We all know that being a teenager can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride, with all the changes happening around us. But fear not, because I’m here to share some tips on how to build your self-esteem and embrace your inner strength. I remember growing up and being afraid to go to my first doctor’s appointment without my mother as she always did the talking for me. Over time, though, I gained the confidence to attend the doctor all by myself. While this was not the only thing that tackled my self-esteem, there were other moments such as when I went on my first date. For this reason, I wanted to share various tips that my mother once shared with me when I began to explore and verbalize my fears and weaknesses.
Embrace Your Uniqueness. First and foremost, remember that you are one of a kind. Embrace your individuality and celebrate your unique qualities. Your quirks, talents, and passions set you apart from others. It can be easy for us to compare ourselves with others when in reality, we will never be alike. Part of growing up is identifying what makes you stand out from others as those characteristics will be what set you to great heights. Hence, I encourage you to not be afraid to express yourself authentically and let your true self shine. It is probable that negative self-talk will try to creep in and interfere with your self-esteem. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself, pause and challenge those thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations and focus on your strengths. My mother always reminded me that I was created with a purpose, and for this statement, I grew to have self-confidence. Whether you have heard this statement before or not, I encourage you to let it sizzle in your mind and begin to believe it. Remember that you are capable, beautiful, and deserving of love and respect.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences. Surrounding yourself with positive people who support and uplift you is crucial. Seek out friends who value and appreciate you for who you are. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your abilities and celebrate your achievements will boost your self-esteem and help you grow into your best self. I truly believe the people you surround yourself with play a crucial role in our lives and the decisions we make. For this reason, reflect on the people you currently have as a part of your life and ask yourself “how are these individuals influencing my life? Are they healthy or unhealthy relationships?” In addition to this, though, take the time to celebrate your own achievements, big or small. Perhaps what was/is important to you may not be important for someone else, therefore, It is crucial for you to give yourself credit for your accomplishment. Acknowledge your progress and give yourself credit for your hard work. Celebrating your successes boosts your self-esteem and motivates you to keep moving forward.
Focus on Self-Care. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for building self-esteem. Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as reading, painting, dancing, or practicing yoga. Prioritize self-care to recharge and nurture yourself. Remember, you deserve to be happy and to invest in your well-being. Be kind to yourself. It’s natural to make mistakes or face challenges along the way. Instead of being too hard on yourself, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. Learn from your experiences, grow from them, and remember that nobody is perfect. Being kind with ourselves also means setting realistic goals to promote a healthy lifestyle. Start with small, achievable goals that you can work towards. Whether it’s acing a test, learning a new skill, or pursuing a hobby, make sure you are able and have the resources to achieve them. Oftentimes, I ask myself “How likely am I to complete this task?” When I question my goals in this way, I am able to break down the task into more manageable and realistic steps. After all, each accomplishment will contribute to your self-confidence. Remember, progress is a journey, not a destination.
On that note, remember building self-esteem is a journey that requires patience and self-love. Embrace your uniqueness and failures because we need to go through the fire to be processed and refreshed. Learn from your experiences and those of your loved ones. Be the difference and trust that you are capable of doing hard things. You are strong, capable, and deserving of all the good things life has to offer. So, let’s embark on this journey of improving our self-esteem together, empowering each other along the way. Nevertheless, remind yourself to stay positive, stay true to yourself, and let your self-esteem soar higher than the highest mountain.
Written by: Rachel Garcia; Masters Level Intern at Olive Branch
If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.
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