Self-esteem is an important part of your emotion, on it, everything is depend. If you feel good about yourself, you’ll be more likely to go with what is important to you, treat others well and yourself with kindness, and effectively navigate life’s downs by strengthen your self-worth and regain confidence and boldness.
But self-esteem isn’t something you simply “have” or don’t, it can fluctuate with the challenges of life, whether it’s beginning a new career, working through a relationship, or just coping with day-to-day stress. If you’re willing to build your self-esteem, here are seven impactful ways to cultivate it.
1. Make self-care non-negotiable
Taking care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being creates a foundation for more solid self-worth. That involves getting enough sleep, nourishing your body with good foods, exercising, and taking time to stop, through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting quietly. When you are kind to yourself, you send the message that you are important. And that message constructs self-esteem from the inside out.
2. Hang around people who construct you.
Who you are around makes a difference. Supportive family members, friends, and community remind you of your worth, especially when you’ve forgotten. Whether it’s a small group of good friends, a book club, or church, or an art community, being around people who support and embrace you can be a lifesaver.
3. Discover purpose through serving others
Working for others isn’t only an act of altruism, it’s also a means of reconnecting with your worth. Whether you’re volunteering, mentoring, or just being present for someone in need, serving others can be a source of meaning and joy that elevates self-worth. Oftentimes, it’s in giving that we’re reminded of what we have to give.
4. Take ownership of your story, every aspect of it
Your story is exclusively yours, and that is something to embrace. Katie Mazeika, a disabled author and illustrator, grew up with an easily visible disability. She once explained how a scar on a picture book character made her feel noticed for the very first time.
That experience stayed with her and motivated her to produce her characters who proudly own their differences. The real thing is, the things about your story that you’ve been instructed to keep hidden might just be the things that make you powerful. Accept them.
5. Slow down and think, or pray
At times, the greatest confidence boost will not come from elsewhere, it will come from within. Spending a few quiet minutes a day in prayer, meditation, or just reflection on your strengths can center you in who you are. Keeping yourself reminded that you are loved, capable, and worthy, regardless of circumstances, is a practice that feeds self-esteem in the long run.
6. Representation matters, so speak up
Watching someone like you on TV, in the news, or real life can be life-altering. For Katie Mazeika, it wasn’t simply watching a character with a scar, it was watching that character speak up and claim space. When you share your narrative or stand up for what you require, you’re not merely growing confidence for yourself, you are permitting others to do so too. That ripple effect is strong.
7. Choose goals that matter to you, and celebrate the little victories
You build confidence when you’re working toward something significant. Choose goals that spark you, then reward yourself for every moment of progress, no matter how small. Each step forward, whether it’s finishing a project, having a difficult conversation, or just showing up, which is an evidence that you’re growing. Don’t wait until you “arrive” to feel proud. Growth is the process.
Healthy self-esteem isn’t a matter of faking it that you’re flawless or never second-guessing yourself. It’s about being able to be kind to yourself, acknowledge your value, and hold the hope that your story matters. Whatever way you build it, through community, solitude, acts of service, or just plain good self-care, as self-esteem is something you can develop, with time, intent, and a whole lot of heart and help to strengthen your self-worth and replace it with more confidence and boldness in your life.