Vlog: Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

I got to thinking about self-esteem and self-confidence the other days.  I've heard them used interchangeably but felt as if they weren't quite the same.  I was right.

Self-esteem is:

• how you generally feel about yourself
• how much you like/love yourself
• your overall view of who you are
• influenced by past experiences and the surroundings you were raised in
• influenced by family, school, friends, and community

How can you improve it?

• surround yourself with positive people who believe in you
• look inside and come to terms with your past
• leave unhealthy relationships
• forgive yourself for the mistakes you've made
• be good to yourself (exercise, eat healthfully, get good sleep)
• do things you enjoy (hobbies, sports, interests)
• write down things you like about yourself
• learn something new (take classes, listen to podcasts, etc.)
• do what you love and are good at for work
• realize you are good enough
• stop blaming others for what they have done to you
• stop worrying about what others think
• stop trying to please others
• say no to things you really don't want to do.  Say yes to what makes your heart sing
• stop trying to compete with others.  We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  Concentrate on your goals, no one else's.
• live your life your way without apology

Sef-confidence is:

• how you feel about your abilities
• how you view your capabilities to do things and handle a job or emergency, for example

You may be more confident at skiing than working with computers.  Or, dancing versus math.  Or, driving may not be one of your strengths, but you are an excellent speaker.

How can you improve self-confidence?

• get out of your comfort zone
• try something that scares you a little
• test yourself
• try a new job--maybe volunteer there first to see if you like it
• hang out with positive people who will challenge you in a good way
• boost your independence
• become your own advocate

The more you challenge yourself--step out of your comfort zone--the more you will become comfortable doing these new things and making decisions.  Building self-confidence self-esteem!

How do you building your self-esteem and self-confidence?  Who in your life has helped you do so?