Minh Tran
If you’ve ever met someone brimming with self-assuredness, you know they radiate a certain kind of energy. If you’ve seen someone bounce back from a setback with grace, you know they carry a potent resilience.
But understanding how they’ve gotten there? Well, that’s not always so straightforward.
Unraveling the journey to self-esteem and confidence can be a game of connect-the-dots, often involving a collection of life-changing habits.
Some people seem to navigate this journey with ease. And unsurprisingly, they often share these 8 specific habits.
Let’s explore what these cornerstones of transformation are and how they can cultivate resilience and nurture self-belief.
1) They embrace mindfulness
Understanding your emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield.
One moment you’re calm, the next, you’re a bundle of nerves. And sometimes, these emotions can hit you so hard that you’re left reeling, unsure of how to process them.
But those who’ve managed to heal their self-esteem and grow into their confidence have found a way to make sense of this chaos. Their secret weapon? Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the process of bringing your attention to the present moment, and it’s a powerful tool for understanding and managing your emotions. By staying grounded in the present, these individuals can observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
This ability to stay present allows them to respond to their emotions in a healthier way, helping them build resilience and boost their self-esteem.
It’s not about ignoring or suppressing emotions but rather acknowledging them, understanding them, and allowing them to pass naturally.
2) They practice self-compassion
We’ve all been there – those moments when we’re our own worst critics.
I remember a time when I botched an important presentation at work. My mind was racing, my palms were sweaty, and before I knew it, I was stumbling over my words. The meeting ended in a blur, and all I could think of was how badly I’d messed up.
I berated myself for days, replaying the incident over and over again in my mind. But then, a close friend gave me some advice that changed my perspective: “Treat yourself as you would a good friend.”
That’s when I realized that I was being far too hard on myself. Yes, I had made a mistake, but that didn’t mean that I was a failure. I started practicing self-compassion, giving myself the same kindness and understanding that I would extend to others.
This shift in attitude wasn’t easy, but it made a world of difference. It helped me to see that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay not to be perfect. It was a crucial step in healing my self-esteem and growing into my confidence.
And this is a habit that many people who’ve successfully navigated this journey often share. They understand the importance of self-compassion and make it a point to be kind to themselves, even when they stumble.
3) They set healthy boundaries
Contrary to popular belief, saying no isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s an essential skill for those who wish to build their self-esteem and confidence.
People who radiate self-assuredness understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries. They know their limits and aren’t afraid to communicate them to others.
According to a study, individuals who could set personal boundaries were less likely to experience burnout, had better mental health, and enjoyed higher self-esteem.
This goes to show that setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away, but rather about ensuring that your own needs are met.
The ability to say no when necessary shows that you value your own wellbeing. And when you respect yourself, others will follow suit. It’s a habit that doesn’t just protect you from overcommitment and stress but also plays a vital role in boosting self-esteem and confidence.
4) They cultivate a growth mindset
The way we perceive challenges and failures can greatly influence our self-esteem and confidence.
People who have healed their self-esteem and grown into their confidence often adopt a growth mindset. Instead of seeing obstacles as insurmountable, they view them as opportunities for learning and growth.
Instead of dwelling on their failures, they analyze them, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones towards success. They acknowledge that it’s okay to fail, as long as they’re learning and growing in the process.
This mindset shift doesn’t happen overnight, but with practice, it becomes a habit. And it’s a habit that not only boosts self-esteem but also instills resilience, perseverance, and a relentless drive to keep improving.
5) They practice gratitude
It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives, especially when things aren’t going your way. I’ve been there, focusing on what’s missing instead of appreciating what’s present. But I’ve found that this mindset can be a significant roadblock on the journey to self-esteem and confidence.
People who’ve successfully healed their self-esteem and grown into their confidence often practice gratitude. They take time each day to appreciate the good in their lives, no matter how small.
I started doing this myself. Every night before I go to bed, I list three things that I’m grateful for. It could be as simple as having a good meal, receiving a kind message from a friend, or just enjoying a beautiful sunset.
This habit has helped me shift my focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It’s taught me to appreciate the little things and made me realize just how much I have to be thankful for.
Practicing gratitude is a simple habit, but it can have a profound impact on your mindset, self-esteem, and confidence. It’s all about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
6) They embrace their imperfections
In a world that often values perfection, it might seem strange that those with self-esteem and confidence often do the opposite. They embrace their imperfections.
While it might be tempting to hide our flaws, doing so can leave us feeling insecure and inadequate. But those who’ve successfully nurtured their self-esteem and confidence understand that imperfections are part of being human.
They don’t strive for perfection but instead, aim for progress. They acknowledge their flaws and weaknesses, and rather than letting them become a source of insecurity, they see them as areas for growth and improvement.
This acceptance of imperfection doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity. Instead, it’s about knowing that it’s okay to be a work in progress. It’s about celebrating the journey towards becoming the best version of yourself, flaws and all.
7) They focus on their strengths
It’s easy to dwell on our weaknesses, to let them overshadow our strengths. But those who’ve healed their self-esteem and grown into their confidence choose to shift their focus.
They acknowledge their weaknesses, but they don’t let them define their self-worth. Instead, they concentrate on their strengths, the things they’re good at and the qualities that make them unique.
By focusing on their strengths, they’re able to build a positive self-image and boost their confidence. They understand that everyone has a unique blend of strengths and that these strengths are a source of power and potential.
8) They practice self-love
At the core of it all, self-esteem and confidence stem from self-love. Those who’ve healed their self-esteem and grown into their confidence understand this fundamental truth.
They treat themselves with kindness, respect, and care, just as they would a loved one. They prioritize their well-being and happiness. They nurture their mind, body, and spirit.
Practicing self-love isn’t about being selfish or narcissistic. It’s about acknowledging your worth and giving yourself the love and care you deserve.
This habit forms the foundation for self-esteem and confidence. Without self-love, all the other habits would fall flat. So, start by loving yourself, and watch as your self-esteem and confidence flourish.
Final thoughts
If you’ve come this far, I hope you’ve realized that cultivating self-esteem and confidence isn’t about boasting or arrogance. It’s a journey of self-love, acceptance, and growth.
Remember, these 8 habits aren’t quick fixes. They require practice, patience, and persistence. But the effort is worth it. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just nurturing your self-esteem and confidence; you’re transforming your life.
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
So, embrace your imperfections, celebrate your strengths, set healthy boundaries, and most importantly, love yourself unconditionally. Because you’re worth it.
In this journey to self-esteem and confidence, remember that the most important person you need to impress and satisfy is yourself. And with these 8 habits in your toolbox, you’re well on your way.
Take a moment to reflect on this journey you’re about to embark on or are already on. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths you could ever walk.
