Low self-esteem is something we all struggle with from time to time. Self-esteem is simply our confidence in our own self-worth and abilities. Sometimes something happens in our lives to knock us off our game, and sometimes it's just a chronic struggle. Often our view of ourself was determined by early experiences, either by the way our primary caregivers talked about themselves or how they spoke to us, which then becomes our own internal script. Or teachers, coaches, peers, etc. However low self-esteem comes about, here is a round up of some helpful resources to rewrite that "not good enough" script:
BOOKS
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha
Tara Brach, PhD
For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn’t take much--just hearing of someone else’s accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work--to make us feel that we are not okay. Beginning to understand how our lives have become ensnared in this trance of unworthiness is our first step toward reconnecting with who we really are and what it means to live fully.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW
When our embarrassments and fears lie, we often listen to them anyway. They thwart our gratitude, acceptance, and compassion—our goodness. They insist, “I am not worthy.” But we are worthy—of self-discovery, personal growth, and boundless love.
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW
Walking into our stories of hurt can feel dangerous. But the process of regaining our footing in the midst of struggle is where our courage is tested and our values are forged. Our stories of struggle can be big ones, like the loss of a job or the end of a relationship, or smaller ones, like a conflict with a friend or colleague. Regardless of magnitude or circumstance, the rising strong process is the same: We reckon with our emotions and get curious about what we’re feeling; we rumble with our stories until we get to a place of truth; and we live this process, every day, until it becomes a practice and creates nothing short of a revolution in our lives.
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be
Rachel Hollis
With painful honesty and fearless humor, Rachel unpacks and examines the falsehoods that once left her feeling overwhelmed and unworthy, and reveals the specific practical strategies that helped her move past them. In the process, she encourages, entertains, and even kicks a little butt, all to convince you to do whatever it takes to get real and become the joyous, confident woman you were meant to be.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Kristin Neff, PhD
More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Jen Sincero
By the end of You Are a Badass, you will understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to start living the kind of life you used to be jealous of.
TED TALKS
The Power of Vulnerability: Brene Brown
The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion: Kristin Neff
Lessons from the Mental Hospital: Glennon Doyle Melton
BOOKS
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha
Tara Brach, PhD
For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn’t take much--just hearing of someone else’s accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work--to make us feel that we are not okay. Beginning to understand how our lives have become ensnared in this trance of unworthiness is our first step toward reconnecting with who we really are and what it means to live fully.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW
When our embarrassments and fears lie, we often listen to them anyway. They thwart our gratitude, acceptance, and compassion—our goodness. They insist, “I am not worthy.” But we are worthy—of self-discovery, personal growth, and boundless love.
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW
Walking into our stories of hurt can feel dangerous. But the process of regaining our footing in the midst of struggle is where our courage is tested and our values are forged. Our stories of struggle can be big ones, like the loss of a job or the end of a relationship, or smaller ones, like a conflict with a friend or colleague. Regardless of magnitude or circumstance, the rising strong process is the same: We reckon with our emotions and get curious about what we’re feeling; we rumble with our stories until we get to a place of truth; and we live this process, every day, until it becomes a practice and creates nothing short of a revolution in our lives.
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be
Rachel Hollis
With painful honesty and fearless humor, Rachel unpacks and examines the falsehoods that once left her feeling overwhelmed and unworthy, and reveals the specific practical strategies that helped her move past them. In the process, she encourages, entertains, and even kicks a little butt, all to convince you to do whatever it takes to get real and become the joyous, confident woman you were meant to be.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Kristin Neff, PhD
More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
Jen Sincero
By the end of You Are a Badass, you will understand why you are how you are, how to love what you can't change, how to change what you don't love, and how to start living the kind of life you used to be jealous of.
TED TALKS
The Power of Vulnerability: Brene Brown
The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion: Kristin Neff
Lessons from the Mental Hospital: Glennon Doyle Melton