thoughts, setting achievable goals, practicing self-compassion, developing new skills, and surrounding yourself with supportive people. These strategies are effective for enhancing personal well-being and building a healthier self-image. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can foster greater confidence and achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life.
By applying these self-esteem tips, you can take proactive steps toward building a stronger and more positive self-image. If you struggle with self-esteem issues or put any of the above tips into practice, seeking help from a qualified therapist can provide guidance and support. Want to learn more about counseling for self-esteem?
How to Start Therapy with Amanda Parmley, MA, LCMHC:
1. Click the button below to request a free 15-minute consultation.
2. Take the phone call from Amanda Parmley at the prearranged & agreed-upon time.
3. Start your journey
to healthier self-esteem.
Additional Services Offered by Amanda Parmley:
In addition to providing counseling for low self-esteem I also specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, past trauma and chronic insomnia by using EMDR & CBT-I.
Interested in attending counseling in the office?
I'm located at 1328 N Lake Park Blvd, STE 109, Carolina Beach, NC 28428. Once you cross over Snow's Cut Bridge, take the first left at the light & I am located in Carolina Beach Pavilion.
Online Counseling
Are you interested in counseling but live too far to commute to the session? Studies show that online counseling is as effective as in-person services, with the added bonus of convenience. If you are located within the state of North Carolina & are interested in online counseling, reach out today to discuss whether this is the right option for you.