Self-esteem skills generally help people develop and maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem. People with healthy self-esteem usually feel good about themselves. They are willing to acknowledge their strong points and take credit for their accomplishments, while simultaneously recognizing and accepting their own weaknesses. Self-esteem skills typically include minimizing negative self-beliefs, focusing on one's positive attributes and successes, and being accepting of one's mistakes. Trying out new activities, setting and striving for goals, and accepting one's limitations are all considered good self-esteem skills.
No one is perfect, and one of the most important self-esteem skills may be setting realistic goals and expectations for oneself. Many people with poor self-esteem expect too much of themselves. People will poor self-esteem are usually encouraged to relinquish the quest for perfection in themselves and their activities.
One of the primary reasons for low self-esteem may be negative self-beliefs. Problems with self-esteem often develop in childhood or adolescence, perhaps as a result of a perceived lack of acceptance by important adults, caregivers, or peers. Problems with self-esteem later in life may develop in those who do not see themselves as possessed of positive or ideal attributes. Those who believe they don't live up to the standards of friends, family or society at large may be more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. Those who wish to improve their self-esteem are generally asked to identify and concentrate on positive aspects of themselves, rather than negative ones.
Other good self-esteem skills include practicing self-acceptance. Many people suffer from a low self-opinion due to factors that can't be changed, such as appearance. Experts believe it is best to simply accept these unalterable factors as they are. Similarly, experts encourage the acceptance of mistakes and failures as a part of life, rather than as a symptom of a personal defect.
Setting goals, working toward them, and eventually realizing them is said to be very beneficial for boosting self-esteem. Realizing goals can help foster feelings of pride, accomplishment, and competence, which improve self-esteem. Experimentation can also be a good self-esteem skill, since sampling new things can help people better understand their own talents, tastes, and opinions. People with high self-esteem tend to feel proud of these aspects of themselves.
Most psychologists also believe that helping others can improve self-esteem, since it can enhance one's feelings of personal worth. Spending time with friends and loved ones, or engaged in pleasurable hobbies can help relieve stress and improve mental health and feelings of well-being. Appropriate levels of exercise can also improve self-esteem and enhance feelings of well-being.