3 Ways to Improve Your Self Esteem

Sometimes, its really hard to feel good about yourself. When you see the girl at school who always looks perfect, not a hair out of place. Or you watch your older brother who always says and does the right thing. It can be easy to begin comparing yourself to others and feel like you don’t measure up.

So how do you deal with those days when you feel less than amazing? How do you deal with the feelings that you don’t measure up, or the temptation to look or act differently to be accepted?

We’ve put together a list of three ways that you can feel better about yourself, and improve your self esteem.

1. Make a list of what makes you special. You might feel like you really stink compared to other people, but most likely that’s not the case. Most likely, you’re a pretty amazing person, you’ve just got to take some time to think through what is so great about you.
   Think about it, and begin to list the things that make you special. Maybe you really pay attention to those that don’t have friends. Perhaps you’re good at drawing, or math. Find out what it is that is awesome about you. And make a list of those things. Then when you’re feeling down, or need a self esteem boost, you can pull that list out and remind yourself that you’re really pretty great!
2. Change what you’re thinking. Many times feeling bad about yourself happens because of what you’re spending time thinking about. Maybe you’ve been comparing yourself to someone else and feel like you come up short. Or maybe you’ve just spent too much time thinking about all your faults. Sure, we all have faults, but it doesn’t good to think about them so much that it makes you unhappy.
   Take a little bit of time to think good thoughts. Thoughts of how much God loves you and the value he places on you. As you change what you’re thinking about, you’ll find that you’ll be happier and your self esteem will be higher.
   “Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. ” – Philippians 4:8 (CEV)
3. Change what you’re saying. Watch what you say about yourself. If you keep saying you’re fat, ugly, or unlikeable you’ll start believing those things about yourself. Choose to pay attention to what you’re saying and eliminate those words that are hurtful and untrue about yourself.
   Replace negative words with words of truth that God says about yourself. Make a decision to speak words of life over yourself and watch as your self esteem begins to grow.
   If you don’t know where to start, here are a few scriptures to help you develop a healthier self-esteem.
   1. Psalm 139:14
   2. Ephesians 2:10
   3. Jeremiah 29:11

Developing a healthy self-esteem doesn’t come over night. If you’ve gotten into bad habits about how you think and speak about yourself, it may take some time to redirect those habits. Don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to feel good about yourself. Stick with it, and know that you can overcome and have a healthy self-esteem However, if you ever get to the point in your battle with self-esteem issues where you need help, get it. Don’t be afraid or embarassed to ask. Your parents, pastors, or teachers can really help you out if you need it. Get the help you need to develop a healthy self-esteem.

Finally, go to God and be open and honest about what you’re dealing with. He is so ready to listen to you and help you. Tell him how you feel and ask his help in developing a healthy self-esteem.