How Can I Build My Self Esteem?
(7 Basic Steps to Make a Difference)
Improving self-esteem is basically improving how you view and value yourself. While some have a high self-esteem by nature, there are also some who need to work on further developing it. After all, the lack of self-esteem is often one of the reasons why we are afraid to try out new things, and it also affects our productivity.
How to Build Self-Esteem
- Believe in yourself
Everything starts with believing yourself. If you, yourself, don’t believe in your own capabilities, then how can you expect others to believe in you? Instead of saying that you can’t do something, why not at least try doing it before you give up? Also, it would be best for you to develop a positive thinking so that you will not easily back out on the challenges that you will face in your life.
As much as possible, you shouldn’t also worry about what other people think about you or about what you are doing (as long as you don’t step on other people’s toes). What’s important is that you are enjoying yourself.
- Know what you want to do
The results would be so much better if you choose to do something because you love doing it or you are passionate about it and not because you are forced to do it. Instead of doing things just to please the people around you, you should do the things that can make you feel happy.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot please everyone no matter how much you try improving yourself. So, just because a certain someone is not pleased with you doesn’t mean that others feel the same. There would surely be someone who appreciates your efforts.
- Write down your strengths and weaknesses
Although you might not be good in everything, for sure, there are some areas where you are good at. So, list them all down. If you can’t think of anything, then you can ask your family and friends who have been with you for a long time.
Of course, don’t forget to list down your weaknesses as well and then challenge yourself to become better at it. When doing this, you can consider the Quran and Sunnah as your guide to help determine what you did right and what you did wrong.
- Spend time with people who appreciate you
In times when you don’t even appreciate yourself and the efforts you have exerted, spend some time with people who appreciate and love you. Being surrounded with people who show you that you are also someone valuable is a great way for you to start improving yourself since they can provide you great support, especially when you are experiencing difficulties
Moreover, they can also make you feel better about yourself. Whenever you start doubting yourself, think of the compliments that you have received before, and you will surely feel better.
- Be mindful of your appearance
This tip for improving self-esteem does not necessarily mean that you should try your hardest to be pretty, but this only means that you should at least look clean, decent, and presentable. So, wear a modest Islamic outfit. If you look good, then you would also feel good about yourself. You will also have more confidence when dealing with other people.
- Stop comparing yourself to others
No matter how good the people around you are, you still shouldn’t think lowly of yourself. Just because other people are able to do the things that you cannot do doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lesser than them. So, if you find yourself comparing to others whenever you use social media, then it would be best for you to avoid using it.
- Learn to celebrate
Accomplished something on your list? Well, no matter how big or small your accomplishment is, you should celebrate. It can be as simple as treating yourself to a good meal or buying something that you have always wanted to buy. Also, don’t forget to praise yourself for you deserve it.
There you have it— some basic tips on how to build self-esteem. Try them out and you will surely find more happiness and satisfaction as you have just overcome one of your barriers in life. However, you should always keep in mind that too much of it can also be destructive.
What a wonderful guide, mashaAllah. Very necessary for out mental health. Allah made us in the best form and we can show appreciation to him by looking after and valuing ourselves inshaAllah
Unfortunately we do not have such people around who spend quality of time and appreciate us. Even sometime we feel down or low our relation makes us more low and down and make a questions on our abilities
Subhan Allah. What a fantastic read. I really appreciated reading these 7 basic steps to make a difference. These basics steps we do not take often enough to make a difference in our own lives. These steps are so vital for our physical and mental health. Thankyou Ayesha Aslam I really needed to read this right now. Xx