
On the long list of wants in life-to be healthy, happy, fulfilled-feeling really, truly good about yourself likely takes a top spot for many people. And that comes with building confidence, which usually means improving your self-esteem-an internal judgment of your self-worth or "an evaluation of worthiness," says Kristin Neff, PhD, an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.
Perhaps the most talked-about method for pumping yourself up is to tip the needle in the direction you want, telling yourself to work harder, get stronger, and develop grit. But now, psych experts are poking holes in that theory, noting that while elevating your self-esteem can certainly be a pathway to more confidence, it has its pitfalls. Self-esteem is tied to external validation, like compliments at work or likes on an IG post, so it's fragile, says Christopher Germer, PhD, a lecturer in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. When things don't go right, comparison, feelings of isolation, and criticism creep in.
Say you're falling behind on your marathon-training plan and angry with yourself about it. You might think, ll try harder because I feel inadequate. In the short term, that may work, but in the long run? Nope. When you get down on yourself, you wind up doubting yourself, which makes it harder to take risks, learn, and grow. You become afraid of failure, and you're more likely to give up than totry again.
An alternate way to a more assertive you: self-compassion, which involves showing yourself kindness when youre struggling, failing, or noticing something you don’t love about yourself. Self-compassion isn’t about measuring up to expectations; it’s a way of relating to yourself as a human. By caring and expressing concern for yourself during hard times, you're able to persevere and create changes.
Denne historien er fra January - February 2023-utgaven av Women's Health US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January - February 2023-utgaven av Women's Health US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

Super Bowls
Introducing the WH game plan for nutrient-packed mixes of healthy goodness

Protein Upgrade
Six ingredients, two sheet pans, one stellar chicken dinner for the fam

How to Fly Without Fear
Trying to stay calm on a bumpy airplane? WH asked experts for the best tips and tricks to quell flight anxiety.

Mantra Magic
Sometimes, all it takes is one little phrase to smash your goals.

be a force
These five trainers each built a following by forging their own path in the wellness world. Now they're coleading the Women's Health Flex Challenge, 28 days of workouts you can customize for your unique goals. They're proof that strength comes in many forms— and they're here to help you unlock it within yourself. Let's go!

This Is Your Brain on Menopause
Jessica Shepherd, MD, a WH advisor, explains how your mind shifts during this body-altering phase in this excerpt from her book, Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause.

HOW WE HEALTH-CARE NOW
The whooooolllllle landscape has changed. Finally— finally-here is your everything guide to all the new services you keep hearing about, and how to game the system to get the care you need.

LIGHT THERAPY
You've seen those LED face masks on social media and may be wondering, \"Do they work?\" The answer is more than a simple \"yes.\" In fact, experts are just beginning to understand how this energy and the sun's rays profoundly impact skin.

Scent Energy
How one mystical aroma has made a comeback as a modern-day \"wellness fragrance.\" WH explores the power of palo santo.

The New Sleep Guide of Your Dreams
Experts' rules of rest have shifted a lot—what to know now.