Low self-esteem is something that pretty much everyone has faced at some point in their lives. In other words, you’re not alone if you’ve been experiencing negative emotions about yourself lately. However, just because low self-esteem is normal, that doesn’t mean we should just accept it. To start fully appreciating and embracing the incredible person you are, try implementing these effective ways to boost your self-confidence.
Switch up Your Style
While it may sound a little trivial to some, switching up your style can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Ultimately, the clothing that we wear has the power to influence how we see ourselves—for better or worse. For example, if your clothing doesn’t fit your figure well, it could cause you to develop negative feelings about your beautiful body. Or if the clothing you wear doesn’t represent your personality well, you might feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. It’s worth experimenting with different outfit options if you’re looking to boost your confidence levels.
Make a Conscious Effort To Censor Your Thoughts
Controlling how we think can be extremely challenging—especially when it seems like self-deprecating thoughts pop into our heads without warning. However, it is possible. While it will take practice and probably won’t happen overnight, try to change the way you think about yourself. If you notice negative self-talk creeping in, make a concerted effort to block it out and replace it with a compliment or word of encouragement instead.
Quit Comparing
Comparison is the killer of confidence. If you often find yourself comparing yourself to others, stop that. Put your phone down, stop looking at people’s highlight reels on social media, and take a deep breath. Studies have shown that comparing oneself to others doesn’t just result in low self-confidence; it also fosters negative feelings such as envy and depression. As such, it’s important to actively avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your positive qualities instead—because we’re sure you have a lot of them!
Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Another effective way to boost your self-confidence is to get outside of your comfort zone. Low self-esteem can be extremely limiting and make us feel like we aren’t capable of reaching our goals. To break out of this negative way of thinking, try stepping outside of your comfort zone. Taking risks and trying something that we were previously too nervous to attempt can often make us feel more competent and, thus, more confident about going after our goals in the future.