Thanks for asking this question! I love it.
I am reading a great book right now called “Embracing Your Inner Critic: Turning Self-Criticism into a Creative Asset,” by Hal and Sidra Stone. I love it.
So my main answer for you is that the problem isn’t so much about self-esteem, but listening to your inner critic too much! (Now watch out – your inner critic may take hold of that and tell you’re listening to it too much! It will use anything!)
My quick advice would be to start listening to that voice of self-criticism. It says things like, “You’re too…” or “You’re not enough…” You could even write down what it says, or compare notes with a friend’s inner critic – that would help make it feels less personal and less destructive. Maybe even funny.
Hope that helps! My self-esteem is going up by the minute!