Have you ever felt like you're not good enough, even when others tell you otherwise?

What if the secret to feeling confident lies in the way you see yourself and the thoughts you tend to ignore?

Building your self-esteem and self-worth isn’t about changing who you are, but about changing how you view yourself. By learning simple, actionable strategies, you can start seeing yourself in a more positive light and live with more confidence every day.

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Self-esteem is how you feel about your abilities.

Self-worth is recognizing your value regardless of external factors.

Good self-esteem makes you feel confident and capable. Low self-esteem can cause insecurity and self-doubt, affecting how you view your worth. However, your self-worth remains constant — it’s about recognizing your inherent value as a person.

How can low self-esteem and self-worth affect you?

Low self-esteem and self-worth can show up in negative self-talk, avoiding opportunities, or constantly comparing yourself to others. You might also struggle with setting boundaries or feel undeserving of good things. These patterns make it hard to see your strengths and embrace new opportunities.

Recognizing these signs is the first step in rebuilding self-confidence. With a little practice and patience, you can start building a healthier, more confident view of yourself with these four strategies.

We all make mistakes, but how we respond to them makes a difference. Instead of beating yourself up, try treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.

Tip:

Whenever you make a mistake, pause and reframe your thoughts. Instead of thinking, “I’m such a failure,” try saying, “I made a mistake, but I can learn from this and do better next time.”

Negative thoughts can fuel low self-esteem and self-worth, but they’re not always true. A great way to overcome these thoughts is by challenging them.

Tip:

When you catch yourself thinking negatively, ask, "Is this realistic?" and replace it with a positive or neutral thought, like changing "I can't do this," to "I’ll keep trying."

Building self-esteem and self-worth starts with recognizing your accomplishments, no matter how small. Break big goals into manageable tasks and celebrate each step forward. These small victories will help you build confidence over time.

Tip:

Start by setting one small goal each day —whether it’s making your bed, taking a walk, or completing a task at work. Check it off your list and give yourself credit for the win!

Taking care of your body and mind is essential for building self-esteem and self-worth. Whether it’s through regular exercise, getting enough sleep, or doing activities that bring you joy, self-care helps reinforce the message that you’re worth the time and effort.

Tip:

Set aside at least 15 minutes each day for self-care — whether it’s reading, meditating, stretching, or just enjoying a cup of tea in peace.

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Maria has been asked to present her ideas in front of her colleagues at an upcoming meeting. As the day approaches, she starts to worry, thinking, “What if I mess up? They’ll think I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Maria's self-esteem and self-worth are low. She feels anxious and unsure about whether she should go through with it. H

What should she do to overcome these negative thoughts? Select all that apply:

A. Avoid the meeting and tell her colleagues she’s feeling unwell.

B. Remind herself that making mistakes is a part of learning.

C. Focus on her strengths and the value she brings to the team.

D. Talk to a friend about her feelings for reassurance before the meeting.

Photo by Miquel Parera on Unsplash

Building self-esteem and self-worth takes time and patience. It’s all about making small, regular efforts to see your value and strengthen your self-confidence. Start with these simple actions: