Building healthy self-esteem
Self-esteem shapes how we see ourselves and our place in the world. It influences our confidence, the decisions we make, and how we handle life’s ups and downs, including in work, relationships and personal goals.
What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth. It’s not about being perfect or feeling confident all the time. It’s about knowing you have value, just as you are.
A healthy level of self-esteem helps you recognise your strengths, cope with setbacks and advocate for yourself when needed.
What affects self-esteem?
There are many factors that can influence how we feel about ourselves, including:
- Past experiences or trauma
- The way we were spoken to growing up
- Ongoing feedback from friends, family or workplaces
- Social media and unrealistic comparisons
- Discrimination or exclusion based on identity, disability or background
- The way we talk to ourselves every day
Low self-esteem is common, especially after a tough time like losing a job, facing rejection or adjusting to something new. The good news is that self-esteem can be rebuilt with support, time and the right tools.
Signs of low and healthy self-esteem
Low self-esteem might look like:
- Constantly doubting your abilities
- Fear of rejection, failure or judgment
- Struggling to accept compliments
- Avoiding new opportunities
Healthy self-esteem looks more like:
- Knowing your strengths and where you need support
- Feeling okay with making mistakes and learning from them
- Setting boundaries that protect your wellbeing
- Treating yourself with kindness and compassion
Ways to build self-esteem
Small steps can lead to meaningful change. Try:
- Challenging negative self-talk: Notice harsh thoughts and gently replace them with more balanced ones.
- Focusing on your values: What matters most to you? Let that guide your goals instead of comparing yourself to others.
- Celebrating progress: Big or small, every victory counts.
- Spending time with supportive people: The right environment can make all the difference.
- Learning something new: Building skills can boost your confidence and remind you of what you’re capable of.
- Giving yourself grace: You’re only human. Life is full of ups and downs, so go easy on yourself. We’re all figuring it out as we go!
Build your self-esteem with support from WISE
Self-esteem grows with time, care and support. WISE work alongside job seekers to help build confidence, recognise strengths and create a path towards meaningful work.
If you’re looking to feel more secure in yourself and your next steps, we can help. Explore our WISE Women and Occupational Rehabilitation services, or connect with our team to gain the tools and confidence to thrive in your employment journey.