Increasing Self-Esteem One Shoe at a Time
Increasing self-esteem doesn't have to happen in leaps and bounds. As many of you know, I consider myself to be a fairly lazy person:) I like setting the bar low for myself - so low that I'm bound to be successful!
Taking mini steps to achieve my goals has worked really well for me over the years. I urge you to start with baby steps to make your goals a reality, too.
So, today's post is going to be a little different. Instead of sharing one big confidence and courage boosting concept with you or one of the "confidence hacks," I have a couple of small pieces of advice on self-confidence for you. They may seem like small things at first glance, and it's easy to dismiss them and move on. I encourage you not to skip over these little tips. They are actually quite powerful and a great way to make you feel better. Try them and see for yourself.
Increasing Self-Esteem:
SHOWER & GET DRESSED
Make it a habit to shower and get dressed nicely in the morning, even if your job doesn't require it, you work from home, or it's the weekend. It gives you a feeling of pride and confidence, and more importantly it signals your mind that you're ready to go and seize the day.
Lounging around in your PJs or yoga pants and an old t-shirt doesn't have the same effect. Dress for success and notice how this one little act increases your self-confidence.
Increasing Self-Esteem:
PUT ON YOUR SHOES
Putting on your shoes even when you're not headed out for the day has the same effect. It always amazes me how well this one little trick works. If you need to tackle some dreaded chores, simply have a lot on your plate that day, or a little confidence boost to talk yourself into doing something, lace up your shoes and get it done.
Increasing Self-Esteem:
DO SOMETHING TO FEEL PRETTY OR WELL-GROOMED
We feel much more confident when we feel pretty or well put together. Go do something that gives you that feeling. Get a fresh haircut, put on your favorite lipstick, or put on a clean, fresh pressed shirt before a meeting, date, or task your nervous and anxious about. Do something, anything to make yourself feel pretty and well-put-together.
It can be helpful to have a list with a couple of things on it that you know will make you feel good about your appearance. Keep mental tabs on that list or write it down and refer back to it whenever you need a little confidence and courage boost.
Increasing Self-Esteem:
SELF-CARE IS NEVER A WASTE OF TIME
Last but not least, let's talk about self-care. These are all the little things we can do for ourselves to make us feel better. It could be taking a bubble bath, spending an afternoon reading, going out for drinks with good friends, watching the ballgame, or losing yourself in a good computer game. It's the things we do to recharge and take care of ourselves. Often, we consider them a waste of time, or put them on the back-burner in favor of more urgent work, business, or family tasks. That's a big mistake that will lead to burnout in the long run.
Take the time to take care of yourself regularly. Self-care has the added benefit of boosting your confidence. You're showing yourself that you're worth the care.
Ready for some self-care? Try my guided progressive muscle relaxation session:)
