Self-esteem is your own personal view of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Everyone has a different view of themselves and generally we view ourselves negatively and tend to play down our attributes.

Keeping a positive outlook about what your strengths are, will benefit you more than a negative one. 

Many individuals suffer from low self-esteem for a variety of reasons.  The only person who can build up—or consequentially tear down—your self-esteem is you.  Although other individuals may aide the process, the end decision is yours.

Understanding that you hold all the power and not your experiences or the people in your life is key. You are far more in control than you think. 

People have low esteem for a variety of reasons.  Some people suffer from poor body image and focus on all the negative traits of their physical appearance.  Others have emotional issues that have caused their self-esteem to drop or feel unworthy of praise, appreciation, or even love.  For whatever reasons your self-esteem may falter, the key to building it up again is to identify the root of the problem. 

Think of self-esteem like a house, if you build a beautiful house on a poor foundation, the entire structure will crumble. 

However, if you take steps to ensure the foundation is strong and capable of holding anything, the process may be slow, but your self-esteem will be built soundly.  

Many individuals look for help for their low self-esteem on social media, books, or other self-help channels.  The number of available options on the market is amazing, and you are sure to find one on a topic that deals with your specific issues. 

Check out your local library or bookstore and explore their “self-help” section for a book that you may find helpful. 

It is quite unlikely you will find the answers to all your problems in a book or on social media, but you may find it helpful to know others are in the same boat and you are certainly not alone.  

You may wish to seek help in your quest to boost your self-esteem.  

Often, speaking with a qualified individual like a Life Coach or Therapist can help you determine the root of your problem and the necessary path you should take for the rebuilding process. 

Perhaps your problems date back to childhood, or your self-esteem has been dented by a recent traumatic event in your life.  Whatever the case, a professional will be able to work with you to understand the issue on a deeper level and peel off the layers as you progress through your sessions.

The main factor in self-esteem is negativity.  Negative thoughts and negative self-talk can pervade your confidence and crumble your self-esteem.  If you find yourself surrounded by negative people or in a negative situation, this will continue to reinforce the negative view you have of yourself.  For example, being in the wrong relationship or an abusive relationship can impinge heavily on your self-esteem, when a supposed loved one constantly berates you and questions your worth.  Similarly, a negative workplace environment can lower your self-esteem with colleagues or bosses finding fault with your work.  Maybe you have a friend who is consistently negative with all surrounding them. 

Whatever the source, distancing yourself from the negativity will help you regain your self-esteem. 

Strive to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, who show you their love and appreciation, who speak to you in a way that helps you grow and evolve.  

However you choose to begin building your self-esteem, start today! 

Be thorough and consistent with the process and be aware it may take a while.  Do not become impatient if you find your self-esteem slipping, it’s a process and it takes time to unlearn all the bad habits and create new ones.  You are a beautiful and worthy person and should treat yourself as such.