Steps To Improve Self-confidence

Negative self-esteem can affect your life in many ways. The way you feel about yourself can have a dramatic impact on your health, your family and relationships and your career. You may have developed a negative self-image in childhood, particularly if you were the victim of an abusive situation. However, it's never too late to change your self-image. You can boost your self-confidence to a healthier level by changing the way you think about yourself and about life.

Identify Negative Thought Patterns

If you suffer from low self-esteem, you've probably been entrenched in negative thought patterns for a long time. You may find that certain situations trigger negative feelings. According to the Mayo Clinic, the first step in boosting your level of self-confidence is to identify the situation or condition that makes you feel bad. Awareness and insight are key to uncovering the root of your feelings of low self-esteem.

Pay Attention to Self-Talk

We usually have constant chatter going on in our minds. You may not even be aware of the thoughts going through your head during the day, as you may just regard them as static or background noise. Try to notice the thoughts that go through your mind whenever you feel negative or low. Identify the thoughts that are negative, particularly becoming aware of the ones that tend to repeat themselves. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you have these thoughts you should also become aware of their physical, emotional or behavioral responses. This may include overeating, feeling sad or having difficulty concentrating.

Change Your Thinking

In his book "Visualize Confidence: How to Use Guided Imagery to Overcome Self-Doubt," Dr. Kirwan Rockefeller points out that you can quiet your inner critic and choose to change old behaviors and thought patterns. You will have to leave behind the comfortable feelings of pessimism and negativity that you're accustomed to. You must actively work on developing new, healthier thought patterns to replace the old ones. According to the Mayo Clinic, you must challenge negative self-talk such as "I don't deserve any better," or "I'm just a failure." Replace these thoughts with realistic statements that reflect your true abilities. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. Focus on positive things, such as something you've recently done well. Try to eliminate the word "should" from your vocabulary. The Mayo Clinic's article points out that you may be placing unrealistic expectations on yourself when you say what you "should" do. Visualize yourself feeling more confident and successful. Changing your thinking will not happen overnight, and it may require the help of a trusted friend or professional support from a therapist or counselor.