How to Kick Bad Habits that Destroy Your Self-Esteem
I can’t do this. I don’t know anything. She’s prettier than me. Does this sound like you? If so, stop it right now.
You’re destroying your self-esteem with those negative thoughts. Sometimes we unknowingly fall into bad habits without realizing the havoc it can wreak on our self-esteem.
But that ends now. Our goals for today are to:
- Identify 5 common bad habits that attribute to lower self-esteem
- Learn how to kick these habits to the curb
BAD HABIT #1: COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
WHY IT’S AN ISSUE:
We all do it – compare ourselves to others. In some situations, comparison may be necessary. Sometimes we need to see others in action to give us the motivation to be better and to work towards our goals.
At other times, comparing yourself to others can bring up feelings of sadness, defeat, and jealousy.
HOW TO KICK THE HABIT:
Practice gratitude. Practice being grateful for what you have. It doesn’t have to be materialistic.
You can be grateful for a close relationship with your mother or for having a roof over your head. I suggest practicing gratitude on a daily basis.
You can start a gratitude journal, keep notes in your phone, or recite your thoughts out aloud.
BAD HABIT #2: NEGATIVE SELF-TALK/THOUGHTS
WHY IT’S AN ISSUE:
Telling yourself that you can’t do something means you can’t do it. Right? Otherwise, why would you say it if you didn’t believe it was true.
There is power in your words and your thoughts. Speaking or thinking negatively about yourself diminishes your ability to reach your goals.
With that negativity, you have already killed your goals before you even begin to work towards them.
HOW TO KICK THE HABIT:
Turn your negativity into positivity. Every time you say something negative about yourself, immediately say something positive about yourself.
When you start to think negatively, check yourself immediately and let those thoughts go. Over time, the number of negative thoughts that pop into your mind will lessen.
BAD HABIT #3: NEGATIVE PEOPLE
WHY IT’S AN ISSUE:
Misery loves company. Isn’t that the saying? A negative person, usually someone miserable in some area of their own life, will tear you down mentally, physically, and emotionally.
You know the kind of people I’m talking about. The friend that’s never excited about your accomplishments but finds fault in everything you do.
The mom that tells you you’re not good enough and consistently asks why you can’t be more like your older brother.
People spread negativity both consciously and subconsciously. Either way, after you have spoken to them about the behavior and it hasn’t stopped you have to do what is best for you.
HOW TO KICK THE HABIT:
Start to distance yourself from these people over time. If you don’t have any time to waste and feel confident to do so, then cut these people off with the quickness.
Change your number and block them from all areas of your life. Sounds harsh, but sometimes we need to do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves and our state of mind.
Of course, the way you handle this might be different if it’s your sister versus a friend.
BAD HABIT #4: PERFECTION
WHY IT’S AN ISSUE:
Striving to perfection inhibits you. You try so hard to be good at everything you do that you end up being uptight.
Being uptight is okay if that works for you, but it didn’t for me. I was so caught up in being perfect that I didn’t live life.
Letting my hair down and having a good time were not a priority for me. I didn’t want to step outside the box and take risks. I wouldn’t allow myself to mess up or make mistakes.
HOW TO KICK THE HABIT:
Allow yourself to make mistakes, and when you make those mistakes don’t beat yourself up over it. Remember that you tried your best.
Let your hair down and relax a little. Allow yourself to breathe and just enjoy life.
BAD HABIT #5: JUDGEMENT
WHY IT’S AN ISSUE:
We’re worried about judgment from others. But as long as we care what others think, we will be limited in our happiness and the goals we want to reach.
Have you not started your business because you’re worried about what Joe thinks? Are you living a life you hate and are scared to step out of the box?
Are you still waiting for permission to be the real you?
HOW TO KICK THE HABIT:
Stop caring what people think. I know we hear people say this all the time and it’s easier said than done. There are so many things I haven’t done because I was so worried about what people thought.
Starting this blog is one of those things. Let me put things in perspective for you. Regardless of what you believe what happens after death, we all die.
If you died tomorrow, could you say with all honesty that you have lived the life you wanted on your terms?
Without worrying about how others may perceive you? If yes, great! If not, it’s time to do some soul searching.
KICK THOSE BAD HABITS TO THE CURB
Now that you know what bad habits could be destroying your self-esteem, are you ready to get rid of them? Work at it a little each day and these bad habits will become a thing of the past.
And if you ‘re looking for some to feel good about yourself, check out my post on 5 Ways to Build Confidence.
How’s Your Self-esteem?
Are you guilty of any of these toxic habits? Are you ready to make a changes.
Leave me a comment! Let’s chat!