When you think of low self esteem or self worth, you probably think this is a condition only that teenage girls have to overcome. But what about boys and men? What does it look like? It meant that I was constantly comparing myself to others. I couldn’t take joy in my achievements and was always setting the bar exceedingly high. And I inevitably fail and then it would reinforce what I thought all along. The discussions with myself were nearly always negative and critical.
But I have learned a few things on the highway to self belief.
- Never, ever be afraid to ask for help.
- Stand up for your beliefs and values even if it means going against the crowd.
- Exams and grades aren’t everything, there is more than one way to live your dreams.
- Help someone else out who is quiet and shy, doesn’t seem to fit in.
- Find your tribe, it takes more than one or two people to support us. Surround yourself with people who don’t just turn up when you are at your best.
- On hard days when it’s impossible to carry on or believe in yourself, make that list. Persevere.
- Love yourself, nothing would be the same if you didn’t exist.
- Smile. It looks good on you!
However you identify or whatever stage of life you are in, the only thing that needs to change is that thought you have you change.