Top 5 Ways to Build Self-Esteem

It's perfectly human to feel insecure. Everyone compares themselves to others and feels bad about themselves sometimes, whether it seems that way or not.

Surprisingly, some of the most popular celebrities, social media influencers, and even people you know admit to feeling insecure.

But the secret to becoming more confident and building self-esteem has nothing to do with the number of followers you have, how many people like your posts, or whether the most popular people accept you as part of their crew.

That's right: your self-worth comes from within, and only you can decide how you feel about yourself. External factors and the opinions of other people will never. Be. Enough.

So how do you build self-esteem, exactly? We're glad you asked.

Here are the top 5 ways to build self-esteem and create a happier, more fulfilling life for yourself.

Find (and Nurture) Your Passions

Very few people know what they want to be when they grow up, and very few people stick with that plan anyway.

What really matters? Doing whatever inspires you and brings you joy right now, even if it's not a long-term plan.

Dance, join an art club, learn to play chess, or find a gaming community with like-minded people. There are plenty of ways you can nurture a passion and boost your confidence by doing something that matters to you.

Let Go of the Past

One of the most common reasons we struggle with self-esteem issues is because we're stuck in the past.

Whether that's a mistake you made that you feel bad about or something a person did to hurt you, it's tough to let these things go.

Often, we keep thinking about these events again and again, so it feels impossible to move on. But with time and awareness, you can.

Whenever you think about the painful past, try to redirect your thoughts to people and things you're grateful for right now or your vision for the future.

It can be hard at first, but this habit will help you let go of the past that you can't change but is holding you back from growth with practice.

Set Goals

It's so easy to keep trying to be the person we think other people want or need us to be.

Unfortunately, we usually always have the wrong idea about what certain people expect, or they have impossible standards.

Luckily, there's an easy solution.

Set your own goals for what you want to do and who you want to be. The ones who love you will show support and love you no matter what.

Appreciate What You Have

There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting things. Let's be real: there are so many cool devices, gadgets, accessories, clothes, and collectibles out there. Maybe what you want is a closer relationship with someone you know.

It's okay to want something that excites you.

But here's the thing you should keep in mind: no material thing or relationship you get will bring you happiness if you don't feel happy with yourself.

Start with a daily gratitude practice (Take2Minutes offers several tools to make it happen), so you're always aware of what you already have.

With time, you might notice yourself feeling less drawn to having more stuff or longing for new relationships as you begin to practice appreciating the good things that already exist in your life.

Rethink Which Relationships Matter

Have you noticed that you feel the saddest when you're thinking about the relationships you don't have or the ones that have caused you pain and disappointment?

You're not alone.

Many of us make the mistake of putting our sense of self-worth in the hands of someone else. But whether or not someone gives you their attention, kindness, or a romantic relationship doesn't define your worth.

Rethink which relationships matter: focus on the friends and family members who genuinely love you, even if they aren't perfect or trending.