Have you ever found yourself feeling unsure about your abilities or doubting yourself? You’re not alone! Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Surely you also have heard the saying, “Believe in yourself and anything is possible”!
Especially when it comes to personal growth and development, two terms that often come up are self-confidence and self-esteem. While they may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings and play different roles in our lives. So let’s talk about self-esteem vs self-confidence.
What is actually Self-Confidence?
Confidence can be described as a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment. It is having faith in yourself to succeed and achieve your goals. Self-confidence is rooted in action and experience. It is built by taking on challenges, overcoming obstacles, and seeing positive results.
Examples of Self-Confidence
Self-confidence can manifest in various forms and situations. For instance, let’s picture Sally. She’s a graphic designer who, when given a challenging project, doesn’t shy away but embraces it because she trusts her skills and creativity. She doesn’t fear criticism or failure but rather sees them as opportunities to learn and improve. That’s self-confidence!
Or imagine Tom, a student who does not hesitate to ask questions in class when he doesn’t understand something. Tom is not afraid of appearing ignorant; instead, he believes in his ability to learn and grow. His willingness to openly address his uncertainties reveals his self-confidence.
In both these scenarios, Sally and Tom exhibit a positive belief in their own abilities and potential, which is the essence of self-confidence.
Self-Esteem vs Self-Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While confidence is specific to a situation or task, self-esteem is more general and refers to our overall sense of self-worth. In other words, self-esteem is how we see ourselves in relation to the world around us. It is also influenced by our upbringing, experiences, and relationships.
Examples of Self-Esteem
Consider Jenny, a young woman who’s an accomplished pianist. Even though she’s not the best in her field, she takes immense pride in her ability to express herself through music. She genuinely appreciates her unique style and doesn’t compare herself unfavorably to others. She values herself and has a solid sense of self-worth. This is a prime example of healthy self-esteem.
In contrast, observe Jack, a successful entrepreneur who’s unsatisfied despite his achievements. He constantly feels like he’s not doing enough and measures his worth based on his business’s performance. While he presents a confident exterior, he struggles with low self-esteem as he does not value himself outside of his achievements.
10 Self-Esteem Activities: Ready to elevate yourself to new heights?
Now that we understand the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence, let’s focus on practical ways to boost both of them. Here are some self-esteem activities to help you build confidence and believe in yourself even more:
1. Visualize success
Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving your goal. This can give you a boost of motivation and confidence. Visualizing success can help you identify potential challenges and come up with strategies to overcome them. It also makes your goal more tangible and achievable.
2. Positive affirmations
Write down positive statements about yourself and repeat them daily. Affirmations can change how we perceive ourselves and increase our confidence. Some examples include “I am capable”, “I am worthy”, and “I can do this”.
3. Do something that scares you
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to build confidence. It could be trying a new hobby, taking on a challenging project, or simply speaking up in a meeting. Pushing yourself to do things that scare you helps to build resilience and confidence in your abilities.
4. Practice self-care
When we take care of our physical and emotional needs, it can have a positive impact on our self-esteem. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, meditating, or spending time outdoors. Taking care of yourself can also boost your mood and increase your confidence.
5. Set achievable goals
Setting realistic and achievable goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and improve your self-esteem. Start small and celebrate each milestone along the way. This will help you build confidence in yourself and your abilities to achieve even bigger goals in the future.
6. Surround yourself with positive people
The company we keep can have a big impact on our confidence. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and distance yourself from those who bring you down or make you doubt yourself. Positive and supportive friends can help boost your self-esteem and encourage you to reach for your goals.
7. Don’t compare yourself to others
In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Remember that everyone is on their own journey and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your own progress and accomplishments, rather than comparing yourself to others. This will help you maintain a healthy level of self-confidence.
8. Practice self-compassion
We are often our own worst critics, constantly berating ourselves for our mistakes and shortcomings. Instead of being hard on yourself, practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness and understanding. This will help build a more positive and confident inner voice.
9. Seek professional help if needed
If you struggle with low self-confidence and it is affecting your daily life, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide you with tools and techniques to improve your self-esteem and confidence. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
10. Embrace your uniqueness
Instead of trying to conform to societal standards or comparing yourself to others, embrace your unique qualities and talents. These are what make you special and should be celebrated. Remember that there is no one else like you in the world, and that is something to be proud of.
How does self-awareness relate to self-esteem and confidence?
Self-awareness is the superpower that lets us truly know ourselves – our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. It’s about being in sync with who we are and understanding ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. But it’s not just about self-discovery; it’s a gateway to boosting self-esteem and confidence. How? By identifying areas for growth and embarking on a journey of personal development.
Moreover, self-awareness allows us to celebrate our achievements and perceive ourselves more positively. It helps us unravel the triggers and negative self-talk, empowering us to challenge and reshape those thoughts into a confident outlook. And the benefits keep pouring in! It enhances our decision-making and communication skills, bringing a wave of confidence that permeates every aspect of our lives.
Example of improving Self-Awareness
Imagine you’re enjoying a dinner, try to focus, and identify the different ingredients in your meal. This practice of mindfulness not only enhances your culinary experience but also hones your self-awareness by training your mind to focus on the present moment and subtle details.
Similarly, when a friend’s seemingly inconsequential comment triggers a strong emotional reaction in you, instead of brushing it off, ask yourself, “Why did that comment upset me so much?” By probing into your emotional responses, you gain a more profound understanding of your feelings, helping you manage them more effectively.
These small but consistent self-awareness activities can fuel your journey toward increased confidence and self-esteem. They enable you to approach situations with a better understanding of yourself, leading to more self-assured actions and responses.
If you want to dive deeper into the topic and want to know more about the benefits of self-awareness, read the article “What Causes Lack Of Self-Awareness And 4 Easy Steps to Improve Self-Awareness”