7 STEPS TO BOOST SELF-ESTEEM
Discover seven easy steps to making a quantum leap with your self-esteem that delivers confidence, clarity and authenticity.
4 in 5 women report low self-esteem
Of those, 89% opt out of important activities, such as engaging with
friends and family and participating in activities outside of the house,
when they don't feel good about the way they look.
Low self-esteem has a pervasive negative impact on physical, mental and emotional health. It creates a nasty cycle and has been scientifically linked to everything from relationship problems and a lack of self-care right through to substance abuse and self-harm.
Over three-quarters of the world’s population has been directly or indirectly affected by poor self-image.
Self-esteem is a mosaic of ideas and value judgements we hold about ourselves. It is how we view our own personality, capabilities, skills, body, mind and personal potential. While most of us agree that it’s important to have a good self-image, very few people seem to know how to acquire one – or even how they got the self-image they have now.
The first thing to understand about our self-image is that it is not real, even though it feels like it is. The second is that how we think about ourselves directly affects how we feel about ourselves and therefore how we respond to life and its challenges.
Therefore, it is critically important we develop the skills needed to maintain healthy self-esteem.
With that in mind, we’ve detailed below a seven-step process for improving your self-image. It comes from Paul Blackburn, world leader in the personal growth and mindset field, and stems from decades worth of coaching, instructing and courses on reaching your true potential.
Implement this process and you’ll give your self-image a boost that delivers solid belief in your own value and confidence in your abilities so you can get on with living up to your potential.
STEP 1: YOUR INHERITANCE
Ask yourself, “What is my self-image inheritance?” Write as much as you can about your role models – parents, teachers, friends, neighbours and anyone else who influenced you. The story is not important, just how it made you feel.
For example, the suburb you were raised in. It doesn’t matter where it was, just how it felt. You could ask yourself the questions below.
- Was it middle class, poor, or privileged?
- What were the taboo subjects?
- Who was the leader in your street?
- What was it okay to be good at?
- What wasn’t?
- Where did you fit?
- Who was cool and why?
- What were the social norms?
STEP 2: CRITICAL CHOICES YOU MADE ALONG THE WAY
What choices have you made that influenced your self-image?
Once again, write as much as you can, and don’t worry about the story – just focus on the result. Take the time to explore this fully.
STEP 3: INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE
Examine the people who have influenced your perception of yourself.
- How did they do it?
- What was your reaction to this?
- What have been the consequences for you?
Write your thoughts. This section may be full of regret, fear, hurt, sorrow, loss and grief. This is not wrong. Take your time and be gentle with yourself.
7 in 10 girls
believe they are not good enough or don't measure up in some way.
STEP 4: HOW DO I MANAGE DISCOMFORT?
Ask yourself what you do to lessen uncomfortable or painful emotions.
For example, to prevent discomfort when being praised for her ‘accidental’ success in maths, Jane makes statements that take her out of the limelight as quickly as possible - ‘I was just lucky this time’ or ‘I had help’.
- What do you do when things get tough?
- What do you do when something doesn’t align with your self-image score for that subject?
- What do you consistently do when you feel emotional – arguments, yoga, chocolate, alcohol, television, shopping, sulking, the silent treatment, ‘me time’?
Write them down. They are keeping you stuck because they manage the pain instead of healing it.
Heal the pain and you will be able to move forward.
STEP 5: WHAT WOULD BE BETTER?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a better way for me to handle this situation?
- What is my pattern and what would it be better for me to do?
- Can I do that, and if I can’t, who knows how?
- Who has done this before and succeeded?
- Am I willing to ask them for help?
STEP 6: WHEN DO I START?
Most people know what to do, and if they don’t they can generally learn. This is knowledge – useful, but at the end of the day, just ideas. Doing what we know is in our best interest converts knowledge into wisdom. Ultimately, to know and not to do, is not to know.
We call this the difference between head and heart. We can talk about the benefits of exercise until we are blue in the face, and still never go to the gym. If we truly know in our heart that exercise is what we need, nothing will stop us from getting there.
Ask yourself this: if I am embarking on this journey of self-discovery and liberation, what do I need to do and by when?
Write the answer down and commit to achieving this goal. If you think you will find it difficult, tell a friend about what you are doing and have them hold you to your word.
38% of teenage boys report using protein supplements,
and 6% admitted to steroid use to improve their physique.
STEP 7: MASSIVE POSITIVE CHANGE
The single most important factor in improving self-image is becoming a person of your word. The fastest way to elevate your self-esteem is to make a promise to yourself and keep it.
If you have to make the promises small to begin with, that’s fine. It is much better to keep small promises consistently than to go for something bigger and break your promise. In fact, starting small can help you gain momentum and move on to bigger targets.
COULD BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM BE ANY EASIER?
“Wow! I’ve never taken the time to look at my patterns with discomfort - what an eye opener that was. Now that I’m aware of my bad habits, I’ve been using these steps to make positive changes. I've had a huge shift, thanks for the great info Quantum Orange!”
Anastasia
Portland, USA
“I’ve had bad self-esteem my entire life. I knew it could be better but had no idea what to do to improve it. I’ve applied the steps in this article and found them both practical and positive.”
Aryo
Sydney, Australia
“I didn’t realise that I’ve spent decades eroding my self-esteem by breaking small promises, both to myself and others. Since reading this article I’ve been working on just that one thing and it has made a profound difference to the way I feel about myself.”
Tracey
Houston, USA
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"I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made since I began using these strategies. I’ve let go of some unhealthy patterns and established newer habits that serve me much better. Loving Success Lab."
Carolyn
Geelong, Australia
"I was doing fine before I joined the Quantum Orange community but now I’m hitting it out of the park!! I had no idea that some simple tools and techniques coupled with a wonderful support system could have such an extraordinary impact on my life. I’m kicking my goals, making fantastic decisions and taking massive action. I’m really happy - I feel like me, but 110% better!"
