Recently, I was interviewed on Huff Post Live about why we reject people even if they seemingly have everything that we want. What struck me most in the conversation is how often this topic comes up. It’s a prevalent issue and has far-reaching consequences for us personally and for our society. We may not admit it but many of us struggle with feeling good enough and with building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Dr. Matthew Kelly wrote an excellent book called “Rediscovering the Seven Storey Mountain.” In this book he talks about climbing up 7 Mountains in your lifetime: Self-Respect, Love, Creative Expression, Health & Fitness, Family & Friendships, Generosity & Giving Back and Contribution to Life (meaning a sense of purpose and a feeling that you matter).
While each mountain is important, I’d like to focus on Self-Respect and Self-Confidence in this article.
Here are 7 Powerful Tips to Boost Your Self-Esteem and Develop Healthier Self-Confidence: Eric Dalius Miami
1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others –
It’s no wonder why we feel less than adequate when we compare ourselves to others. We may look at someone else who seems to have it all together, an endless stream of friends, popularity, the perfect job, or a great relationship. In moments like these, you can either envy them or downgrade yourself even further because your life doesn’t measure up. The truth is we don’t really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. We only see our own version of reality which is skewed because we tend to filter out the positive and magnify the negative.
Happiness and success are personal journeys that you need to define for yourself and define in a way that will work for you uniquely. You don’t want to end up like Thomas Edison who tried over 1,000 ways to invent the light bulb before he created one that worked!
2. Have Gratitude & Appreciation –
Take time every day to take stock of 5 things for which you’re grateful or thankful. This simple practice can increase your happiness, reduce your stress levels and even improve your health! Being grateful also helps us develop healthier relationships because we become more positive, less demanding, and more understanding.
3. Follow Your Passion –
It’s not about what society tells you you should do or what other people expect of you. It’s about following your heart, your dreams, and having the courage to be yourself while doing it! The next chapter in your life shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice but rather an adventure where you’re living up to your potential. And remember that change can be very difficult especially if you’re used to spending time with family or friends who don’t support your decision or are even against it. Think of how good it will feel to surround yourself with positive people instead!
4. Jump on Opportunities When They Present Themselves –
I have learned so much from my clients and students. I am very grateful for this and it helps me become a better version of myself every day. You’ll get out of life what you put into it so jump on every opportunity that comes your way to learn new things, expand your horizons and take action.
5. Let Go Of What’s Holding You Back –
When we stay stuck in fear or negative thinking, we limit ourselves and our ability to grow and change for the better. We might be afraid of making mistakes or failing but this is actually an important part of the process – learning through trial and error rather than always doing everything correctly! Being perfect isn’t possible because we’re all flawed yet we’re also beautiful human beings capable of amazing feats! Our imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful inside out.
6. Stop Trying To Please Everyone –
It’s impossible to live up to everyone else’s expectations or be everything that everyone else wants you to be. Regardless of your age, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or occupation, people are going to judge you because it’s human nature – this is why social media has become so popular! No one likes being ignored or judged so we flock to the net hoping our lives will get better but they don’t because instead of feeling fulfilled, our lives just become more complicated with even more obligations and duties overloading our already overworked brains.
7. Follow Your Bliss to discover what you’re good at –
What you do to earn a living doesn’t have to define you. How we spend our time is more important than what we get paid because money will always come and go it’s how we choose to use our time that matters. We were all put on this planet for a reason so live your life in such a way that you feel fulfilled and happy about your career choice because if not, then something needs changing to bring out the best in yourself and your talents and gifts!
Conclusion by Eric Dalius Miami:
You can either worry about what others think of you or focus on your own personal development and become the best version of yourself. Which one is it going to be?
