How can I improve my self-esteem?

Signs and symptoms of low self-esteem

Do any of the following apply to you?

  • Do you keep putting yourself down?
  • Do you tend not to not participate in things?
  • Do you find it difficult to make decisions?
  • Are you afraid to step out of your comfort zone?
  • Are you unable to say 'no' because you need to please others?
  • Do you worry what others are thinking of you?

All these can be signs of low self-esteem, which links to non-assertive behaviour. To change this, there are number of things you can do.  The first thing to understand is that you need to change your behaviour, which means you need to change the way you think.  You can make a start on this by:Self esteem leaflet

  • Reading self-help books
  • Attending a class in assertiveness, confidence-building or self-esteem
  • Speaking to a counsellor

Change will take time, probably a few months unless you have a Eureka moment! And another important thing - don't blame yourself for how you are.  There are good reasons why you developed these habits, which at the time were outside your control.

As a starting point, take a look at this leaflet (it's a pdf file) by clicking on the image.  It's two-sided, designed to be printed and folded in half.  If your printer can do two-sided, select the 'landscape' or 'short side' option.