I don’t have to tell you that healthy self-esteem matters.

It helps you make sound choices, live big and allows everything into your life that you really, really want.

And it’s not defined by a six-pack, a six figure career, or a feel-good buzz after six mimosas. It’s deeper. It’s how you feel about you. Sadly, many of us sabotage our self-esteem subconsciously and then wonder why we feel crumby at the end of the day.

Here are some new behaviors you can start practicing to boost your self-esteem wherever it is right now:

1. Stop hanging out with people out of loyalty instead of intention.
   Are you hanging out with people because they would be offended if you didn’t? That’s one of the worst reasons to maintain a friendship. Your friends should inspire and uplift you and when you tell them your life goals, they should encourage you every step of the way.
   
   
2. Start using your secret (or forgotten) talents.
   Gifts you stop using (writing, teaching, designing, the list goes on…) will make you miserable over time. Your skills exist to be used to bring joy to everyone who encounters you. They can even make a sweet side hustle.
   
   
3. Put yourself first for once.
   Try saying *no* 3 times this week. Try it out!!! *No* is the magical word you’ve been looking for – and don’t waste a second feeling guilty about not pleasing someone else. If you have to disappoint yourself or someone else, let it be someone else.
   
   
4. Stop procrastinating.
   Procrastination is directly related to our feelings of self-worth. Think how great you’ll feel to have the darn thing done. It won’t be nagging you when you’re trying to sleep or taking some much-deserved downtime.
   
   You choose to to free yourself from the burden when you just do it. Get busy and stop sabotaging yourself. What are you waiting for, exactly? It’s never the *right* time.
   
   
5. Give yourself permission to walk away.
   Who or what situation do you need to leave? Change can be scary, yes – but nothing changes if nothing changes.
   
   
6. Ask for more.
   People who ask, get. It’s that simple. But if you don’t feel deserving, you’re probably not asking enough. What can you test? Asking for a favor from a friend? Asking for an overdue raise? Asking for help at work? There’s strength and major results in asking.
   
   
7. Don’t make excuses – make promises.
   What are your go-to excuses?
   “There isn’t enough time. I never finish anything. I already have so much to do. I’m not exactly sure what I need to do. I’ll wait until I feel ready.”
   
   Excuses keep you stuck. Making and keeping promises to yourself is the greatest form of self-love. If you can’t count on you, who can you count on? Excuses hold you back. Making and keeping promises to yourself moves you forward.
   
   
8. Remember self-compassion.
   Self-compassion actually matters more than self-esteem. It’s about being kind and gentle with yourself no matter what. And that means being patient, loving and accepting of yourself… even if you know there is more work you’d like to do on yourself.
   
   Try approving of yourself a bit more. Remember what you like about yourself: “I’m good at things! I’m a decent cook! I do a strong 2 minute plank. I’m not a perfect friend, but I’m a loyal friend.”

“You’ve been criticizing yourself for years. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

Louise Hay

If you keep practicing these behaviors, your self-esteem will take care of itself.

Grab your free guide:
The Habit of Self-Doubt: Crush It and Build Real Confidence.