Do you ever feel like you're just not enough?
I've seen firsthand how self-esteem struggles can affect every part of life. As a cognitive behavioral therapist with over 20 years of experience, I've helped countless parents navigate this tricky emotional territory. Low self-esteem sneaks into relationships, careers, and especially parenting. But the good news is that improving it isn't complicated—and it can start today.
Why Does Self-Esteem Even Matter?
Feeling valuable and confident isn't just about feeling good. Your self-esteem shapes your decisions, your relationships, and even your ability to tackle daily challenges. Confidence changes how you handle stress and how resilient you become when life gets tough.
Research supports this. This article dives deeper into how self-esteem impacts your mental health and everyday choices. But, let’s talk practically—how can you build that confidence back up quickly?
Start Small—But Start Now
The quickest way to boost confidence? Celebrate small wins. You don't need to achieve huge milestones immediately. Start by recognizing tiny victories, no matter how trivial they seem. Did you manage to stay calm when your child had a tantrum in public? That’s a win. Did you organize your day without feeling overwhelmed? Another win!
In my practice, I constantly emphasize the idea of tracking daily successes through simple tools like journaling. In fact, many of our clients find that just a few weeks of journaling dramatically improves their self-esteem. (Link Out To Daily Journal CTA here)
Acknowledge Your "Done Wells"
Another effective strategy is highlighting your "done wells." These are things you've accomplished each day. Parents who regularly reflect on what they've achieved, even tiny moments like making dinner on a hectic night or calming a child's fears, naturally boost their self-worth. And yes, it works for kids too. Check out my guide on raising confident kids to see how you can teach this skill to your children as well.
Mindset Is Everything
I've often shared with parents how critical mindset is in shaping confidence. People with low self-esteem usually see setbacks as permanent or reflective of their character. Instead, practice viewing setbacks as temporary challenges, something to learn from, not a permanent mark against you.
One technique I frequently recommend is to immediately shift your focus to solutions rather than dwelling on problems. For instance, instead of thinking, "I messed up again," ask yourself, "What can I do differently next time?" This small shift is powerful.
Fixing Executive Functioning Can Boost Your Confidence
Feeling out of control with daily tasks can seriously impact your self-esteem. I've noticed that many parents don't realize their struggles are related to executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and task initiation.
By addressing these underlying issues, confidence often naturally improves. If you feel consistently overwhelmed, consider looking into ways to overcome poor executive functioning. Getting control of your daily life can give you an incredible sense of confidence.
Practical Strategies to Boost Confidence Quickly
- Stop Negative Self-Talk: Would you speak to your child the way you speak to yourself? Probably not. Change that inner dialogue.
- Act Confident: Your brain believes what your body communicates. Stand straight, make eye contact, and speak clearly. You’ll feel more confident almost instantly.
- Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your attention from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life. Write down three things you're thankful for each day.
- Set Realistic Goals: Unrealistic goals can devastate your self-esteem. Aim for progress, not perfection.
If you're looking for practical tips on how to build daily confidence, here's an excellent guide that offers straightforward steps anyone can follow.
Make It a Daily Ritual
In our program, we promote a simple yet impactful daily routine—just 4 minutes a day. Parents have found this daily ritual incredibly effective for maintaining high levels of self-esteem and mental wellness. It involves focused breathing, positive visualization, and reflecting on daily successes. (Show Product carousel here)
Low Self-Esteem Isn't Permanent
I know low self-esteem can feel overwhelming, but it's important to remember that it doesn't have to last forever. By starting small, reframing setbacks, and using practical tools to take back control, you'll soon feel more like yourself again.
If you want more direct support, I encourage you to join our community at Level Up Game Plan. You’re never alone on this path. (Link Out To Signup CTA here)
References
- "The Science of Self-Esteem and Why It Matters." Psychology Today, Feb. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healing-factor/202302/the-science-of-self-esteem-and-why-it-matters.
- Scott, Elizabeth. "How to Boost Your Self-Confidence." Verywell Mind, 2022, www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098