Self-esteem is an abstract concept. But it is usually referred to as the confidence of a person in his / her importance and worth. It is also linked to emotions that people feel when they are or are not worthy.
What makes it essential is that it significantly affects people's choices and decisions. The role of self-esteem is to inspire people more or less to take care of themselves and fulfil their full potential. But what happens when you don't esteem yourself highly enough?
It's never too late and you can do some things right now to begin your journey. Below are activities and worksheets that can serve as a daily aid to increase your self-esteem.
DBT Therapy
DBT therapy, founded by Marsha Linehan, can be the first activity to put in mind at the beginning of your journey. With this, you have to keep in mind the FAST acronym.
The acronym FAST is useful for taking steps to improve your self-esteem regularly. The take is that we each have multiple options to create self-esteem all day long. Here's how:
- F – Be Fair
- A – No Apologies
- S – Stick to Values
- T – Be Truthful
F stands for fairness both to yourself and to others. It is essential to know that your needs are as important as the needs of someone else.
A is a reminder never to be too apologetic. Don't feel sorry for yourself if you disagree with anyone or have an unpopular belief or opinion.
S means you stick with what you think is right. Adhere to your principles without sacrificing, abandoning, or conforming to your beliefs.
Finally, T means remaining truthful and avoiding justifying excuses.
Create an ‘About Me’ Worksheet
The ‘About Me’ worksheet is a useful worksheet that can assist in the evaluation of self-esteem issues. Instead of focusing on negative things, this worksheet allows you to reflect on and discuss positive qualities and achievements.
Doing this activity can shine a light on your capabilities and can give you the nudge you need to steer your outlook in the right direction.
The Flipbook of Mistakes
This helps you look back and find lessons from past mistakes which will help you have a new perspective and grow above them. This aims to 'flip' your failures into success.
What to do:
- Write down past failures or mistakes from the past that have affected you the most. Then note down the possible reasons behind the said mistakes.
- In a different piece of paper, come up with solutions to avoid similar problems in the future.
You'll be able to recognize and see your failures in a different light. Failure is a part of life, and loss can be used for tremendous success.
Gratitude Journal
Maintain a gratitude journal. This activity can be immensely satisfying and will help you feel more positive about life.
Every day, record at least two things you were grateful for in your life. And as you progress, increase the numbers gradually. By the end of two weeks or a month, compare your journal from day 1.
Studies have shown that daily gratefulness results in greater happiness, stronger relationships, and improved living conditions.
Designing Affirmations
Affirmations are common in helping both adults and adolescents battle low self-esteem.
This worksheet guides you through one of the most common, pragmatic approaches. Instructions for making accurate claims and example targets, assertions, and tips for helping you can be found.
And try to make it into a habit. Try to start by sticking with a schedule—for example, you might try repeating your affirmations like a chant when you wake up, in your spare time, and before you go to bed.
Understanding Self-Confidence
This is a worksheet that can help remind you of your power and how to use it to transform situations in which you feel less confident.
Allow yourself to discuss your emotions in two very different scenarios, evaluate your reactions to them, and build an action plan for the next time you may feel underestimated.
You, At Your Best
This is another exercise which is a perfect way for you to focus on the unique character traits that best describe you. It is intended to use narration and storytelling. By writing a story about a past encounter "in the best possible place," you are asked to recognize your particular strengths and capitalize on them.
Conclusion
Dealing with low self esteem is a journey that requires time and effort to strengthen your sense of self-worth. Try out these activities and watch your self esteem increase steadily.
