Having a strong sense of self-worth instills confidence and a belief that you deserve positive things. That’s why dedicating time to invest in your self-worth is one of the most rewarding and productive endeavors today, and I am privileged to assist you.
Watch our video below, where I share 20 ideas to enhance your self-esteem:
I’m Vanessa, a recovering awkward individual, and I’ve personally grappled with my own self-worth:
– I once felt undeserving of genuine friendships, surrounded by a multitude of superficial connections.
– I struggled to recognize my own value in professional settings, facing challenges when advocating for fair compensation.
– There were times when I questioned my worthiness of love, finding it challenging to form secure bonds with genuinely good people.
My aim is to elevate your self-esteem and confidence through 20 self-worth boosters, enabling you to embrace the incredible person that you truly are.
What does the term “Self-Worth” mean?
Self-worth is a profound, unwavering conviction that an individual is both deserving of love and inherently lovable. Those with elevated self-worth often exhibit greater levels of respect, confidence, and uphold strong values. Conversely, individuals with diminished self-worth may grapple with reduced confidence and harbor negative feelings about themselves.
Distinguishing Self-Worth from Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is frequently used synonymously with self-worth, but it is essentially the “feeling” of being positive and confident about oneself. The crucial distinction lies in the fact that self-esteem is often transient; it can be heightened by external influences such as compliments or acquiring new possessions, yet it is not enduring. Picture it as a floating cloud in the sky—ephemeral and subject to fluctuations. Even those with high self-esteem may require consistent mood uplifts to sustain that “feel-good” sentiment.
However, authentic self-worth transcends that. It represents a lasting, rooted “understanding” of one’s inherent value. In contrast to a cloud, self-worth resembles the steadfastness of the earth—a resolute, grounded conviction “rooted” in confidence. A disparaging comment or an adverse situation is unlikely to entirely dismantle your self-worth.
Is it possible to possess self-esteem without self-worth? Certainly. Narcissists are individuals with elevated self-esteem, projecting confidence and self-assurance. However, the absence of self-worth is often evident in their behavior, serving as a compensation for deeper issues—such as a fundamental lack of self-love.
Here’s a crucial aspect of self-worth: not everyone will recognize your genuine value.
The responsibility lies with you to enhance your own self-worth, and it begins by establishing those neural connections related to self-worth in your brain. Keep in mind that when you consistently experience positive feelings about yourself, your baseline of self-worth will naturally elevate over time!
Indicators of Diminished Self-Worth: 16 Signs
Think you’re grappling with low self-worth? Keep an eye out for these symptoms. Mark those that resonate with your experience:
- You avoid making eye contact when passing strangers.
2. Toxic friendships often leave you feeling taken advantage of.
3. You perceive a lack of love and acceptance from others.
4. Public speaking makes you uncomfortable, and you believe your words hold less importance than others’.
5. Uncertainty surrounds your true values.
6. Constant self-doubt and impostor syndrome plague you.
7. Comparisons with friends or strangers are a frequent occurrence.
8. Fear drives you to push people away, afraid they’ll discover your “true” self.
9. Your body language, like slouched shoulders, conveys a desire to take up less space in social settings.
10. A pattern of entering into unhealthy relationships persists.
11. Accepting a lower salary or hesitating to ask for a deserved raise is a common struggle.
12. Difficulty achieving restful sleep is a recurring challenge.
13. Asserting yourself in social situations proves to be a challenge.
14. Sitting alone for ten minutes induces anxiety or sadness.
15. Social media browsing often leads to comparisons with friends’ seemingly more exciting lives.
16. Feelings of inferiority arise in the presence of individuals perceived as more beautiful, intelligent, or competent.
Do any of these resonate with you? If so, it’s time to boost your self-worth. But first, let’s delve into understanding…
Factors Influencing Self-Worth
Two factors contribute to individuals experiencing diminished self-worth.
Genetics
While often overlooked, here’s the not-so-great revelation: self-worth can have a hereditary component. It has been established for quite some time that our genetic composition plays a role in influencing certain brain chemicals, such as the levels of serotonin (the happiness molecule) or oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) released.
Research indicates that specific genes are associated with optimism and self-esteem. Conversely, certain genes can contribute to heightened feelings of depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions, ultimately contributing to low self-worth.
However, if genetics isn’t the culprit, there’s another factor that might contribute to experiencing low self-worth or self-esteem…
Trauma
The development of low self-worth due to a traumatic experience results from the combination of two key elements:
- The event: a traumatic incident or circumstance that induces negative feelings.
- The response: a fear-driven reaction that follows the occurrence.
Exposure to a series of distressing events over an extended period—whether spanning weeks, months, or even years—can lead to low self-esteem.
However, does this imply a permanent state of despair? Should we concede to a mediocre existence marked by low self-worth? Absolutely not.
Here’s the uplifting news: low self-worth is not irreversible.
By consistently reinforcing positive and optimistic aspects in your life, you can elevate your self-worth. In the following steps, I’ll guide you on exactly how to enhance your self-worth.
20 Methods for Enhancing Your Self-Esteem
Initiating the process of boosting your self-worth involves identifying activities that enhance both your self-esteem and confidence levels. Fortunately, I have numerous ideas to share with you. Your self-worth task awaits: Below, you’ll find a compilation of 20 suggestions.
Endeavor to embrace as many as possible. With any luck, one of them will captivate you, spark excitement, or elevate your spirits.
Are you prepared to embark on this challenge?
However, there’s a twist – a catch awaits!
Today, make sure to engage in at least one of these activities designed to boost your confidence.
Absolutely today! If you’re not prepared to take decisive steps, then this article may not resonate with you. It’s tailored for individuals who are proactive, take initiative, and aspire to evolve into their finest selves.
So, are you prepared? You can do it!
#1: Find your anthem
Browse through the music charts and select a song that energizes you or resonates with the best version of yourself. Confidence-boosting songs often inspire a desire to dance.
Additionally, here’s an intriguing scientific fact: did you realize that we often favor certain songs from our youth?
A data analyst aggregated musical data from Spotify and discovered that users have a penchant for listening to songs that gained popularity during their teenage years.
What’s the reason behind this phenomenon? It turns out that our brains often link music to specific memorable events or novel experiences, and during our teenage years, we tend to encounter a multitude of new things.
So, if you’re struggling to discover the ideal song for yourself, take a trip down memory lane—there’s a good chance you’ll come across a song that boosts your confidence.
Looking for inspiration? I’ve got you covered!
Here are a few songs for the ‘90s kids:
And for the millennials:
And here’s a great list of confidence anthems from Billboard.
#2: Dance and Get up
Have you selected your anthem? Fantastic! Now, take a break to dance! Not only does dancing dancing increase your levels of energy, but it has also been scientifically proven to reduce tension in your body.
It’s a win-win. And don’t stress about looking silly—no one is watching.
To make you feel more at ease, here’s an awkward picture of me dancing.
#3: Text 3 Awesome People
Send messages to three individuals and let them know how awesome they are. Take action immediately! Occasionally, boosting your confidence is best achieved by uplifting others.
A study conducted in 2012 by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, discovered that individuals feeling lonely or sad experienced a significant boost in happiness when they engaged in texting activities.
It’s no surprise that the Science of People team has consistently advocated for the belief that personal relationships are among life’s most valuable treasures. Take a look at your recent texts or scroll back to messages from a month ago.
Reflect on who might benefit from a check-in and tell someone that you miss them!
#4: Do the Smile-Nod
Are you familiar with the smile-nod?
It’s that friendly nonverbal facial gesture we use to acknowledge someone. What many people may not realize is that adding that extra little nod requires minimal energy but holds significant meaning for the person receiving it. Why is it crucial?
In a captivating experiment, psychologist Todd Kashdan strolled down the street and engaged with strangers by performing one of three actions:
- quickly glancing in their direction
- nodding and smiling at them
- avoiding all eye contact and pretending they did not exist
The result is astonishing.
When the researcher chose to ignore strangers, they not only experienced a sense of detachment from him but also indicated a “diminished sense of connection to other people” in their reports.
Consider this: When strangers deliberately ignore us, it triggers negative feelings and a sense of isolation from the broader community. The rationale is straightforward—we all crave acknowledgment. Being acknowledged provides the essential human connection we all seek.
Therefore, as you navigate the workplace corridor or encounter a stranger on the street today, offer them a smile and a nod. It communicates, “I see you, and I appreciate it.”
#5: Favorite Photos
Reflect on your preferred images stored on your phone or in storage. Chances are, they evoke emotions of joy, nostalgia, or a sense of connection with others.
Now, it’s not an “uncommon” sentiment, as these nostalgic photos serve a purpose beyond merely occupying valuable gigabytes.
In 2013, the University of Portsmouth conducted a study revealing that individuals who revisited their old Facebook photos reported a boost in their overall happiness and well-being.
We understand that engaging in positive reminiscence is effective. It allows you to rekindle connections with past experiences and friends, instills a sense of achievement, and, most crucially, serves as a reminder of some of the happiest moments in your life.
Now, go through your phone and select five of your favorite photos that bring you joy. Share them, set one as your new screensaver, make it your phone’s homescreen, or, even better, print them and affix them to your bathroom mirror so you can see them every morning.
Wish you had more pictures with people you love? Check out tutorial on MASTER YOUR SKILLS
#6: Make a Learning “Bucket List”
Create a learning bucket list! I am a firm believer that everyone should compile a list of things they aspire to learn and experience throughout their lives. Each time you acquire new knowledge, it contributes to a boost in confidence. Here are some suggestions:
- Start a tea or herb garden.
- Learn how to make homemade pasta.
- Study the basics of a new language.
- Learn the trapeze.
- Teach yourself how to make electronic music.
- Learn the art and finesse of making sushi (yum!).
- Learn how to write a book.
- Learn self-defense.
- Learn how to be a master conversationalist.
Check out more in our full learning bucket list tutorial below:
#7: Update Your Instagram
Do you enjoy the content from the accounts you follow?
If you’re anything like me, it might be time for a digital spring cleaning of those old accounts and follow people who genuinely uplift and resonate with you!
Here’s how:
- Choose to follow individuals whom you perceive to possess strong self-worth and confidence. It’s contagious!
- Clear out any “Negative Nancys” from your Instagram – negativity tends to spread!
- Start following your preferred comedians on Instagram or Twitter. Laughter is one of the quickest routes to feeling fantastic!
If you’re seeking Instagram inspiration, Mashable has an excellent article featuring the 34 best Instagram accounts. Noteworthy mentions include:
- @thedogist, who takes adorable dog pictures
- @meme_appetit, for food and meme-lovers
- @natgeo, for inspiring nature pics
- @pnwcabinland, for pictures of amazing cabins built in forests
#8: Project Confidence
Were you aware that you have the ability to stand like a champion?
Amy Cuddy’s research of 55 studies reveals that power poses have an impact on your emotions, attitudes, and self-perception.
Simply put, adopting the posture of a champion instills within you the feeling of being triumphant. It’s not surprising that individuals who emerge victorious, regardless of gender or race, tend to occupy as much space as they can.
The most effective way to strike a winning pose?
Keep it simple: tap into your inner child and imagine you’ve just won the ultimate game of tag!
#9: Find Joy
At times, we overlook the fact that even the littlest things can bring us joy.
A survey conducted by DoubleTree by Hilton, involving 2,000 adults, uncovered the most effective “mood boosters.” Can you guess which one resulted in the highest level of happiness?
- Finding money you didn’t know you had
- Sunshine
- Getting something for free
- Getting into bed with fresh sheets
The answer? A.
Interestingly, stumbling upon unexpected money brings the highest level of happiness to people! Nonetheless, the other responses also hold significant positions on the list.
What’s your small source of joy? Personally, my young daughter, Sienna, consistently serves as a reminder for me to embrace a sense of wonder.
Identify a small joy and actively create it. Engage in quality time with your children.
- Spend time with your kids.
- Try stargazing.
- Ask a deep question to your partner.
- Hang out with your funniest friend.
- Cherish every bite at your next meal.
- Engage in arts and crafts.
- Go for a walk—or walk your dog.
- Catch a movie.
- Read about someone else’s joy.
- Create an amazing playlist.
#10: Meditate & Breathe
Inhale deeply for a count of 10. Occasionally, the most effective way to break free from a low mood and enhance your confidence is to pause and take slow, deep breaths.
The benefits of deep breathing have been recognized for years—focusing on your breath has the remarkable ability to dissipate stress and negative emotions. It empowers us with greater control, enhances oxygen supply to our bodies, and brings a slower pace to our lives.
Take 10 deep breaths right now. If you genuinely aim to elevate your self-worth, consider turning your focus inward. Personally, I find it especially beneficial to take deep breaths before crucial video calls.
#11: Pump Up
Establish an energizing routine.
- Athletes engage in warm-ups.
- Musicians rehearse before stepping onto the stage.
- Actors plug in their earbuds to enter the zone for their upcoming scene.
What about you? It’s time to establish your own empowering routine, just like Rocky. We even have an article explaining how priming can influence your behavior.
Here are some suggestions to craft an incredible pump-up routine that enhances your self-worth:
- Create playlists for various work tasks, workouts, and moods. Check out our music and productivity guide for some fantastic ideas.
- Identify a favorite inspiring, funny, or beautiful video to watch before significant events. We have our own top picks that never fail to bring continuous laughter.
- Experiment with associating a specific smell with a particular state of mind. In Jordan Belfort’s book, “The Wolf of Wall Street” a distinctive scent, like a blend of herbs, a specific cologne, or a particular food, is used to prime Jordan before significant sales pitches.
#12: Organize and Declutter
It’s time to declutter your wardrobe. If there’s an item of clothing that makes you feel frumpy, lazy, or uncomfortable with your body, it’s time to part ways with it!
In a 2012 study conducted by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky, they explored the concept of “enclothed cognition,” examining whether our clothes influence our thoughts. In one experiment, participants were asked to wear either a doctor’s coat or a painter’s coat.
Can you predict which group excelled in tasks? If you guessed the group wearing the doctor’s coat, you’re correct!
But, why?
The research behind enclothed cognition suggests that it’s not so much about what we wear, but what we think about what we wear.
The participants who wore doctor’s coats felt more competent wearing them, so they performed better at tasks.
Donning attire that boosts your confidence is an effective method to project a more confident demeanor !
In essence, if it doesn’t fit well or makes you feel unflattering, it’s not worth wearing. Don’t allow your clothes to dictate your confidence.
I also have additional enjoyable clothing tips to help you feel fantastic about yourself.
#13: Decline with a Firm No
One of the most potent words in the world is “no.” You have complete permission to use it. The last thing you want to be is a “yes man/woman.”
If saying no is challenging, consider using “I don’t” instead. According to a study in the Journal of Consumer Research, saying “I don’t” is more effective in declining offers than saying “I can’t.” Why? Saying “I can’t” might sound like an excuse, but stating “I don’t want to” carries both conviction and stability.
Take a stand and say no or “I don’t” to something you’re dreading. There’s nothing worse than attending an uncomfortable social gathering or spending time with challenging individuals you don’t like. Life is simply too short!
#14: Show Kindness
Kindness is quite remarkable. It not only uplifts the spirits of others but also brings a sense of well-being to yourself.
That’s why practicing kindness stands out as one of the most crucial tips in this article. Assisting others proves to be one of the quickest methods to enhance your self-worth. Research even indicates that engaging in activities like volunteering to aid others reduces stress and alleviates feelings of depression.
Consider it in this light: Elevating the self-worth of others simultaneously elevates your own. Can you see the pattern? That’s precisely why I’m composing this article for you!
Do one nice thing for someone in your life. Order your best friend a bouquet of flowers. Do the dishes for your partner.
And you don’t even have to be kind to someone close to you. Kindness to anyone spurs self-esteem and self-worth.
Here are some ideas:
- Express gratitude by writing a thank-you card to someone who was kind to you.
- Call your mom and let her know how much you love her.
- Brighten someone’s day by buying them a coffee.
- Facilitate connections by introducing two people who should know each other.
- Surprise someone by sending them flowers, especially if they least expect it.
- Offer a kind compliment to a stranger who seems to be having a rough day.
- Spread goodwill by paying for someone else’s meal.
- Choose an action from a list of 20 additional ideas to become a better person.
#15: Sound Confident
People often overlook a crucial aspect: their own voicemail (I’ll explain shortly). Surprisingly, the way individuals perceive themselves and their self-worth is reflected in their own voice.
In a 1991 study, researchers measured vocal loudness and response speed when participants answered trivia questions. The results revealed that individuals who displayed more confidence in their answers sounded louder and responded more quickly.
You might have already sensed this phenomenon. When you’re naturally more confident, such as in a comfortable setting with close friends or when singing in the shower, your voice naturally sounds better. Improved self-worth leads to a more appealing voice.
Similar to the previous tip, there’s a pattern here. When your voice sounds better, your self-esteem and self-worth tend to be higher. So, take action: re-record your voicemail so that you genuinely like the way you sound.
For additional tips on enhancing your vocal power, check out my tutorial on improving your vocal skills in the video below. This not only helps you sound confident but also contributes to feeling confident!
#16: Take a Stroll
Here’s a simple one: go for a walk, even if it’s just for 12 minutes.
Why 12 minutes? 2016 study study by psychologists at Iowa State University, it was found that walking for just 12 minutes a day, even without additional mood boosters like sunshine, nature, social contact, and music, can significantly enhance your mood.
Sometimes, a quick and effective way to boost self-worth is as straightforward as changing your surroundings. If possible, take your walk outdoors. Another study in 2018 discovered that walking in nature has a greater stress-reducing effect compared to walking on a treadmill.
However, it’s not always easy to incorporate regular walks into your routine. Perhaps it’s inconvenient or there’s no park nearby. If you already walk frequently, consider exploring a new setting—maybe there’s a new spot you’ve been wanting to try?
You can also add a little variety to your routine by trying a new cup of coffee or picking up a different kind of gum at the local mart. It’s easy, simple, and surprisingly powerful.
#17: Initiate a File of Achievements
Why should you remind yourself of your successes?
Psychologist David DeSteno delved into the connections between success and emotions. According to him, feelings like gratitude, compassion, and pride are easier to generate than willpower. Moreover, while willpower can be quickly depleted, prosocial emotions actually strengthen with increased use.
In essence, the more you reflect on your past successes, the more likely you are to become even more successful. This not only boosts your sense of success but also enhances your resilience and motivation to achieve future goals.
One of the most valuable practices to elevate your feelings of success and self-worth is to maintain a success file. In a nutshell, a success file keeps your achievements readily accessible. Whenever you encounter your success file, you’ll be reminded of your accomplishments and experience a surge of positive, prosocial emotions that are beneficial for your self-esteem.
Here’s how to create a success file in three simple steps:
- Generate ideas by sitting down and listing all your achievements, both significant and minor. I recommend keeping this list online to ensure easy access to your success file from anywhere, at any time.
- Organize these successes by adding them to your success folder. In my case, I use a small folder in Evernote. For you, this could be a poster displayed on your bedroom wall or a little note tucked into your wallet/purse.
- Expand your success file further by incorporating positive emails from colleagues, uplifting social media comments, or thank-you notes from friends. Continue to add to it with each new success, and revisit it whenever you need a boost in self-worth!
#18: Declutter Your Space
Maintaining cleanliness is beneficial, and science supports it. According to a 2010 study, women who characterized their living spaces as “cluttered” or filled with “unfinished projects” reported higher levels of depression and fatigue compared to those with “restful” and “restorative” living spaces.
Even if you’re not a fan of cleaning, it goes beyond tidiness. Cleaning serves as a symbol of respect for yourself and your own self-worth. The beauty of it is that cleaning is a straightforward task, and within minutes, you can witness a noticeable improvement.
Consider giving your desk a makeover. Dedicate 30 minutes to decluttering, discarding old papers, and eliminating items that no longer serve a purpose. Evaluate every decorative item on the table – do you truly appreciate each one? Whether it’s an old Applebee’s gift card from an ex-coworker or a coffee mug from a past Secret Santa, it’s time to sift through and eliminate the unnecessary.
For more valuable tips, watch our video below on the top 10 clothing hacks everyone should know.
#19: Promote Positivity
Many highly successful individuals with high self-worth leverage a specific tool for career success: LinkedIn.
With nearly 675 million users of LinkedIn spanning over 200 countries globally, LinkedIn has become a powerful platform. This user base is more than double the entire population of the United States.
But here’s the key: you can spread positivity through LinkedIn. If you’re seeking an increase in self-worth, consider logging into LinkedIn and taking this one action…
Write a positive LinkedIn review. I can almost guarantee it’ll put a smile on someone’s face. And, increase your feelings of self-worth, too.
You see, when you think about the great work relationships you’ve had, it can help you with your own confidence and self-worth. You’ll reminisce about the great work relationships you’ve had… think of the great moments you spent working with your colleagues… and who knows—you might even get one back!
#20: Esteemable Acts
What do esteemable acts entail? Esteemable acts are activities that can enhance your confidence. Engaging in positive self-talk, exercising, and practicing meditation are all instances of esteemable acts that can provide a boost to your self-esteem.
Individuals with high self-esteem exude confidence, harbor positive feelings about themselves, and often perceive themselves as attractive.
However, is this truly reflective or merely a result of an inflated ego?
What’s certain is that scientific evidence supports the idea that individuals with higher self-esteem tend to be happier. Moreover, self-esteem plays a role in offering a “buffer effect” that shields against stress.
So, how can you harness these remarkable benefits? Here are some ways in which I practice esteemable acts:
- Singing along to my favorite tunes in the shower, creating a joyful and uplifting experience.
- Opting for a dance session instead of singing, infusing energy and positivity into my day.
- Reflecting on my life achievements, acknowledging how much I’ve accomplished over time.
- Swapping out toxic news for the laughter-inducing content of the funniest YouTube videos.
- Reading a motivating self-development book to foster personal growth and positive thinking.
- Looking in the mirror and affirming, “You got this!” to boost self-confidence.
- Offering myself a sincere self-compliment, recognizing and appreciating my positive qualities.
EXTRA TIP #21: Cultivate Gratitude
- Expressing gratitude within relationships has significant positive effects. Couples who demonstrate more gratitude toward each other not only experience increased positivity but also feel more at ease expressing concerns about their relationship.
- In a professional setting, managers who express thanks to their employees notice heightened motivation among their team members.
- Additionally, individuals engaged in fundraising activities exhibit a notable increase in productivity. Those who received a pep talk before making calls for a fundraiser made 50% more calls compared to those who did not receive such encouragement.
Here are three things I’m grateful for:
- I’m grateful for my wonderful daughter.
- I’m grateful for my amazing hubby.
- I’m grateful for YOU! I am honored to be able to help you improve your self-esteem and self-worth. It’s my life’s mission to help you harness your inner potential.
You’re welcome, and thank you for your kind words.
And always remember…
Investing in your self-worth is one of the most valuable ways to allocate your energy and time. You are your most precious resource.
