14 Feb Raise your self-esteem to enjoy life to the full
Self-esteem is all about how you feel about yourself – and if you have low self-esteem this can seriously impact your quality of life.
Seeing too many negatives. Being harsh on yourself. Thinking you’re not good enough for a job. Even thinking you’re not good enough for other people will limit what you get out of life and add to a viscous cycle of feeling inadequate.
The good news, though, is that if you recognise you have low self-esteem then you can work on improving it to help you get the most out of life and start to feel good about yourself.
As this month is Boost Your Self-Esteem Month it is the perfect time to focus on building up your sense of self-worth and confidence, which will help to improve your relationships, school results and job prospects.
“The world will never value you more than you value yourself.”
Bill Masur
Improve your life experience through better self esteem
Research has shown that more than 50 per cent of men and 62 per cent of women do not think they are intelligent, while 85 per cent of women and 4 in 5 men do not think they are attractive.
Not believing in yourself will hold you back in jobs, relationships and just generally enjoying life. Instead if you, or a young person you know, is suffering from low self-esteem take steps to improve that.
Make a list of achievements, set a new target to reach, take up a new hobby, look after yourself, make a daily note of positive things and learn to shut out negative thoughts. Eventually it will become a habit that gradually builds up self-esteem, opening up pathways to a more fulfilled life.
“Self-esteem begins with self-understanding, grows with courage and perseverance, ends with confidence.”
Maxime Lagacé
Be kind to yourself and others
Really, at its heart, boosting your self-esteem is about being kinder to yourself, and kindness counts. This month also sees Random Acts of Kindness Day on 17 February – and it’s no secret that being kind to others is a great way to help you feel good about yourself.
Even the slightest act of kindness – a compliment, making someone who is feeling low a cup of tea, or mowing a neighbour’s lawn can make a huge difference to the way they feel. And the best thing about kindness is that it is catching – if you are kind to someone, they are likely to be kind to someone else, step by step creating a kinder world to live in.
What’s stopping you? Get out there and spread a little kindness whenever you can.
“Your sense of self-worth comes from you alone – never the opinion of others.”
Robert Greene
Follow a brighter path
Feeling good, acting positively and showing kindness are ideal ways to set off on a path to a brighter future where you feel upbeat, set yourself goals and see real achievements.
Take the first step today in making a small change that will make a huge difference to your life.
“Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.”
Alice Walker
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February
Supported by the United Nations the International day of women and girls in science is part of a global effort to close up the gender gap in STEM learning and jobs to help make the world more equal and sustainable. STEM is the future and girls at school need to know they can be a leading part of that. As a STEM ambassador this is something TeeJay is passionate about.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 28 February – 6 March
Body image and the pressures of social media are huge issues for young people today and raising awareness to tackle this is so important. The campaign behind Eating Disorders Awareness Week aims to see all medical students taught about eating disorders to ensure people get the help they need. If you have struggled to get help this is the time to speak up.
If you are worried about yourself, or someone else, then seek specialist help as soon as possible. With 1 in 50 people suffering from an eating disorder, it is important to know no-one is alone in this. Back On Track Teens has worked extensively to raise awareness and to offer support for body image issues – find out more here.
Choose the life you want to lead
If you have good self-esteem you will feel confident in the decisions that you make and will know when to say ‘no’.
Knowing your boundaries stops you making decisions you will regret or becoming burnt out from being a people pleaser. Making positive decisions with confidence will allow you to go after opportunities that let you make the most of your life whether that is a job, friendship, hobby or new relationship.
If your self-confidence and self-esteem is low, commit to making a change today. For help and advice join the Back On Track Teens community at:
Live the life that you were meant to with confidence and positivity, by building your self-esteem up to truly feel good about yourself.
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