“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” -Marilyn Monroe
It’s no secret that self esteem is a hit topic in today’s society. It’s not always easy to keep one’s self-esteem and self worth up. I’m not going to lie, for me personally, it’s a struggle every day to keep mine high, or at least at a normal level!
I feel like there’s now some confusion with what self-esteem exactly is. Many believe it’s along the lines of popularity or having a beautiful body. To me, it’s something so much deeper than one’s image, but about self respect and loving yourself in every way and in all situations.
When it comes to self worth, only one opinion matters and that is our own. I say this all the time and that is, we are our own toughest critics, so I want to stress how important it is to love yourself and be happy with the life you’re living.
Here is a list of the top five habits I’ve developed to maintain a standard level of self-esteem.
1.Stop comparing
– This is first on the list because comparing yourself to someone else is a major no-no. It’s so easy to look at others and compare or even envy what you see. This small act of comparison can develop into something much bigger: negative outbursts and eventually affect one’s mental health. Just remember that no two people are the exact same and there’s no such thing as perfection. Ever hear the phrase ‘Count your blessings’? Go ahead and do it.
2.Recognize your strengths
– Ask yourself “What are my strengths?” and write them all down. Recognizing what you’re good at and reminding yourself of your talents is a huge boost. When we make mistakes or “fail” at something, we’re so quick to make judgements on ourselves – hey, we’re only human! But remember that these mistakes don’t define us to our core. After making a mistake, consider them as opportunities to learn and grow instead.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
– Positivity is contagious, so surround yourself with positive people. Also try seeking positive and enlightening quotes and then apply it to yourself and your everyday life. Regardless of your problems or anything else happening in your life, you must know you deserve to feel great about yourself.
4. Do something nice for others
– Hold the door open for someone or wave a car into your lane. Hearing that ‘Thank you’ from even just the smallest gesture can be so rewarding. Plus putting a smile on someone’s face and treating others nicely is bound to put a smile on yours too, and treat yourself fair.
5. Celebrate the small things
– Yes, the small things like getting up early, getting a workout in, or crossing off half the things on your long list of work to-do’s. This is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself, as it brings satisfaction and everyday achievement.
Like I said, improving one’s self-esteem isn’t easy and may take some time. But the more you work at it and apply these habits into your daily routine, you’ll develop a higher opinion of yourself and live life happily.
That’s all for now. Have a fab day 💕
XOXO, Alyssa