30 Self-Esteem Exercises That Will Help You Feel More Confident

I’m so excited you’re here because today, we’re diving into something super important—self-esteem. Let’s be real: we’ve all had those moments (or weeks, or months) when we just don’t feel great about ourselves.

Whether it’s that nagging inner voice or just the everyday stresses that bring us down, we could all use a little boost sometimes, right?

So, I’ve put together 30 self-esteem exercises that can help you feel more confident, empowered, and ready to take on the world. These aren’t complicated or hard to implement—they’re designed to fit into your life easily.

Whether you’ve got five minutes or an entire afternoon, there’s something here for everyone. So, let’s get started!

1.Write a “What I Love About Me” List

So, let’s kick things off by focusing on something that might feel a bit awkward at first, but trust me—it’s powerful. It’s all about listing the things you love about yourself. Now, before you roll your eyes or feel like you’re bragging, hear me out.

We’re usually so good at pointing out our flaws or picking apart what we don’t like about ourselves, right? But how often do you really sit down and acknowledge the things you’re great at? Probably not often enough.

Grab a notebook, or your phone, and start jotting down things that make you proud to be you. It could be as simple as, “I’m a good listener,” or as detailed as, “I helped my friend through a really tough time last month, and I’m proud of how supportive I was.”

Don’t stop until you’ve listed at least 10 things—and when you get on a roll, try for 20! This list becomes your go-to on those days when your confidence feels a little shaky.

Keep adding to it as you go, and let it remind you just how awesome you truly are!

2. Practice Daily Affirmations

Okay, this one might sound a little woo-woo at first, but stick with me because affirmations work. The key is not just repeating them mindlessly, but really feeling them as you say them.

It’s like giving your brain a positive pep talk. You might start with phrases like, “I am capable,” “I deserve good things,” or “I am enough just as I am.”

The trick is to stand in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes (I know, weird, but trust me!), and say these affirmations with confidence, even if you don’t fully believe them yet.

Here’s why this works: when you constantly feed your brain positive, self-affirming statements, it starts to shift your mindset. Y

ou begin to interrupt those sneaky negative thoughts that pop up out of nowhere, and over time, your self-esteem gets a serious boost. Try doing this every morning—it sets the tone for the day and makes you feel like you’ve got this!

3. Try Power Posing

Let me tell you about one of the simplest yet most effective exercises out there—power posing. It’s exactly what it sounds like: striking a powerful, confident pose to boost your mood and self-esteem.

Before a big meeting, a date, or anytime you feel nervous, stand tall, put your hands on your hips, and hold that position for two minutes. It sounds silly, but research shows that standing in a dominant pose actually lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases testosterone (the confidence hormone—even for women!).

Think about it—our body language often reflects how we feel, right? When you feel small or insecure, you shrink down, cross your arms, or avoid eye contact.

But when you take up space and stand strong, your mind takes note. Suddenly, you start feeling a little more confident just from changing how you carry yourself.

It’s a confidence hack that you can use anytime, anywhere!

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than that feeling of checking something off a to-do list. I create a list for every day! Setting small, achievable goals can do wonders for your self-esteem.

The key here is small. I’m not talking about setting goals like “run a marathon” if you haven’t even started running yet.

Instead, focus on bite-sized goals that you can accomplish daily or weekly, like, “I’ll drink eight glasses of water today,” or “I’ll read one chapter of a book.”

Why does this help? Well, every time you achieve something, no matter how tiny it seems, you’re giving yourself proof that you’re capable.

Each little success becomes a confidence booster. Over time, these small wins stack up, and you start feeling like you can take on anything!

5. Start a “Brag Book”

This is one of my favorites! A brag book is a collection of all the compliments, achievements, and positive feedback you’ve ever received. Every time someone says something nice to you or you accomplish something that makes you feel proud, write it down.

You can also save texts, emails, or even screenshots of social media comments that make you feel good about yourself.

On those days when you’re feeling low or doubting yourself, pull out your brag book and read through it. It’s a reminder of all the wonderful things others see in you and the amazing things you’ve already done.

Sometimes we forget how much we’ve already achieved or how valued we are by others—this book helps keep those memories alive.

6. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

This one can be a little tricky because stepping outside your comfort zone is, well, uncomfortable! But that’s exactly why it works.

When you push yourself to try new things, even if it’s just something small like speaking up in a meeting or trying a new hobby, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of handling new challenges.

The more often you step outside your comfort zone, the more resilient and confident you become. Start small: maybe try taking a new route to work, or if you’re feeling bold, strike up a conversation with someone new.

Over time, you’ll realize that you can handle far more than you give yourself credit for!

7. Visualize Your Most Confident Self

Visualization is one of those little tools that can work wonders for your mindset. I do this every single day! Here’s how it goes: close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and imagine yourself at your absolute most confident.

What does that version of you look like? How do they stand, walk, talk? What kind of energy do they give off?

By mentally rehearsing your confident self, you’re training your brain to make that version of you a reality. The more vividly you can imagine yourself in that confident state, the more you’ll start to embody it in your day-to-day life.

8. Start a Gratitude Journal

You’ve probably heard this one before, but that’s because it really works. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, it shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

Instead of focusing on what’s missing or what’s wrong, you start to appreciate all the good that’s already in your life.

Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as “I’m grateful for my morning coffee” or as profound as “I’m grateful for the love and support of my friends.”

Over time, this practice helps you develop a more positive mindset, which naturally boosts your self-esteem. You start seeing yourself as someone who already has so much to offer and appreciate in life!

9. Surround Yourself with Positive People

This one’s important: who you surround yourself with has a huge impact on how you feel about yourself. If you’re constantly around people who are negative, critical, or make you feel small, it’s going to be hard to feel good about yourself.

On the flip side, when you surround yourself with people who lift you up, encourage you, and celebrate your successes, your confidence will naturally grow.

Take a moment to evaluate your circle. Are there people in your life who always seem to find the negative in everything? It might be time to set some boundaries.

And if you’ve got positive, supportive people around you, make an effort to spend more time with them. Confidence is contagious, and the more you surround yourself with people who believe in you, the more you’ll start to believe in yourself!

10. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good

We’ve all got those outfits that make us feel like we can take on the world, right? Whether it’s your favorite jeans, a bold lipstick, or that jacket that fits just right, what you wear can have a huge impact on how you feel. So why not use that to your advantage?

Make a habit of wearing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. When you look good, you feel good—it’s as simple as that.

Don’t save your favorite outfit for special occasions; wear it whenever you need a little extra boost. Confidence doesn’t have to wait for the right moment—it can be something you create with a great outfit and the right mindset!

11. Practice Self-Compassion

We can be so hard on ourselves, can’t we? We mess up and immediately start beating ourselves up, thinking we’re not good enough. But here’s the thing: everyone makes mistakes, and being hard on yourself isn’t going to make you feel any better.

Instead, try practicing self-compassion. When you catch yourself in a negative thought spiral, ask yourself: What would I say to a friend who was feeling this way? 

Chances are, you’d be kind, understanding, and supportive. So, why not treat yourself the same way? Be gentle with yourself, especially on the days when you’re not feeling your best.

12. Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small

How often do you celebrate your successes? And I mean really celebrate them? If you’re like most people, you probably brush off your achievements as “no big deal.”

But here’s the thing: every win deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s landing a new job or just getting through a tough day, take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished.

Celebrating your wins—no matter how small—reinforces the belief that you’re capable and worthy. It also gives you a chance to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come, which is so important for building long-term confidence.

So go ahead, treat yourself to something special or just take a moment to give yourself a mental high-five. You’ve earned it!

13. Learn Something New

There’s something magical about learning new things. It opens up your mind, challenges you, and gives you that “I can do this!” feeling.

Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, taking an online course, or even learning a new language, the process of learning helps build self-esteem because you’re proving to yourself that you can grow and improve.

Start small—maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook a certain dish, or you’ve been curious about photography. Whatever it is, dive in! The point isn’t to become an expert overnight; it’s to enjoy the process of learning and discovering new things about yourself along the way.

14. Exercise Regularly

I know, I know—this one’s a classic. But there’s a reason everyone talks about the connection between exercise and confidence. When you move your body, you release endorphins (those feel-good chemicals), and you also prove to yourself that you’re capable of pushing through challenges.

You don’t need to run marathons or lift crazy weights to feel the benefits, either. Even a 20-minute walk around the block can make a difference. The key is consistency.

The more you move your body, the more you’ll feel physically strong and mentally resilient. Plus, there’s something empowering about setting a fitness goal and watching yourself get stronger over time.

15. Challenge Negative Thoughts

We all have that little voice in our heads that sometimes tells us we’re not good enough. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to listen to it. In fact, you can challenge it.

The next time a negative thought pops into your head—like “I’m not smart enough for this” or “I’m going to mess this up”—pause and ask yourself: Is this really true?

Often, you’ll find that these thoughts are based on fear, not facts. By challenging them, you take away their power and replace them with more balanced, positive beliefs.

Over time, this practice helps you build a stronger, more confident mindset!

16. Create a Morning Routine

There’s something about starting your day on the right foot that sets the tone for everything that follows. Creating a morning routine that makes you feel grounded, energized, and confident can be a game-changer.

Your routine doesn’t have to be complicated—maybe it’s as simple as taking five minutes to stretch, write in a gratitude journal, and set an intention for the day.

The key is to choose activities that make you feel good and give you a sense of control over your day. When you start the day with purpose, you’re setting yourself up for success and giving your self-esteem a little boost right from the get-go!

17. Speak Up for Yourself

This one might feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your confidence. Speaking up for yourself—whether it’s in a relationship, at work, or in everyday situations—shows that you value your own needs and opinions.

It doesn’t mean you have to be confrontational or aggressive. It’s about calmly and confidently expressing what you need or how you feel.

The more you practice this, the easier it becomes. And trust me, every time you stand up for yourself, you’ll feel a little more powerful and self-assured.

18. Limit Social Media Use

We all know the trap of scrolling through social media and comparing ourselves to others, right? It’s way too easy to see someone else’s highlight reel and feel like you’re not measuring up.

But here’s the thing: social media is often a curated version of reality. You’re only seeing the best parts of people’s lives, not the full picture.

If you find yourself feeling down after a social media session, it might be time to take a break or limit your use. Instead, focus on the things that make you feel good and remind yourself that everyone has their own struggles, even if they’re not showing them online.

19. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and accepting things as they are, without judgment. When it comes to self-esteem, mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.

Instead of beating yourself up for feeling insecure, mindfulness encourages you to acknowledge the feeling, accept it, and let it pass.

It’s giving yourself permission to be human, and that kind of self-acceptance can do wonders for your confidence.

20. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

Ever thought about writing a letter to your future self? Describe where you hope to be in the future, the goals you want to achieve, and the steps you’ll take to get there. This exercise helps you set clear goals and visualize your dreams.

Research shows that writing about future goals can enhance motivation and self-belief. Set a date to read the letter and see how far you’ve come.

It’s a fantastic way to stay focused on your aspirations and celebrate your progress!

21. Take Yourself on a Solo Date

This one’s all about learning to enjoy your own company. Plan a date with yourself—yes, just you—and do something that makes you feel happy and relaxed. It could be going to your favorite café, taking a walk in the park, or even treating yourself to a movie.

Spending time alone, doing things you love, helps you build a stronger relationship with yourself.

It reminds you that you don’t need external validation to feel good. Plus, it’s a great way to recharge and reconnect with who you are outside of the noise of daily life!

22. Try Something That Scares You

You know that thing you’ve been wanting to try but keep putting off because it makes you nervous? Whether it’s public speaking, signing up for a class, or even just talking to someone new—do it.

When you face your fears, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of handling challenges.

Yes, it might be uncomfortable at first, but that’s where growth happens. And the feeling of accomplishment that comes from pushing past your fear is a surefire way to boost your confidence.

23. Celebrate Your Body

We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages about how our bodies should look. But here’s a radical thought: your body is amazing just as it is.

Instead of focusing on what you wish you could change, start appreciating all the things your body can do.

Take a moment to thank your body for carrying you through the day, for letting you experience the world, and for being the incredible machine that it is.

When you shift your mindset from criticism to gratitude, you start to build a healthier, more loving relationship with yourself—and that’s a key ingredient for confidence.

24. Give Back to Others

One of the quickest ways to boost your self-esteem is by helping others. Volunteering, offering a kind word to a friend, or even just helping someone carry their groceries can make you feel good about yourself.

When you contribute to the world around you, you start to see the impact you can have, which naturally makes you feel more confident!

Plus, helping others often shifts the focus away from your own insecurities and reminds you that you have value and worth beyond just your own thoughts and feelings.

25. Surround Yourself with Positive Messages

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but the same goes for the information you consume. If you’re constantly filling your mind with negative news, toxic social media accounts, or critical conversations, it’s going to be hard to feel good about yourself.

Instead, surround yourself with positive messages. Follow social media accounts that inspire and uplift you, listen to podcasts that promote growth, and fill your space with quotes or reminders that encourage you to be your best self.

When you surround yourself with positivity, it becomes easier to adopt a more confident mindset!

26. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback can be scary because it puts you in a vulnerable position. But it’s also one of the best ways to grow and build confidence.

When you ask someone you trust for feedback—whether it’s about a project at work or how you handled a situation—you’re opening yourself up to learning and improving.

The key is to take the feedback gracefully! Even if it’s constructive criticism, remind yourself that it’s an opportunity to grow, not a reflection of your worth.

Over time, being open to feedback will help you build resilience and self-assurance.

27. Practice Deep Breathing

Sometimes, the best way to boost your confidence is to simply breathe. When you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, deep breathing can help calm your mind and bring you back to the present moment.

Try this: take a deep breath in for four counts, hold it for four counts, and exhale for four counts. Repeat this a few times, and notice how your body and mind start to relax.

When you’re calm and centered, it’s easier to approach challenges with confidence and clarity.

28. Embrace Failure as Part of the Process

We tend to think of failure as something to be avoided at all costs, but the truth is, failure is a natural part of the process. It’s how we learn, grow, and ultimately become more confident.

The next time you fail at something, instead of beating yourself up, take a step back and ask yourself: What can I learn from this?

When you start viewing failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock, it becomes less scary. And the more you embrace failure, the more resilient and confident you’ll become!

29. Set Boundaries

Confidence isn’t just about feeling good in yourself—it’s also about protecting your energy. Setting boundaries is one of the most empowering things you can do for your self-esteem.

Whether it’s saying no to extra work, setting limits with friends or family, or taking time for yourself, boundaries help you prioritize your own well-being.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but remember: boundaries are a way of showing yourself love and respect. And the more you practice setting them, the more confident you’ll feel in standing up for your needs.

30. Keep a Progress Journal

Last but not least, keep a journal where you track your personal growth. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Each week, jot down the things you’ve done that made you feel proud, the challenges you’ve faced, and the lessons you’ve learned.

Looking back at your progress over time will show you just how far you’ve come. And nothing boosts confidence like seeing tangible proof of your growth!

Conclusion

Each step, from celebrating what you love about yourself to being kind to yourself, helps build confidence and self-worth. Take it one step at a time and remember, it’s about making small, positive changes that add up.

Keep reminding yourself of your strengths, embrace your journey, and enjoy the process of growing into a more confident you.

You’ve got this, and every effort you make brings you closer to feeling your best. Keep moving forward and believe in yourself—you’re doing great!