How to help build self-esteem during challenging times
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Rayma Griffin, MA, MEd
Quick tips for building self-esteem
- Quick tip 1Reframe negative thoughts and statements.
Reframe negative thoughts and statements.It’s easy to focus on the negative, so reframe it as positive. “Reading is too hard” can become, “Yes, reading is hard. I’ll work on a plan to get better at it.”
Self-esteem is how much people value themselves and how important they believe they are in their world. Developing positive self-esteem is important for everyone. But it can be harder for people who learn and think differently.
That’s because self-esteem is tied to how capable we feel. People who learn and think differently often have to work harder to make progress in school and at work. They may struggle socially, too.
It can be hard to talk to someone about the things they need to get better at. But addressing those topics clearly can actually help them develop self-esteem.
Self-esteem comes from working hard toward a goal. Positive self-esteem comes from recognizing your efforts, finding your strengths, and knowing that mistakes are learning opportunities. Over time, people can learn to improve how they view and value themselves.
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