Life and its unpredictable hurdles can sometimes induce a trauma that causes us to develop self-esteem. If you believe that you are not enough because of what you have been through, here are ways to overcome it.
Follow Your Instincts
Many times, we become beaten down emotionally because of the company that we keep. If you have people around you that make you feel inadequate, chances are that this can feed into your psyche and make you feel “less than” over time. Is there someone in your friend group that subtly and “jokingly” puts you down? Do you have a cousin or family member that consistently makes snide remarks? All of these signs are worth noting, and it is imperative to listen to your instincts, because many times, our instincts have a way of picking up on things in ways that our minds don’t. Pay close attention to how you feel around certain people.
Consider Therapy
Therapy is not for everyone, and sometimes, it takes a lot of work to find the right professional but if you are willing to do the work, therapy might be a good route to take. A seasoned therapist can help you uncover some of your thought patterns and understand why you view the world the way that you do. A knowledgeable therapist can also offer useful, and surprising insight on what steps to take to overcome whatever obstacle you are facing.
Do Something For Someone
Helping other people can significantly improve our self-esteem and make us feel worthy. A Cleveland Clinic study shows that young adults who performed acts of kindness toward strangers experienced an increase in self-esteem. According to the study, because teenagers are more likely to experience self-esteem turbulence, doing something for someone other than themselves can make them feel like they are making a change.
Appreciate The Little things
If you are fortunate to have several necessities of life including loved ones and good health, this is worth being appreciative. Whenever you think you are not good enough, take some time to appreciate the little things and maintain a sense of gratitude. Gratitude helps us to feel hopeful for the future. It can be hard to look on the bright side, but a sense of appreciation can go a long way.