Strengthening your self-esteem takes time, and it won't happen overnight, but there are steps you can take to get it started and keep it going forward.

Process your fears and insecurities

Make a list of your strengths. Affirm your own value.

Remembering how you assisted a coworker in a client meeting and how you’ve helped your siblings do their homework can help you fight your insecurities and focus more on your contributions rather than the perceptions of what you lack.

These fears and insecurities can cripple you at any time and hold you back. Breathe and contradict the false statements that go through your mind. If you’re thinking: “I can’t do this.” Try saying: “I’ve done it before.” Or, “I can learn it just like everyone else.”

Surround yourself with people you admire

Look at how people you admire got past negative circumstances. If they were in your shoes, what would they do?

Be with the people who believe in you and encourage you. Thinking about what the people you admire would do in your situation gives you borrowed courage and strength. It gives you solid ground and takes you out of your anxieties and insecurities.

Partake in daily affirmations

Write down at least 3 daily positive affirmations to instill positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself. They are reminders on how to help you cope with your fears and insecurities.

● I am strong

● I will be a leader in my organization

● I can finish this task on time

The Lamare’s Be You: Affirmation Cards contains messages exactly for those purposes.

Affirmations can be super effective if you pair them with positive thinking and goal setting.

Once you realize your own strengths and importance, and slowly build your self-esteem, it’s also important to practice self-compassion. It encourages an attitude of kindness and patience, asking us to slow down and remind us that life has some bad days and setbacks.

Photo Credit @jlbabe