We might not realise it, but we are bombarded with self improvement messages on a daily basis. From make up and hair adverts on TV, through to weight loss stories and fitness plans on the covers of magazines, we are constantly told we are not good enough. Yet if we buy this particular product or follow that particular celebrity, we could be. And what happens is that these subtle subliminal messages, rather than making us feel good about ourselves, actually have the complete opposite effect. Which sees us about as far removed from self improvement as you can possibly get.
So, what we want to focus on today is not necessarily how you can improve yourself, because honestly, we think you’re pretty awesome as you are, but instead to concentrate on showing you some ways to help build up your self esteem in order for you to believe it too!
Know Yourself
Before we can self improve we really need to know what it is exactly we want to improve, or to look at it another way – to address some of the things we’re not happy with in our lives. It’s time to start making some lists!
Grab yourself a large sheet of paper and divide it up into different category blocks – relationship, career, health, money, fitness, aspirations etc. Jot down all the things that aren’t quite working out for you, the things that you like about your current situation, as well as how you would like it to be in an ideal world.
The very act of ‘brain dumping’ can be incredibly cathartic and helps to clarify and make sense of things. It allows you to make positive and actionable steps, rather than having all of those thoughts swirling around in your head.
Keep Learning
School days may seem like an absolute lifetime ago, but that doesn’t mean we ever need to stop learning. Indeed, continued learning throughout our lives can help give us purpose and encourage a growth mindset. If you’re unsure where to start you can try going for one of the many distance learning courses online. These offer a variety of different courses; anything from healthcare and nutrition, through to journalism, animal care and IT courses; there is something to suit all interests.
Alternatively, why not take up a new hobby, join a sports club, learn a new language, read a new book about a subject you know nothing about. Absolutely anything that enriches your mind and motivates you in some way is such a positive step in helping you to feel good about yourself.
Be Your Own Cheerleader
I’ll bet you dish out compliments to your friends all the time, right? But how often do you give yourself those same words of praise? I think we all know the answer to that one!
I’m not going to lie, singing your own praises and being your own cheerleader is far from easy. But if we constantly focus on the negatives and think unkindly towards ourselves, this can get in the way of so many of those life goals you are hoping to achieve.
One thing that can help you to change the way you speak to yourself is setting yourself some daily check in habits.
- Keep some positive affirmation cards by the side of your bed and read one every morning.
- Make sure the first thing you do when you look in the mirror is smile at yourself.
- At the end of each day write down at least one thing you have achieved, are proud of, that made you happy that day.
Take control of your inner critic, show yourself some self compassion, and start blowing your own trumpet a bit.
Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Sometimes doing something that scares the living daylights out of you is the one thing that gives you the biggest sense of achievement, so pull up those big girl pants and give it a go.
OK, OK so maybe don’t rush out and sign yourself up to a skydiving session just yet, after all some of us do have genuine phobias, but how about doing something that is completely out of character, that gets your tummy filled with butterflies, makes your heart beat faster, makes you feel alive!
The secret to building self confidence is to take that giant step out of your comfort zone and experience the things that make you feel this way. Sure it’s scary, and no it’s not easy, but I’ll tell you something for nothing, it’s incredibly rewarding and will make you feel completely empowered once you’ve done it.
Stop Procrastinating And Just Do It!
And finally, these action points are all well and good, but they’ll only work if you get on out there and actually do them. So, stop procrastinating, stop making excuses, stop thinking about the what if’s and just do it.
*collaborative post