5 Strategies to Build Stronger Self-Esteem Every Day

Throughout February, I invite you to celebrate International Boost Self-Esteem Month. This month is dedicated to building confidence, fostering self-worth, and inspiring personal empowerment.

Because self-esteem is the cornerstone of a healthy, fulfilling life—shaping relationships, fueling careers and influencing overall well-being—now the ideal time for individuals to prioritize themselves and take meaningful steps toward becoming more confident and empowered.

A healthy self-esteem energized me to power through a colossal failure to lead a billion-dollar global company.

After presenting to executives at a major U.S. retailer, I was bluntly told I had “completely wasted” their time, which spiraled me into an all-time low.

As I write in All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, “We were shot down in such an embarrassing manner and absolutely demoralized that my business partner and I could have told ourselves we were failures, that we had no business being in video production. Instead, we determined to use our failure as a stepping stone for our success.”

During a long layover in Denver, my business partner and I wrote a business plan on the back of about 20 napkins. This gutsy feat launched our careers to higher levels than we imagined.

This month offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward valuing yourself more deeply. Everyone has setbacks, but the success secret lies in how you respond. And that starts with boosting your self-esteem.

Self-Esteem Building Strategies

To make this month inspirational and actionable, here are five effective strategies for building stronger self-esteem every day.

1. Practice Self-Compassion

Give yourself the grace you’d offer a close friend. Start each day by treating yourself with kindness. When you make a mistake, remind yourself that no one is perfect and instantly replace self-criticism with supportive words like “I’m doing the best I can.”

2. Set Achievable Goals

Building self-esteem comes from celebrating progress, not perfection. Break larger goals into small, actionable steps because tracking your wins—no matter how small—will boost confidence.

3. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can feel automatic, but push back. Ask yourself, “Is this thought based on fact or an unfair assumption?” Replace critical self-talk with statements that reflect your strengths.

4. Practice Daily Gratitude

Gratitude is powerful and shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This practice rewires your brain to recognize the good and build a habit of optimism.

5. Learn Assertiveness Skills

The ability to assert your thoughts, needs, and boundaries with confidence is essential for healthy relationships and self-respect. Practice saying how you feel and what you need in calm but firm tones. Assertiveness isn’t aggression; it’s self-respect in action.

Discover Your Best Qualities

Each day of International Boost Self-Esteem Month is an opportunity to take small but powerful steps toward a better version of yourself. Remember, these strategies aren’t about overhauling who you are. They’re about discovering and celebrating your best qualities.

I shared a version of this article in a news release on Feb. 3, 2025. All the Right Reasons provides more inspiring examples of the power of boosting self-esteem. All proceeds go to feeding hungry children, and each book purchase provides 40 meals.