How Do I Build Self-Esteem & Pride?

Confidence is an attractive trait, but if you don't have it, it's hard to fake it. Self-esteem and pride are what make a confident person, so it's important to build both up. Changing your perception of yourself takes time, but it is possible. It's a daily challenge to change the internal perception you built up of yourself for years. Once you have helped build up your self-esteem and pride, you will feel like a brand-new, confident person.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad
• Pen
• Paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Surround yourself with friends and family who support you and see the best in you. Let go of negative relationships, which can lower self-esteem. Relationships with people who insult you or put you down are known as "toxic" relationships.

• 2

  Make a list of things you like about yourself, both physical and personality-wise. Do not try to be humble when completing this exercise. It's for your eyes only, and you should not feel embarrassed to compliment yourself.

• 3

  Ask friends and family to list your positive qualities. You may feel uneasy about doing this, but you must trust your family and friends to help build you up. Explain to them that you are trying to gain confidence and their feedback will help you.

• 4

  Write down these qualities on sheets of notepad paper. Limit one positive quality per sheet.

• 5

  Place the post-it notes around different areas of your home and office where you can see them every day. They will serve as positive affirmations to build up your self-esteem and pride. Do not just pass by the affirmations. Stop, take a minute to take in what the note says. Do this exercise to help you re-train your brain to be positive instead of negative.

• 6

  Write down all of your personal achievements and accomplishments; include work-related achievements or personal ones. An achievement includes anything from getting a promotion at work to helping win your adult softball league game. Place the list in a safe place.

• 7

  Look at the list every time you face a setback or feel yourself becoming negative. Don't belittle the accomplishments when you look at the list. Even if they are small accomplishments, they will remind you of times when you felt good about yourself.

• 8

  Stop comparing yourself to others. This is an easy way to fall behind in trying to gain self-esteem and pride. Focus on your own set of goals and personal success, instead of trying to use another person's accomplishments to make you feel bad.