My self-esteem is improving quite a lot, but it use to be non-existent.
Unfortunately it's one of those things that requires a lot of work. There's no easy way to self-confidence. I know I will be working on it for the next 5, 10 and 15 years. The rewards though are worth the effort! I've noticed changes in myself in the past 5 months.
It was the very 1st area I tackled when I started my gaming journey.
I'm reading a book called the 'Six Pillars of Self-Esteem' by Nathaniel Branden at the moment. He discusses practices that are essential to building your self-esteem:
1. Practice of Living Consciously
2. Practice of Self-Acceptance
3. Practice of Self-Responsibility
4. Practice of Assertiveness
5. Practice of Living Purposefully
6. Practice of Personal Integrity
This book is gold to me. Have a look at it and see how you feel. It may not appeal to everyone, but it did appeal to me. He is the go to guy on self-esteem though, no one comes close!
If you're not keen for that, then you can...(repeating a few of Ouch's)
1. Workout. This is a big thing for me, it makes me feel comfortable in my body, keeps the mind fresh and gives you added energy.
2. Create a unique image. I'm still working on mine, haven't decided on my aesthetic look yet. You set yourself apart from the crowd.
3. The way you carry yourself. This is important. in the 'Six Pillars of Self-Esteem' it says that 'You will show confidence, and feel confident when your movements have a look of effortless about them...' (your swagga basically). So what Ouch was saying about body language and tonality...
4. Strive for something great. This is perhaps one of my most important pillars - Practice of Living Purposefully. When you strive for an ULTIMATE GOAL, a life dream sort of thing, and live with purpose, you will be truly happy.
5. Accept yourself. Until you do this, you won't find true self-esteem. I'm not saying that you need to accept yourself as the way you are right now for the rest of your life. But if you can't accept yourself right now, how can you begin to change? For example, I'm terrible when it comes to women, I've come to accept that and it's what I do NOW which is important.
Best of luck hey!

Self-esteem is a lot of work, but trust me, in these past few months it's been worth all the hard work.
