Statistics show that only 2% of women believe that they are actually beautiful. Only 2%. I’m quite a strong believer in the fact that every single individual has something to offer, both inside and out. No matter who you are, you have a strong suit. That, however, also means you have a weakness. But when judging yourself as a whole, try to look longer at your strengths and spend less time skimming your least favorite parts. Below I’ve listed some tips on how to see yourself in a better light. Self-confidence is the key.

1. Set realistic expectations.

Don’t set goals that are way out of reach or you’ll just end up disappointed. If you keep your expectations high, but take baby steps, you’re on your way to success. In other words, if you are constantly let down by your expectations, give them a re-evaluation. Your self esteem will appreciate it.

2. Focus on your accomplishments, more than your mistakes.

If you feel the need, keep a notebook and jot down things you do well. You can take it day by day, week by week, or even month by month. It’s important to appreciate yourself enough to recognize your greatest qualities. Also, believe it or not, mistakes are okay too. We tend to believe that our achievements make up who we are, but our mistakes contribute more than we care to appreciate.

3. Know who you are.

Be confident in the person that you are turning out to be. Do what you love and love what you do. If you find that you are interested in something you wouldn’t usually have an interest in, try it. When we’re feeling down and depressed, we often think we have nothing to offer to the world. That is far from true, but there is a chance you have yet to find all that you stand for. Explore different opportunities and be open to change, even when that may be hard.

4. Don’t live in the past. Live in the now.

If you are constantly thinking about how your life used to be or what you used to do, you’re going to be living in pages that have already been turned. Improve your life as it is now and remember that your past is simply just a story.

5. Don’t be afraid to adjust your self-image.

We constantly have this view in our heads of what our lives are supposed to look like and what we used to be. Try to improve your weaknesses, up to the success level of your strong suits. Then, keep making yourself the best “you” possible. Base your self-esteem off of your current strengths, not those of your past.

6. Don’t compare yourself to others.

As challenging as this sounds, it will pay off in the long run. While it might seem okay to say things like, “She’s better than be me because…” it’s just hurting you and making your mind believe false information. No one is better than you as a whole, so rather than always looking at what others around you have and what you don’t, only compare yourself to you. Work on being a better you than you were just hours ago.

“That’s what real love amounts to – letting a person be what he really is. Most people love you for who you pretend to be. To keep their love, you keep pretending – performing. You get to love your pretence. It’s true, we’re locked in an image, an act – and the sad thing is, people get so used to their image, they grow attached to their masks. They love their chains. They forget all about who they really are. And if you try to remind them, they hate you for it, they feel like you’re trying to steal their most precious possession.”-Jim Morrison

I hope this helped! Keep your head up!

“» 6 Tips to Improve Your Self-Esteem – World of Psychology.” Psych Central.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2014.

“Statistics.” -Women. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2014.

“Quotes About Self Esteem.” (672 Quotes). N.p., n.d. Web. 09 May 2014.