We’re bombarded with images of perfection on social media, often leading us to question our worth and doubting our value. Yet, one of the most profound and liberating experiences we can have is learning to like ourselves.

Many of us have been conditioned to believe that self-love is reserved for those who have achieved certain milestones or fit a particular mold. It’s easy to think that liking ourselves is a privilege rather than a right. When you like yourself, and you see yourself for who you are, you become unstoppable. You experience your strongest confidence and most genuine self-belief.

Self-acceptance is foundational for a fulfilling life. When we like ourselves, we become more resilient in the face of challenges, more authentic in our relationships, and more confident in our pursuits. It’s not about being perfect or having everything figured out—it’s about embracing who we are, flaws and all.

Steps to Start Liking Yourself

**Acknowledge Your Inner Critic**

We all have an inner critic that seems to never run out of things to criticize. Start by identifying these negative thoughts. Are they truly reflective of who you are, or are they just echoes of past insecurities? Negative thoughts seem to circulate in our mind quicker and more often than positive ones.

**Challenge Negative Beliefs**

Once you’ve pinpointed your inner critic’s claims, challenge them. Ask yourself if there’s evidence supporting these negative beliefs. More often than not, you’ll find they’re based on outdated or inaccurate perceptions. In fact, the majority of the time we can find evidence to support positive things that we can embrace.

**Celebrate Small Wins**

Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Every step forward is a testament to your abilities and efforts. Reflect on these moments and allow yourself to feel proud. It may be helpful to memorialize the small wins in case you need a reminder down the line (i.e. take a picture and save to an album you label “my wins”).

**Practice Self-Compassion**

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Self-compassion involves being gentle with yourself, especially during times of failure or difficulty. As I get older and reflect on my life, I’ve learned to give myself more grace so that I’m not so hard on myself.

**Surround Yourself with Positivity**

The people you spend time with can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. Seek out relationships that uplift and support you, and distance yourself from those that bring you down. Choose people who see your brilliance more than your flaws (and there’s beauty in your flaws).

**Engage in Self-Care**

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is a form of self-respect. Find activities that nourish you, whether that’s exercising, meditating, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. Discover that the real you is confident, full of love, kindness and grace and you can easily tap into various strengths.

**Set Realistic Expectations**

It’s important to have goals, but they should be attainable and aligned with your values. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment. Break your goals into manageable steps and acknowledge your progress along the way.

Embracing the Journey

Learning to like yourself is not a destination but a continuous journey. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to confront and transform the negative beliefs that hold you back. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this path, and remember that self-acceptance is a process, not a perfect state. The quest to like ourselves is deeply personal and profoundly rewarding. By acknowledging your worth, celebrating your successes, and practicing self-compassion, you pave the way to a more fulfilling and authentic life. When you start to do that, you begin to step deeper into your personal power. And stepping into this power won’t seem as scary anymore.