10 Steps to Build Your Self-Esteem After 60

Life after 60 is a beautiful and vibrant time. However, there are numerous emotional highs and lows many people over 60 face.

Is there a proven and effective way to balance your sense of well-being and love more of who you are in the face of life’s ebbs and flows?

The answer is a resounding yes, and it is by building your self-esteem.

Self-esteem is essential to your well-being at any stage of life, especially after 60.

But how would any of us go building our self-esteem, since few of our generation were taught how to do this early on in life?

In the second of a new eight-part article and video series on “Being Enough After 60,” we are going to look at 10 steps to build your self-esteem.

Self-Love and Self-Esteem

As we covered in the previous article, self-esteem is shaped and molded by personal experiences, achievements, relationships, societal messages, and self-perception.

Rather than being a fixed trait, self-esteem fluctuates throughout life in response to different circumstances and events. The one constant with self-esteem is self-love.

The less you love yourself the lower your self-esteem will be, which opens you up to more challenges and suffering in life.

The opposite is also true, for when you love who you are, your self-esteem is stronger.

Therefore, the more you consciously spend time loving yourself, you are simultaneously developing your self-esteem. Although there are several ways to do this, I and many other women over 60 have found much success in the following 10 specific steps.

10 Steps to Build your Self-Esteem

Building your self-esteem begins with developing more love for yourself. This includes but is not limited to self-acceptance, self-respect, self-empowerment, and self-confidence.

Like self-esteem, there is no one set way to develop self-love. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another.

What is constant for all of us is that the stronger our self-esteem is the more we are open to being, doing, and experiencing our innermost desires after 60.

Self-Reflection

Take the time to reflect on your life experiences, accomplishments, and the challenges you have overcome. Recognize your strengths and love the unique qualities that make you who you are.

Positive Self-Talk

Challenge negative self-talk. Replace it with positive, loving affirmations. Practice self-love through more compassion for yourself.

Set Realistic Goals

Establish realistic and achievable goals that align with your values and interests. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps, and be sure to celebrate your progress along the way.

Embrace Self-Care

Self-love is about self-care. Therefore, prioritizing self-care activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit is crucial to developing your self-esteem. This can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, engaging in hobbies, getting enough sleep, laughing more, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and conscious breathwork.

Positive Influences

Surround yourself with positive people who uplift and support you. Minimize contact with individuals who bring you down or undermine your self-esteem.

Open Yourself to New Things

Engage in continuous learning and explore new interests or hobbies. This can help you discover new passions, build confidence, and expand your horizons.

Cultivate a Positive Body Image

Love, accept and appreciate your body as it currently is. Rather than compare it to unrealistic ideals, focus on what your body can do and be grateful for the experiences it has provided throughout your life.

Connect and Give Back

Engaging in meaningful activities that help others can boost your self-esteem. Volunteering is a form of sharing love with others, providing you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, while also connecting you with a community.

Practice Gratitude

Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, such as your body, which we addressed in step eight. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your focus towards the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of love, appreciation, and contentment.

Seek Timely Support

If you’re struggling with self-esteem issues, don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or support group. They can provide professional guidance, tools, and timely techniques tailored to your specific needs.

A Life-Long Journey

When it comes to applying these steps to your own life, be sure to focus on the ones that resonate the most with you. Also, add in your own unique approaches and strategies for building your self-esteem.

Building self-esteem is a life-long journey that requires time and effort. Be patient with yourself, for that too is a form of self-love.

Remember to celebrate your progress along the way.

Join me in the video above where I share three journal prompts and an inspirational action item on writing yourself a love letter to help you integrate what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How have you built your self-esteem after 60? Do you find yourself in need of self-love? Which of the 10 steps in this article have you used to strengthen your self-esteem? Be sure to share your own unique steps that may not be on this list.