The value you place on yourself is called self-esteem. When you have self-esteem that is healthy, you make better decisions and you are able face life’s challenges with courage. Low self esteem can make you question yourself, turn down new opportunities, and feel insecure in social situations. The great news, though? You can build your self-esteem every single day with easy activities and positive habits.

Understand Yourself and Your Self-Esteem

You can’t build self-esteem until you first understand it. Self-esteem is not the perfection of everyone, but it comes to accept how you are and what you believe your worth is. Healthy self-esteem means respecting yourself, setting boundaries and feeling capable of taking on life. Being aware of what you are good at and where you need to work on enables a gradual progression into becoming more self-assured.

Use Positive Self-Talk

How you talk to yourself influences how you feel. Negative self-talk such as “I can’t handle this” or “I am not good enough” is weakening your confidence. Instead, use positive self-talk. For example:

• “I can do my best and I can learn from a mistake.”
• “I deserve respect and happiness.”
• “I can accomplish what I want to do.”

Say these affirmations every day. Just a couple minutes of self-encouragement may increase your confidence and make the difference for your day.

Set Small and Achievable Goals

It gives you a way to measure progress and boosts confidence. Begin with super-simple, easy-to-accomplish goals. For example:

• Do something small at work or school.
• Go for a little walk to get some energy.
• Contribute to a meeting or class.

Every time you hit these goals, you show yourself that you can do it. As you do, you build your capacity to set bigger goals and take more risks.

Take Care of Your Body

The soft animal of your body and the rational animal of your mind are connected. You make healthier food choices, are more active and sleep better, all of which will improve your mood and energy. A healthy confidence grows when you feel physically healthy. Small changes can add up, like simply drinking water, taking a 10-minute walk or stretching each morning.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude causes you to focus on the good in your life. List three things you are grateful for each day. Even small things, like a friend saying something kind to you or even just a sunny day or completing an assignment on time. When you are grateful, you focus on what you have not on what is missing or lacking in your life. This strengthens your self worth.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

Other people influence your confidence. Hang out with people who positively influence you, motivate and inspire you. Stay away from negative or criticizing people. Positive relationships make you feel appreciated and raise your self-worth.

Face Your Fears and Challenges

You increase your confidence when you go outside of your comfort zone. Try small challenges like:

• Talking to new people.
• Trying a new hobby.
• Speaking up in a group.

Every time you do something you fear, you are telling yourself that – I can cope with scary situations. This will create courage and you will feel good about yourself.

Celebrate Your Achievements

Don’t depend on others to revel in your wins—revel in them yourself. Maintain a list or journal of things you’ve accomplished, be it minor or monumental. Did you finish a project? Handle a problem calmly? Even small successes matter. Acknowledging your victories allows you to realize your value and take pride in yourself.

Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

“Worrying about what others are doing can erode your own self-confidence. Everyone has a different journey. Concentrate on your own development. Own your strengths and improve where needed minus the judgment. Your worth is not judged by another person’s accomplishment.

Seek Help When Needed

At times it’s low self esteem arising from past trauma or chronic stress. Talking to a counselor or therapist could help guide you and allow you to rebuild confidence. Professionals can provide you with safe and effective tools and techniques to help boost your self-esteem.

Make Confidence a Daily Habit

Building self-esteem takes daily effort. Practicing self-motivation, developing reachable goals, taking care of your body, focusing on gratitude, confronting fears head-on⁠—as well as celebrating accomplishments and forming positive relationships—are all factors that help our confidence grow over time.

When you do, keep in mind that self-esteem is a process not a place. Every little step you take makes you stronger, more confident and happier. Do it today and after regular cycle you will become the best version of yourself.