The Shockingly Simple Habit That Could Make a Huge Difference in Your Self-Esteem
Woman with healthy self-esteem dancing in kitchen
Self-esteem. Defined as a “deep sense of one’s own worth,” as Marybeth Cale, Well-Being Coach and Founder of Estuary Coaching, states, it seems like something that you should have only struggled with as a teen when you’re finding your way in the world and peer pressures abound.
But as it turns out, low self-esteem can easily follow someone into adulthood. In fact, Psychology Today reports that an astounding 85% of all people worldwide grapple with low self-esteem. This comes as no surprise, as comparisons are easy to make on social media and ongoing stress is rampant, which can make self-care low on a priority list.
If self-esteem is something that you’d like to improve in your life, read on for the one “it’s almost too easy” habit you can start to boost your confidence.
What Are Some Characteristics of Good Self-Esteem?
Cale says that when you have healthy self-esteem, you accept yourself fully and lovingly. You can confidently embrace new opportunities. You can actively listen to others for understanding, without trying to one-up them. You are typically motivated. And you exude a sense of security and peacefulness. These are all things you can aspire to as you increase your self-confidence.
Related: 101 Uplifting Confidence Quotes for Days You're Struggling with Low Self-Esteem
Why Is It Important To Have Good Self-Esteem?
“A deep sense of self allows one to lean into new experiences and adventures without fear of rejection or failure,” Cale says. “You can really show up to life with total authenticity, make decisions with greater clarity, set boundaries when needed and design your life in a way that allows you to truly thrive.”
To Cale, good self-esteem is the cornerstone of success in relationships, the workplace, community and life, making it something that should be a priority for all of us.
Related: 6 Behaviors That Show Low Self-Confidence, and What To Do Instead, According to Psychologists
The One Shockingly Simple Habit That Could Make a Huge Difference in Your Self-Esteem
Cale says that every person has an inner critic.
“To that, I say, squash that sucker as soon as they rear their ugly head!” Cale emphasizes. “The moment you feel yourself engaging in negative self-talk, you must take pause and say, ‘Is this thought helpful or harmful?’”
Cale adds that negative self-talk is usually harmful in the sense that when we don’t believe in ourselves, we aren’t able to share our talents and gifts, which all of us have, with others.
After you acknowledge the inner critic’s presence and whatever message it’s sending or the story it’s telling, Cale recommends taking a deep breath in, smiling as you exhale and replacing that negative thought/storyline with a positive one about yourself.
“This can become a habit when practiced over time, acknowledging when that inner critic is showing up and using your personal power to crush it so that it doesn’t impede your ability to experience life,” Cale says. “Over time, conditioning yourself to engage in positive self-talk will boost your self-esteem and empower you in all areas of your life.”
Related: Wondering Why Some Women Seem so Effortlessly Confident? We Uncovered 23 of Their Best-Kept Secrets
Other Habits That Can Help
In addition to this great, and effective, habit to cultivate, there are other ways to improve your self-esteem. Cale is partial to list-making, for example.
“I love list-making. It sounds so simple, but if I make a list of a few things I want to achieve each day, I feel euphoric as I cross those items off. It’s a wonderful way to feel productive and on your A-game, even if those tasks seem small. They add up to greater self-esteem,” Cale explains.
Another self-esteem hack you can consider, which Cale usually does after her morning meditation or during a run, is this: at the beginning of each day, come up with three things you did to brighten the lives of others the day before, and something you might do in the day ahead which can make a difference in the world.
“It can be something as simple as calling a friend in need, or it can be more involved like helping your teenager through a breakup by giving some sound advice,” Cale says. “Whatever the case may be, when we reflect on the many ways, large and small, we are sharing our hearts and minds with others, we feel better about ourselves.”
Next up, discover the 10 signs of low self-esteem, and what to do instead.
Sources
Marybeth Cale, Well-Being Coach and Founder of Estuary Coaching.
Psychology Today: “The Relationship With Yourself”
