Well I’m in the same boat as you. My confidence was lost after being proved wrong several times! I guess maybe I’ve read before when searching that topic to not have negative thoughts or negative talk about yourself. That would at least be a start. Maybe do things that make you feel like you’ve done something good for someone. That’s a couple tips!
When I was a teen or a 20 something I was all bravado and show. After I realized honesty and truth got me a lot farther in life I just learned to relax and be myself. And if someone shoots me down for some reason, I don’t take it personally.
A friend I trust once told me that if I wanted high self-esteem, I must do estimable acts. What he meant was that I should act in ways that were of high standards. I try to do that. I feel good about me when I do good things or when I complete a project well.
Let go of the painful memories. Believe that you deserve better. Everyone is deserving of a good life. It all depends on what you do with it. Read articles that pertain to building your confidence. Try to hang around only positive people. Love yourself. If someone doesn’t like you for you, then let them go.
@SnoopyGirl, few of us who have had abusive childhoods are able to stop the pain of their memories from coloring their consciousness, even after years of psychotherapy. Otherwise, I agree with your comments.
By staying away from the nonsense advice given by the self-esteem movement, which does more harm than good.
The best approach in my opinion is being yourself and systematically cultivating your interests and strengths. Find (non-mainstream) stuff you are really good about.