Get Instant Self-Esteem

Everyone struggles with their self-esteem from time to time (some of us more than others). Self-confidence, like any struggle, can be a daily battle.

There are many tools that you can use to build your self-esteem over time and one of the most powerful is positive self-talk. Learning to be kind to yourself through your thoughts can have a huge impact on how you feel and it could be the difference between a good day and a bad one.

But let’s be honest: there are some days when positive self-talk just doesn’t cut it. Maybe you “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” or you just feel off. Those are the days when your inner perception overshadows your outer reality. Those are the days when “positive self talk” can feel ridiculous and the mere thought of saying nice things to yourself seems impossible.

Instead of getting stuck in your self-defeating thoughts, get an instant self-esteem boost. How? Give a genuine compliment to someone else.

That might seem counter-intuitive (and a little cheesy); after all, you want to feel good about yourself. But getting feedback from other people after you’ve begged them for validation will only feel artificial and forced. Instead, get outside of your negativity bubble by appreciating the people around you.

A genuine compliment has the power to make someone else’s day. In turn, it feels great to positively impact someone else. It’s not about having the other person reciprocate or being seen as a “nice” person. Rather, it’s about shifting your focus and energy to something more productive than tearing yourself down. Complimenting someone else will serve not only as a distraction, but it adds just a little more positivity into the world — and that’s something you can feel good about.

Image Credit: Hamad AL-Mohannna / Flikr

Read more: Mental Wellness, Self-Help, Spirit, Self-Help, Self-Love, spirit

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kamryn M.

4:00PM PDT on May 6, 2012

have tried this.

send a green star

harriet s.

9:08AM PST on Mar 9, 2012

Great advice!

Pat W.

11:37PM PST on Mar 3, 2012

Good simple suggestion... I like that

Jay W.

12:03AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

this was my day today i struggled all day and even my workmates told me to put a smile on my face. Giving someone a compliment is an interesting theory to get over ourselfs

Sarah M.

2:27PM PST on Feb 25, 2012

Thanks

Wendy O.

4:02PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

I like this, I'll try it! Thanks.

Lamby M.

12:02PM PST on Feb 23, 2012

great tip, thanks! usually when i'm having a hard time with myself and have to be around people, i tend to joke around a bit, and getting a few laughs definitely makes both of us happier for a few moments.

andrew h.

9:27AM PST on Feb 21, 2012

thanks

if you have fear of loneliness, this recording (free till Wednesday midnight PST 22 Feb 2012) can help (its a hour long conversation but healing work is in it) - ive listened to alot of Anns prayer work, by my standards, this work on loneliness is one of the best shes done

http://manifesteverythingnow.com/Solo/call-AnnTaylor206.php

if you miss this call, her website ann taylor ( innerhealing.com ) has more useful work

i cant guarantee it will help, but may (please use intuition and good judgement to confirm)