8 tips for Building Self-Trust

Low self-esteem can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and hinder your ability to have confidence in yourself.

Underlying your lack of trust in yourself is the fear that you will make the wrong choice, or a lack of confidence in your own ability to do what is best for you.

Signs of low self-esteem include:

• negative self-talk,

• blaming yourself when things go wrong,

• overvaluing the perspectives of others,

• using self-deprecating jokes, and

• focusing on your flaws rather than your achievements. 

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing low self-esteem. Maybe you have made some decisions that you later regret, or internalized negative ideas about yourself that other people have told you. You may feel like this is the way you have always been, and the way you will always be, but know that you do not have to live with this burden. 

Self-trust is the foundation of a healthy self-esteem. You can demonstrate self-trust by staying true to yourself, looking after your own needs and safety, treating yourself with love and compassion, and knowing that you can survive any difficulties that come your way.

Here are some tools you can use to develop self-trust:

1. Be Kind to Yourself: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with love and understanding. Recognize your unique abilities and nurture them to boost your self-confidence. Replace self-criticism with self-encouragement and acknowledge your efforts, even in the face of setbacks.

2. Set Reasonable Goals: Setting realistic and achievable goals allows you to build confidence in your abilities. Break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. If you are finding that you are not completing your goals, try examining what’s getting in your way, and how you can break down your goals into something you can do.

3. Develop Self-Awareness: Paying attention to your thoughts and feelings and expressing them openly helps you align your actions with your true self. Journaling is an excellent way to record your internal thoughts and track your progress.

4. Spend Time with Yourself: Allocate regular time for self-reflection and self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to connect with your inner self. This solitude will help you develop a deeper understanding and trust in yourself.

5. Stick to Your Values: Define your personal standards, ethics, and core values. Look up a list of values online and write down five that resonate with you the most. The next time you have the opportunity to make a choice, try to make decisions that align with your identified values, even if they may be challenging. This consistency will strengthen your self-trust and integrity.

6. Be Decisive: Indecisiveness often stems from a lack of self-trust. Practice making decisions, big or small, and trust that you have the ability to handle the outcomes. Embrace the learning opportunities that come with decision-making. 

7. Positive Visualization: Instead of imagining worst-case scenarios, visualize the best possible outcomes for your decisions. When you prepare for the worst, you devalue your opinions and limit yourself in what you believe you can do. For example, if you’re torn between two jobs, imagine working in the environment of each location, meeting new people, trying out restaurants in each city, and learning new skills. 

8. Let Go of Regret: Avoid ruminating over lost opportunities and regretting past choices. Trust that you made the best decision with the information you had at the time. Embrace the present moment and focus on creating a positive future.

Building self-trust is a transformative journey that requires patience and self-compassion. By being true to yourself, setting reasonable goals, and cultivating self-awareness, you can overcome low self-esteem and develop a strong foundation of self-trust. Remember, you have the power to navigate through challenges and pursue your dreams. Embrace your worthiness and trust in your ability to create a fulfilling and authentic life.

Ready to dive in and make some changes towards building your self-trust? Schedule a free consultation with a Metanoia Therapist today.