How to attain a healthy self-esteem

About Self Worth

How to attain a healthy self-esteem. It is vital to know how to develop self-esteem as this improves one’s ability to be happy. Self-esteem growth originates from sources such as the individuals we interact with and ourselves.

Childhood

As children, when our caregivers or parents fight openly in our presence and make each other feel awful as kids we absorb these negative emotions and dysfunctional situations that have been demonstrated. These experiences also leave children feeling scared, frightened and confused. Additionally, excessive conflicts also make a child feel as if they contributed or caused the parent’s painful situations.

Child’s self-esteem

Children carry these experiences into adulthood. What can parents do to build their child’s self-esteem?. They can provide a loving and caring environment. Show respect to each other, to themselves and to their children. This way children will learn respect directly from their parents. They can also help develop self-esteem by respecting a child’s choices, opinions and possessions.

Avoid negative put-downs and pushing their children to follow their interests. Messages from people close to us, even incidental remarks and non-verbal indicators continuously form our self-esteem. How to attain a healthy self esteem.

Social media

Society influences we let in our lives can either buildup our self esteem or rip it down. It is important for an individual to pay attention to the information they receive from other people. In as much as possible, strive to limit negative impacts in your life. Develop good habits like being kind however, this cant work if you hang around people who do not abhor the same values.

Self esteem maybe boosted through the these tips

Keep yourself fit and healthy.

Exercises and diet benefit health and makes a person feel well within themselves.

Example

Sarah commits to walking 20 minutes every morning and cutting back on sugar. Within two weeks, she feels more energized and proud of herself for keeping a promise to her body.

A Harvard study found that even moderate exercise like brisk walking can reduce depression symptoms and boost overall emotional well-being.

Look at your strong and positive features.

Let your personal achievements boost you and be aware of parts that need progress.

We often fixate on flaws and ignore our wins. But acknowledging strengths helps rewire the brain to see yourself in a more balanced and accurate way.

Benefits to self-esteem

• Builds self-appreciation.

• Reinforces your identity beyond failures.

• Encourages progress instead of perfection.

Example
After losing a job, James lists five things he’s proud of: completing a tough project, helping a colleague, and staying calm under pressure. He realizes his self-worth goes beyond employment.

Keep a “strength journal”—write down daily achievements, acts of kindness, or moments when you showed courage or growth.

Be in control of your thoughts

Reject self-deprecating psychological messages such as “I cant do this”. Your thoughts are not facts-but they shape your feelings and behavior.

Self-deprecating thoughts like “I’m not good enough” create a cycle of low mood, avoidance, and more failure. Learning to catch and challenge these thoughts is key to rebuilding self-esteem.

Benefits to self-esteem

• Gives you mental agency.

• Stops negative self-talk before it becomes emotional reality.

• Builds emotional resilience and courage.

Example
Whenever Rachel thinks, “I’ll mess this up,” she stops and asks, “What’s the evidence for that? Have I succeeded before?” This pattern shift helps her face challenges with less fear.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is built on this very principle—changing thoughts to influence emotions and behaviors effectively.

Forgive yourself

Don’t continuously blame yourself for past mistakes or problems that affected you in the past or even now.

“Shame keeps you stuck. Forgiveness sets you free.”

Constantly blaming yourself for past mistakes reinforces a sense of unworthiness. Forgiveness breaks the cycle and allows self-compassion to grow.

Benefits to self-esteem

• Releases emotional baggage.

• Creates space for self-growth.

• Builds a gentler inner dialogue.

Example
After years of regretting a failed relationship, Peter begins writing letters to himself, forgiving past decisions. With time, he starts to view his younger self with understanding—not judgment.

Therapeutic insight

According to Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion, those who forgive themselves are more likely to take responsibility in healthy ways and less likely to spiral into shame.

Self-esteem doesn’t improve overnight—but small, consistent shifts like these build emotional strength over time. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being committed to treating yourself with the respect and kindness you deserve.

It is vital for people to note that it is their right to high self-esteem and that it is their responsibility to protect it. If you encounter individuals who seek only to drag you down, consciously choose to spend no time with them.

Here is how you can help others struggling with self-esteem

• Emphasis positive features in others: Words of approval for the correct actions of others can enhance self-esteem.
• Compliments does not only contribute to the self-esteem of recipient but also of the one who offers it
• Recognize special needs of everyone: Men appreciate positive observations about their professional ability and their character traits.
• On the other hand, women welcome demonstrations of affections and statements on their looks, tact and sensitivity
• Provide family support: feeling unconditionally loved and accepted by family members anchors one’s esteem and smooths out many self-concept deficiencies
• Ask for forgiveness when appropriate: if you hurt people and they feel offended, their self-esteem will suffer so it is decent to seek pardon and reconciliation.

Need Support?

If you struggle with low self-worth rooted in past wounds, toxic relationships, or childhood dysfunction, we’re here to help.
Visit  MyOnlineRelationshipTherapy.com to begin your healing journey.
Because you are worthy of self-love—and a better future.