We’ve all been there. Staring in the mirror, picking apart our flaws, and feeling like a we want to change every little thing about ourselves. Self-esteem is something that can be so confusing , it’s that elusive feeling of self-worth and can be SUCH a tricky thing. But what if I told you that building strong self-esteem is less about achieving perfection and more about embracing the journey?

Here’s the truth: everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, struggles with self-esteem at times. It’s a normal part of being human! But I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s also something we can actively work on!

So, how do we move from feeling like “ugh” to “uh-huh” about ourselves? Here are a few tips:

Shift your focus: Instead of focusing on what you think your flaws are, try to shift your focus on your strengths and accomplishments, we all have some. Make a list of things you’re good at, big or small. This could be anything from baking a delicious cake to mastering a new skill at work or mastering a subject at school. Recognizing your strengths over your flaws can be a really powerful confidence booster!

Challenge negative thoughts: We all have that inner critic, and sometimes it likes to be REALLY mean! When that inner critic comes in with those negative thoughts and they slowly creep in, challenge them! For example, if you think “I’m not good enough,” challenge it with a specific example of your capabilities! A great question to ask is “is this thought helpful to me right now?” and if it’s not, how can we shift it to something a little less critical?

Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself! We wouldn’t talk to a friend the way we sometimes talk to ourselves. You want to treat yourself with the same understanding and compassion you would show others. Be gentle with yourself!

Celebrate small wins: Don’t wait for the big moments or big achievements to feel good about yourself. Celebrate the small wins along the way, whether it’s completing a task you’ve been putting off or simply getting through a tough day!

Surround yourself with positive people: The people you spend time with can really impact your self-esteem/self-worth. It’s really important to surround yourself with people and friends who uplift and support you, and who make you feel good about yourself!

Remember, building self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but by adding these practices into your life, you can create a healthier and more positive relationship with yourself. And trust me, the “uh-huh” moments are definitely worth it!!