Strengthening self-esteem: The path to more self-acceptance and inner strength

In the following, we want to look at what it actually means when we talk about self-worth or self-confidence and self-esteem. This post should also give some suggestions on how we can strengthen our self-worth.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the individual's assessment of one's own worth. Rooted in humanistic psychology, this concept reflects how we perceive our abilities and our value as a person. A healthy self-esteem, characterized by unconditional self-acceptance and recognized as an essential component of the psychological hierarchy of needs, is crucial to our well-being and mental health. It develops over the course of life and is shaped by personal experiences and self-reflection.

How can you improve your self-esteem?

Here I have summarized some tips on how to get started with self-esteem work:

1. Practice self-acceptance:

Practice self-acceptance using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This form of therapy focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings without self-criticism and committing to acting based on your values and what is important to you. Avoid constant comparisons with others, because everyone is unique. Positive self-acceptance promotes a healthy self-image and helps overcome self-criticism.

2. Positive self-talk:

Have positive self-talk every day. Yes, every day. This is inspired by Claude Steele's affirmation theory, which highlights the positive effect such statements have on the self-concept. For example, you could repeat affirmations such as "I have the strength to overcome my challenges" or "I am valuable" in front of the mirror in the morning.

These conscious, positive messages to yourself not only promote optimism, but also strengthen your self-confidence to face everyday and extraordinary challenges more courageously.

3. Celebrate successes:

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. For example, you could take a moment at the end of each day to praise yourself for a task completed or for overcoming a challenge. You could also associate successes with photos or small notes you make, giving them a special place in your home. This practice can boost your motivation and promote a positive sense of self.

4. Communicate clearly:

Learn to say no and respect your own boundaries and express your own needs. This could mean turning down inappropriate requests at work or claiming personal time for yourself. In the psychological field, assertiveness training is often used for this. The ability to clearly communicate needs and boundaries is essential for self-confidence, increases self-respect and contributes to improving your quality of life. Hence, it will be strengthening self-esteem long-term.

5. Practice self-compassion:

With self-compassion techniques based on Dr. Kristin Neff's research on Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), you can learn to show compassion and understanding towards yourself. Try to approach your own imperfections and mistakes with kindness and care. One way to do this is to try mindfulness meditations such as the Self-Compassion Body Scan. This involves scanning your entire body internally and paying attention to any painful or tense areas with care and love.

Support on your way to strengthening self-esteem

Building a stronger sense of self-worth is an enriching journey. Often it is the small adjustments we make that can have a big impact. Sometimes, however, it helps to get an additional perspective from the outside to work out what is currently going wrong. With Psymondo, I offer you advice to support you on this path. Together we can embark on the journey to discover and strengthen your own worth.