NAIROBI: Building a successful career is difficult, but it becomes near-impossible for those with low self-esteem.

Self-esteem refers to the confidence in one’s own worth and abilities. It also refers to the value you attach to yourself.

Self-esteem enables individuals to develop self-confidence, a trait recruiters are always looking out for as it shows the individual has what it takes to succeed at a job.

It is, therefore, important to not only understand how to build self-confidence, but to also appreciate the habits to avoid to safeguard your self-esteem.

Positive declarations

There are several things you need to do to build up your self-esteem.

First, make positive declarations about yourself. Phrases like ‘I am a winner, I deserve it, I can do it’ are powerful contributors to a healthy self-image and esteem.

Second, have faith in yourself. It does not matter how many people believe in you, if you dwell in self-doubt, you will lose.

Third, focus on self-improvement. This is where you evaluate yourself in terms of skills and competencies. Consider both hard and soft skills, and work on a plan to improve on areas of weaknesses. This habit is critical to developing a positive attitude towards self, others and life in general. People with a positive attitude rarely suffer from low self-esteem.

Becoming a person of excellence will also positively contribute to developing your self-esteem. Improving your learning curve will also go a long way toward increasing your productivity. This communicates a message of empowerment to your mind, which will in turn keep you focused on success in the future.

It is crucial that you make a daily list of what you did right so that you can focus your energies on your strengths as you work on fixing your weaknesses.

To avoid destroying the hard work of building up your self-esteem, there are certain habits you should avoid.

First, avoid toxic relationships. Select your associates wisely, picking those who will build you up. Second, address the bullies in your life. Bullies are individuals who derive pleasure from demeaning others. They might be relatives, friends or colleagues who are always negative. Third, do not try to please everyone.

Become your own best friend, and avoid being a perfectionist, as this is a dangerous habit centred on avoiding failure and leaving no room for mistakes. Self-esteem is a must if your career is to blossom.

The writer is a human resource specialist and co-author of ‘The Career Code’. goretti@peoplelink.co.ke