Sometimes, it seems like certain people are born with more confidence than others. No matter what happens in their life, they seem to be able to endure and overcome every situation with poise. However, the reality is that all of us have the same capacity for high self-esteem. The only difference between you and your more confident peers is how you invest in your self-image.
Improving your self-esteem doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on expensive clothes and a fancy car, or paying for a plastic surgeon to change the features of your body you don’t like. There are simple and pain-free ways you can start to boost your confidence every day. Here are some of the best ways to get started.
Be Willing to Invest in Yourself
How often do you invest in yourself and your future? Many of us see things like buying a new outfit for a job interview or investing in higher education as a selfish move. It’s easy to tell ourselves that other purchases are more important or crucial. However, you’re the only person who can choose to invest in your future. Failure to do so could mean you miss out on crucial opportunities. Being willing to invest in yourself doesn’t mean you should purchase everything you think you want without careful consideration. However, it does mean to seriously consider all your financial options when a purchase makes sense. If buying a new car now with a personal loan means you can apply for higher paying job roles, then a little temporary debt might be worth it.
Re-Evaluate Your Inner Voice
Often, it’s not what other people say about us or to us that has the biggest impact on our self-esteem. Our confidence is frequently shaped by how we see and speak to ourselves. If you constantly tell yourself you’re not good enough, then no matter what you accomplish in life, you won’t be able to see the value you bring into the world. It’s worth finding a way to reframe your inner voice. Every time you notice yourself thinking something negative about who you are or what you can do, question that narrative. Start actively telling yourself all the things you like about yourself instead. You could even create a list of the positive things you’ve accomplished each day to help keep you motivated.
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Even if you consider yourself to be a naturally confident person, there are going to be certain areas in life where you don’t feel quite as strong and sure of yourself. You might feel like your self-esteem at work is great, but that you struggle with crowds and social interactions, or vice versa. Part of becoming a more confident person, and boosting your self-esteem, is finding ways to constantly push past your boundaries. This doesn’t mean you have to immediately throw yourself into uncomfortable situations every day. However, it’s worth finding ways to edge outside of your comfort zone regularly, so you can teach your mind that you can overcome your fears.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
When you are cultivating vitality and self confidence, be yourself, everyone else is taken. We live in a world where we’re frequently encouraged to compare ourselves to others, from models and celebrities to successful entrepreneurs. While it’s fine to have those you idolize and respect in your life, it’s important not to spend too much time comparing yourself to the people around you. The reality is that you probably don’t know everything there is to know about the people you idolize, and the challenges they face. Most of the images we get of other people through social media and television are highly edited. Try to focus on becoming the best version of yourself you want to be, by prioritizing your own values, instead of focusing on other people.
Celebrate Every Win, No Matter How Small
Finally, one of the best ways to improve both your self-esteem and your confidence significantly, is to start paying attention to your accomplishments. Depending on your mindset, you might find it’s easier to dwell on your failures, rather than looking at your accomplishments.
However, taking the time to celebrate even the smallest wins reminds you to be grateful for your accomplishments. Every time you ace a presentation at work, have a great conversation with a friend, or overcome a fear, give yourself a mental pat on the back. Train yourself to be your own personal cheerleader, and your confidence will naturally grow.
