The journey to self-love always starts with self-esteem. The first seven years sets us up for the rest of our life, and lays the foundation for our beliefs about our self-worth, self-esteem, habits, relationships and everything in between. Although 5-PATH Hypnosis can generally reset your subconscious mind to neutralise old triggers, patterns and beliefs in as little as 3 sessions, there are lots of things we can do to heal our own self-esteem and work towards self-acceptance and self-love.
In a world filled with constant comparisons and external pressures, nurturing self-esteem and practicing self-love can often take a back seat, particularly if we have been trained to be people-pleasers, and put our own needs last. However, embracing some of these practices can be crucial for leading a happy, fulfilling and authentic life. Here’s a guide to help you build your self-esteem and cultivate a deeper love for yourself.
Start by acknowledging and accepting who you are, including your strengths and imperfections. Understand that everyone has unique qualities and areas for growth that are not always appreciated, but nevertheless, they are there. Self-acceptance is about embracing yourself fully without judgment, the good, the bad and the ugly, as they say, to know that actually, we are not meant to be like anyone else. We are enough as we are. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and recognise your value beyond external achievements or other people’s opinions
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Often, we are our harshest critics. Where did those thought come from anyway? You were born into this world with no concept of limitations, so where did you learn that from? It’s not that we want to blame anyone, it’s just that you learned these beliefs from damaged people who were not really qualified to assess you. It may be their opining, but you don’t have to believe them. When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with evidence of your strengths and successes. Replace self-criticism with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your worth and capabilities regularly.
Setting and achieving realistic goals can significantly boost self-esteem. Break larger objectives into manageable bite-size steps and celebrate each milestone. This helps build confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing your belief in your abilities. Every time we tick of a box, it can help us feel more confident that we are moving closer to our goals.
They say that “You’re the average of the five people spend the most time with,”
The people you spend time with can influence your self-esteem. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people who encourage your growth and celebrate your successes. Let go of negative relationships, people and influences that undermine your self-worth.
Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for self-love. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercise, reading, or spending time in nature. Self-care routines reinforce the idea that you deserve to be treated well and valued. When we practice self-care, we not only teach people to treat us better, we send out a powerful message to the Universe that we are worth of only good things, and we tend to draw better circumstances, people and events into our lives.
Perfection is an unattainable standard and a very imperfect way of looking at the world. Accepting that making mistakes and having flaws is part of being human can relieve unnecessary pressure. Embrace your imperfections as opportunities for growth and learning rather than sources of self-criticism. As Anthony Robbins says, “if you’re going to fail, fail fast!” This way you wast lest time ruminating, become more decisive, take action, and if you fail, you pick yourself up and try something new, fast! Most things we try are a ‘numbers game’, in that the more time we try something new, the more we are likely to succeed.
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can shift your focus from what you lack to what you have. Take time each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for, including aspects of yourself. This practice can enhance your overall outlook and foster a more positive self-image. One awesome practice I recommend to my clients is to keep a Gratitude Diary, so they can write down 3-5 things we are grateful for every day, then read it each night before bed, and see how this shifts what your scan for!
If you find that self-esteem issues are deeply rooted or persistent, consider getting support from a qualified Hypnotherapist, psychotherapist or counsellor. Professional guidance can provide insights, tools and strategies to help you navigate and improve your self-esteem effectively.
Self-esteem is at the heart of EVERYTHING! You are not without power to make change! Improving self-esteem and embracing self-love is a continuous journey rather than a destination. By practicing self-acceptance, challenging negative thoughts, setting achievable goals, and prioritizing self-care, you can build a more positive relationship with yourself. Remember, you are worthy of love and respect just as you are. Celebrate your unique qualities and take small steps each day towards a healthier, more loving self.
Check my Resources Page to access some great resources for reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as helping with wellness, weight and quitting smoking, and if you’d like more help to undo old limiting programs and beliefs, make an appointment for a free 30 minute consultation so we can neutralise those old programs and get you back in touch with your authentic, best self!
