Self-Confidence, Therapy For Women

From the Inside Out: Ways Self-Esteem Development Can Change Your Life

July 30, 2023

“Believe in yourself.” “Have confidence in yourself.” These are statements that are said to encourage and empower someone to take action. Sometimes self-doubt makes someone hesitant to take the next step, and they give up before they have started. Constantly doubting yourself can reduce your confidence to the point that you have low self-esteem.

If you have low self-esteem, you may have persistent feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness, self-doubt and negative self-talk. You may struggle to accept compliments or compare yourself to others. You may avoid social situations out of fear of being judged and rejected. You may set unrealistically high expectations of yourself.

If you can relate to these feelings, you are not alone. Eighty-five percent of people report struggling with self-confidence at some point. Developing healthy self-esteem is important because it impacts how you navigate through life’s experiences.

Ways Self-Esteem Can Change Your Life

1. Embracing Self-Acceptance

To embrace yourself, you must first know and accept who you are – your strengths, weaknesses, values, internal beliefs, and principles. Fully embracing yourself liberates you from the burdens of perfectionism, comparisons to others and self-doubt. This acceptance creates space for self-improvement and personal growth.

2. Nurturing Positive Self-Talk

Your internal dialogue shapes your self-esteem. Whenever you engage in negative self-talk, you are fueling self-doubt. When you speak kind words to yourself, you uplift yourself and your internal belief. Whenever you think of a negative thing, replace it with a positive thought. Correct yourself with positive words about yourself whenever you speak an unkind word about yourself. You can rewire your internal speech by being more aware of your thoughts. Being more positive in your thoughts and speech will bring more happiness, joy and fulfillment.

3. Improved Mental Health

When you have high self-esteem, you have lower levels of anxiety. You are confident in yourself and not worried about the opinions of others. This promotes a stronger and more resilient mindset.

4. Greater Physical Benefits

Persons with increased self-confidence are encouraged to participate in healthier activities. Nutritious meals, exercise, proper sleep and adequate hydration are daily aspects of their lives. The outcome is excellent physical health.

5. Empowering Goal-Setting

When you are confident in your value and worth, you tend to set more ambitious goals for yourself. Create goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Break down your goals into small actionable steps and celebrate your progress. As you work towards your goals, you will strengthen your self-esteem.

6. Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

Healthy self-esteem impacts your relationships. When you value yourself, you’re not afraid to communicate your boundaries, enforce them and say no if they are not honoured. People respect you when you stand up for yourself and your values. As a result, you create deeper emotional connections and healthier relationships.

Additional Support for Self-Esteem Development

If your inability to make decisions or assert yourself has significantly impacted your daily life and relationships, it may be time to talk to a professional. An experienced therapist can help you recognize self-destructive thoughts and help you develop a strategy to help you live as your authentic, powerful self.

At Ubuntu Psychotherapy and Wellness, we help you heal your emotional pain, uncover your potential and build the connections you need to live a better story. Our therapy sessions take into account your personal experiences and are a safe space for open dialogue, introspection and healing.

Get the tools you need to learn to trust yourself, set healthy boundaries, and live confidently.

Rewrite the story you’ve been told.

Discover your best you.

Ubuntu Psychotherapy & Wellness offers in-person therapy in Markham and online therapy across Ontario. Helping you feel whole, build deeper connections, and live with more meaning.