{
  "id": 6549061,
  "title": "How to Improve Self-Esteem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/how-to-improve-self-esteem",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T05:53:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/how-to-improve-self-esteem/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Improving self-esteem can lead to a healthier self-image, increased confidence, and better handling of daily challenges. Low self-esteem often causes individuals to focus on their mistakes, while disregarding their strengths and accomplishments. Fortunately, self-esteem can be improved over time by consistently changing one's thoughts, behavior, and relationships with themselves and others.\n\nFirstly, it's crucial to identify negative thoughts about oneself. Frequently thinking that one is not good enough, always failing, or inferior to others is a common sign of low self-esteem. Recognizing these thoughts is the first step towards changing them.\n\nWriting down these negative thoughts can also be helpful. Observing when these thoughts usually occur and questioning their realism can uncover evidence that refutes them. Focusing on strengths is another essential aspect. People with low self-esteem tend to focus on their weaknesses and overlook their abilities. Making a list of personal qualities, skills, achievements, and ways they've helped others can help shift this focus. Regularly reviewing the list and adding to it can also be beneficial.\n\nComparing oneself with others, especially on social media, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. It's important to remember that people often only present their best sides online. Instead, compare your current progress with where you were previously and set smaller, achievable goals. Completing these goals can demonstrate your capability to learn and improve.\n\nTreat yourself with kindness, just as you would a close friend who made the same mistake. Offer encouragement rather than harsh criticism. Being kind to oneself doesn't mean ignoring mistakes; it means learning from them without constantly berating oneself. Forgive mistakes, avoid harsh self-criticism, and learn from setbacks.\n\nSurrounding oneself with positive people can also influence self-esteem. Building relationships with people who respect, encourage, and appreciate you is crucial. If someone consistently insults, humiliates, or discourages you, it's important to set healthy boundaries. Spend time with supportive people, express your feelings openly, and avoid unnecessary negative criticism.\n\nLearning to say 'no' respectfully is another important aspect of improving self-esteem. People with low self-esteem may feel pressured to please everyone, even when it leaves them overwhelmed. Knowing one's limits, saying no politely, and respecting personal needs can help maintain emotional wellbeing.\n\nTaking care of one's physical health can also support emotional wellbeing. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can contribute to a better mood and confidence. Choosing enjoyable activities can make healthy habits easier to maintain.\n\nLearning a new skill can also provide a sense of progress and achievement. This doesn't necessarily mean becoming perfect; rather, it's about proving to oneself that one can learn and grow. Choose a useful skill, practice consistently, accept mistakes during learning, and recognize improvement.\n\nSpending time on meaningful activities can help reconnect with interests and abilities. Whether it's music, reading, sports, cooking, gardening, writing, or spending time with friends, make room for activities that provide enjoyment and achievement.",
  "summary": "Learning how to improve self-esteem can help you develop a healthier view of yourself, become more confident and handle everyday challenges more effectively. Low self-esteem can make you focus heavily on your mistakes while overlooking your strengths and achievements. The good news is that self-esteem can improve over time through consistent changes in how you [...] The post How to Improve…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}