9 phrases only people with high self-esteem use, according to psychology

Confidence and self-esteem can be game-changers in life. They can help you navigate social situations, take risks and stand your ground when necessary.

Psychology tells us that people with high self-esteem use certain phrases that reflect their self-assured nature. These phrases are not just words, they’re a reflection of their attitude and belief in themselves.

Here’s the deal – I’m going to share with you 9 phrases that people with high self-esteem often use. Incorporating these into your own vocabulary could be a stepping stone towards boosting your own self-confidence.

It’s not just about saying these phrases, it’s about truly believing in them. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) I am…

One thing about people with high self-esteem is they don’t shy away from owning their identity.

“I am” statements are a powerful tool used by individuals with healthy self-esteem. These phrases reflect self-awareness, acceptance, and confidence in who they are as individuals.

Consider it this way. The phrase “I am” is a declaration of self. It’s a statement that affirms and acknowledges one’s capabilities and worth. It is not reliant on external validation but comes from within, based on self-assurance and conviction.

“I am capable”, “I am strong”, “I am worthy” – these are phrases that people with high self-esteem use without hesitation. They believe in themselves and are not afraid to express it.

Adopting these “I am” statements can help you cultivate a stronger sense of self and boost your own self-esteem.

But remember, it’s not just about saying them, but genuinely believing in them. That’s the secret sauce to effective “I am” statements. It’s not just about the words, but the belief behind them.

2) I can handle this

Another common phrase people with high self-esteem use is “I can handle this”. It’s a statement of resilience, determination, and self-assurance.

Let me share an example from my own life. I was once faced with a complex project at work that seemed overwhelming. The deadlines were tight, the expectations were high, and the workload was immense.

Most people in my shoes would’ve been stressed out, but my immediate response was, “I can handle this”. This phrase not only helped me feel more confident, but it also helped me approach the situation with a positive mindset.

In the end, I managed to complete the project successfully and even received commendations from my boss. This experience taught me the power of self-belief and reinforced my use of the phrase “I can handle this” in challenging situations.

When faced with challenges, instead of doubting your capabilities, affirm to yourself, “I can handle this”. You’ll be amazed at how powerful these four words can be in boosting your self-esteem and helping you overcome obstacles.

3) No is a complete sentence

People with high self-esteem understand the value of setting boundaries. They are not afraid to say “no” when something doesn’t align with their values or priorities.

In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who find it hard to say “no” are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. Saying “no” is not about being difficult or inflexible; it’s about respecting your personal boundaries and ensuring your own mental and emotional well-being.

So when you’re faced with a situation that requires you to compromise on your principles or stretch beyond your comfort zone in a way that feels wrong, remember, “No is a complete sentence”. It’s a phrase that people with high self-esteem use without hesitation, and it’s something you should feel empowered to say as well.

4) I’m proud of myself

People with high self-esteem aren’t afraid to acknowledge their achievements and feel pride in their accomplishments. The phrase “I’m proud of myself” is a common part of their vocabulary.

This isn’t about boasting or arrogance. It’s about recognizing the effort they’ve put in and the progress they’ve made. It’s about appreciating their own journey and understanding that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

When you achieve something, whether it’s a big milestone or a small victory, don’t downplay it. Take a moment to say to yourself, “I’m proud of myself”.

This simple act of self-recognition can do wonders for your self-esteem and further motivate you to keep striving towards your goals.

5) I deserve respect

Respect is not something to be earned, but a basic right that each individual should receive. People with high self-esteem understand this and frequently use the phrase, “I deserve respect”.

This phrase is an affirmation of their self-worth and a reminder that they won’t tolerate being treated less than they deserve. It reflects their understanding that respect isn’t conditional on accomplishments or status but is inherent to every individual.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where your worth is being undermined, remember to affirm to yourself, “I deserve respect”. Stand firm in your belief and don’t allow anyone to treat you otherwise. Your self-esteem will thank you for it.

6) I forgive myself

Here’s something that’s often overlooked – self-forgiveness. People with high self-esteem understand that mistakes and failures are part of life, and they are not afraid to say, “I forgive myself”.

We all stumble, we all err. But holding onto past mistakes and beating ourselves up over them serves no purpose. Instead, it hinders our progress and chips away at our self-esteem.

Saying “I forgive myself” is not about dismissing our mistakes. It’s about learning from them, letting go of the guilt and moving forward. It’s a phrase that conveys self-compassion and understanding.

When you make a mistake, instead of wallowing in regret or self-criticism, gently remind yourself, “I forgive myself”. This act of self-forgiveness can be healing and empowering, paving the way for personal growth and higher self-esteem.

7) I trust my decisions

Trusting oneself is a cornerstone of high self-esteem. People who believe in themselves often use the phrase, “I trust my decisions”. They understand that they are the best judge of what’s right for them, and they stand by their choices.

Let me share a bit from my own journey. A few years ago, I decided to quit a stable job to pursue a passion project. It was a risky move, filled with uncertainties. But deep down, I knew it was the right decision for me.

Despite the worries and doubts surrounding me, I held on to this phrase: “I trust my decisions”. It gave me the confidence to navigate through the challenges and stick to my path. Today, I’m happier than ever with the direction my life has taken.

Whenever you’re faced with tough choices or doubt creeps in, remind yourself, “I trust my decisions”. It’s a powerful affirmation of your capacity to guide your own life.

8) I am enough

In a world that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, and achieve more, it’s easy to feel like we’re not enough. But people with high self-esteem combat this feeling with a simple yet powerful phrase: “I am enough”.

This phrase is a declaration of self-worth and completeness. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to strive for perfection or seek validation from external sources. You, as you are, are enough.

Embracing this phrase can help you cultivate self-acceptance and ward off feelings of inadequacy. So the next time you find yourself slipping into self-doubt, remember to tell yourself, “I am enough”. This affirmation can be a beacon of self-love and a strong pillar of high self-esteem.

9) I love myself

At the heart of high self-esteem is self-love. The phrase “I love myself” is not just about narcissism or self-indulgence. It’s about acknowledging your worth, accepting your flaws, and being kind to yourself.

Self-love forms the foundation for our confidence, our decision-making, and how we interact with the world. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about treating ourselves with the same compassion and respect that we extend to others.

No matter where you are on your journey of self-discovery or personal growth, remember to say and believe these three powerful words: “I love myself”. It’s a phrase that can transform your world, boost your self-esteem and lead you to a healthier, happier life.

Final reflection: The power of self-talk

There’s no denying the profound influence our words have on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This influence is even more significant when it comes to the words we use with ourselves.

Psychological research underscores the immense power of self-talk. The phrases we repeatedly tell ourselves can shape our self-perception, influence our behavior, and ultimately, affect our self-esteem.

The nine phrases we’ve explored are more than just words. They are affirmations of self-worth, resilience, and self-love. They are reflections of a mindset that values self-respect and personal growth.

But remember, it’s not just about saying these phrases. It’s about genuinely believing in them. It’s about making them an integral part of your thought process and your narrative about yourself.

So as you navigate through life, remember to use these phrases with conviction. And as you do, watch how they transform your relationship with yourself and boost your self-esteem.

After all, the most important conversation you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself.