To build your self-esteem, you need to step outside your comfort zone. Change requires effort and a different course of action to what you’re used to. It may seem easier to do nothing, however a lack of action can keep you stuck in your present situation. To create change you must be willing to challenge yourself.

The end of the school year is notoriously stressful. Finishing up projects, studying for finals and trying not to freak out about exams can be extremely difficult. It's hard to maintain confidence when everyone around you is stressing and the pressure is at an all time high. The past two weeks I have spent the better half of my time helping my clients who are students feel mentally prepared for success during these trying times.  

To improve your self-esteem, first you must understand your self-esteem is greatly influenced by two things: Your thoughts and actions. Neither one, alone, is sufficient. Movement towards a goal or way of thinking is done through actions; not just physical actions, such as working out, but you need to take a mental step in the right direction.

Break bad habits and commit to new behaviors with tips that will help make long lasting changes and increase your self-esteem. Learn how here.

Realistic New Year's resolutions remove some of the fear of failure that can go along with goal-setting.  I have never liked New Year's resolutions because the idea of abandoning an old habit that was making me feel good or serving my life in some way didn't seem logical. If it is something I have been doing for months or years, could I just nix it from my life overnight? It's a set up for failure. We have conditioned ourselves to want and need particular habits we have formed. Instead of swearing off your favorite foods, which your brain has been conditioned to love, or going to the gym 7 days a week, which your body and brain have no idea how to do yet, set some realistic New Year resolutions that make sense.