Taking Charge of Your Self-Esteem

We’ve all faced moments when our self-esteem takes a devastating hit, leaving us feeling shattered. At other times, low self-esteem can creep in without any clear cause. At its core, self-esteem is the confidence we have in our own worth and abilities. It’s deeply connected to our self-image, happiness, and overall success in life. While others can influence it, the ultimate power to shape our self-esteem lies within us. But how can we assess our self-esteem? And more importantly, what steps can we take to improve the way we see and value ourselves?

Start by taking our self-esteem assessment.

Instructions: Rate each statement below on a scale from 1 to 5, based on how strongly you agree. A rating of “1” means you don’t agree at all, while “5” means you completely agree. Use the numbers 2, 3, and 4 to express levels of partial agreement.

1. ______ I believe in myself.
2. ______ I recognize my worth and value myself as much as others.
3. ______ I would choose to be myself over anyone else.
4. ______ I feel proud of what I have achieved.
5. ______ Receiving compliments makes me feel good.
6. ______ I handle criticism effectively.
7. ______ I am confident in my ability to solve problems.
8. ______ I enjoy exploring new experiences.
9. ______ I have a strong sense of self-respect.
10. ______ I am comfortable with how I look.
11. ______ I love myself, even when faced with rejection from others.
12. ______ I am aware of my positive attributes.
13. ______ I focus on my accomplishments rather than dwelling on failures.
14. ______ I am unafraid to make mistakes.
15. ______ I am genuinely happy being myself.

Once finished, add up your total score to see your results.

______Your Total Score

**Important: To download a hard copy of Your Self-Esteem Check-Up, CLICK HERE.

Self-Esteem Benchmarks
To determine your level of Self-Esteem, use the scale below to match your total points to the closest benchmark category.

• 15 points – Poor Self-Esteem
• 30 points – Low Self-Esteem
• 45 points – Moderate Self-Esteem
• 60 points – Good Self-Esteem
• 75 points – Exceptional Self-Esteem

Boost your self-esteem with the following strategies:

(1)  Take control of your narrative.

Shift your mindset from feeling powerless to owning your journey. Use empowering affirmations like “I can” and “I will” to reinforce your determination. Remember, building self-esteem is about taking responsibility for your growth. Commit to no longer allowing others to dictate your self-worth.

(2)  Celebrate your strengths.

Reflect on your positive qualities and abilities. Make a list of your talents, what you excel at, and the traits others admire in you. Continue adding to this list as you grow—it’s a powerful reminder of your value.

(3)  Put your strengths into action.

Take deliberate steps to engage in activities that highlight your abilities. Love writing? Start a blog. Skilled at tennis? Join a club. Passionate about helping others? Volunteer. Regularly showcasing your strengths reinforces your confidence and sense of purpose.

(4)  Prioritize self-care.

Your physical and mental well-being are essential to building self-esteem. Focus on healthy habits: exercise regularly, get quality sleep, and maintain a balanced diet. Avoid harmful behaviors like excessive alcohol, smoking, or drug use. Carve out time for fun, meaningful social connections, and moments of peace to recharge.

(5)  Embrace your age.

Growing older often comes with societal pressure to look or act a certain way. However, aging is a natural process that should be embraced, not feared. Instead of trying to hide or fight against it, celebrate the wisdom and experiences that come with each passing year. Embracing your age can help you feel more confident and secure in who you are.

(6)  Surround yourself with positivity.

The people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our self-esteem. Seek out relationships with individuals who support and uplift you, rather than those who bring you down or make you doubt yourself. Additionally, limit exposure to negative media or social media accounts

Improving self-esteem is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. When challenges arise, remember to be kind to yourself. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional support—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Above all, remember this: you are worth the effort.

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die.  And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.– Eleanor Roosevelt