No matter what people say, everyone struggles with self-esteem. Sometimes self-esteem issues stem from traumatic events, mental disorders, or just the season of life you are in. It is difficult not to compare yourself to others or to focus on past mistakes. Three ways you can gain self-esteem include enforcing positive affirmations, taking care of yourself, and building positive relationships.

Enforce Positive Affirmations

It is a common understanding that you should not talk negatively to yourself. But then it becomes challenging to fill the space with something other than negativity. Try replacing your negative or inaccurate thoughts with accurate constructive thoughts. In other words, try enforcing positive affirmations. According to the Mayo Clinic , positive affirmations include hopeful statements, forgiving yourself, focusing on the positive, encouraging yourself, and so much more. By using positive affirmations, you fill the negative space with positive energy and give your mind a chance to believe in your real, unlimited potential.

Take Care of Yourself

When your body feels good, it is easy to help your mind feel likewise. To gain self-esteem you must take care of yourself. This signals to your body and your mind that you matter, and you are worth taking care of. Proper hygiene and physical fitness are great ways to focus on your best self. According to Maccaro Orthodontics , the desire for a more confident smile is a common reason why adults are taking their oral health seriously. Show yourself that you matter by taking care of yourself with good hygiene, physical, and social routines.

Build Positive Relationships

You will find that there are social relationships that can build you up or tear you down. Whether it is with poor influencers, negative personalities, or people that make you feel drained after being around them, you should do your best to avoid them. According to Skills You Need , you should find social groups that build you up and make you feel good about yourself. These groups have the highest potential to push you towards your dreams, support your goals, and help you build your self-esteem. There is enough negativity in the world, you don’t need to surround yourself with even more.

To love others, you must first learn to love yourself. Positive self-esteem helps you look forward to life and makes you more likely to succeed in what you put your mind to. The quest for positive self-esteem never stops, but as you seek it out you become the best version of yourself.

Read this next: How Do I Start My Emotional Healing Process?