Let’s talk about self esteem! It’s an important topic as it affects our ability to be who we truly are meant to be. To have healthy self esteem takes time and daily practice.
When our self esteem is higher, we do more and feel better.
Here are some things I’ve personally found helpful as a working singer & actor:
1. Speak positive affirmations-If you’re having a difficult time saying things like “I’m going to be a great success”, modify it to say something like “I’m so happy and grateful that I’ll do whatever it takes to be successful.”
2. Find out what you do well at and keep developing them; find every opportunity to perfect and use them.
Often we procrastinate on things because we don’t feel we are enough.
3. Accept compliments-this might not be easy if you’re feeling down about yourself. Train yourself to accept them by coming up with auto responses when people do compliment you by saying things like “Thank you” or “That’s very kind of you to say.”
4. Eliminate self criticism and replace it with self compassion. Think about what you’d say to a friend if they were in your shoes and direct those comments to yourself.
As singers & musicians, it’s important to check in with yourself regularly to see how you’re thinking and doing.
5. Last but not least (this is my favorite one)-Make a list of qualities that make you special in a given area. For example if you’re thinking about your singing, writing down qualities such as “I learn songs quickly” or “my voice is so smooth and clear.” Then take just one of those items on your list and write a paragraph on why that quality is valuable and likely to be appreciated by others in the future.
Brain scan shows that when our self esteem is higher, we are likely to experience emotional wounds such as rejection and failure as less painful, and bounce back from them more quickly.
Remember, to have healthy self esteem takes some WORK as you need to maintain and develop healthy emotional habits. You are valuable and worthy of ALL good things. The only one who needs to validate you is yourself. 🙂
