The Power of Self-Acceptance
5min
Behaviour: Struggling with self-acceptance
When I was 13 years old, I had my first taste of the working world during work experience at a Coles store in Melbourne. My father, the General Manager, ran the store, and I was eager to impress. I told him how much I enjoyed learning from everyone and how kind people were to me.
His response? “They’re only being nice to you because of me.”
That single comment stuck with me for years, shaping how I saw myself in social settings. It compounded with other moments to chip away at my self-acceptance. Even as I grew older, I carried those words as truth.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, you’re not alone.
Self-acceptance isn’t just about embracing the good parts of ourselves; it’s about acknowledging the entire story—flaws, mistakes, and all.
But when we struggle to accept ourselves, life can feel heavy:
We feel inferior to others.
We shy away from deep connections, fearing judgment.
Setbacks and failures feel insurmountable.
Our general well-being takes a hit, impacting relationships, habits, and confidence.
The good news? Self-acceptance can be built, one step at a time.
Strategy: 6 ways to build self-acceptance
Here’s how you can start turning self-doubt into self-acceptance:
Forgiveness: Carrying the weight of past mistakes keeps you anchored to what’s already gone. Take time to forgive yourself—you can’t change the past, but you can control how much power it has over your future. Learn more about letting go of limiting beliefs to support your growth.
Acknowledgement: It’s easy to focus on your flaws, but what about your strengths? Each day, write down one thing you appreciate about yourself. Build the habit of celebrating your wins, no matter how small.
Put the critic to bed: That inner critic loves to remind you of your mistakes. Instead of letting it run the show, challenge it. Replace “I can’t believe I did that” with “What can I learn from this?” If confidence is a struggle, consider these tips for building unstoppable self-confidence.
Find your inner circle: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. A supportive inner circle can remind you of your value when self-doubt creeps in.
Stop comparing: Comparing yourself to others—whether online or in real life—only highlights their best and your worst. Focus on your journey instead of measuring it against someone else’s.
Hold yourself gently: You are one of a kind. Embrace the fact that imperfection is part of being human. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend.
Own your story
The most powerful step in self-acceptance is owning your story—the whole story.
For years, I tried to push away the moments that hurt me. But the more I resisted, the more they defined me. Acceptance doesn’t mean those moments were okay—it means recognising them for what they are: a part of your life’s journey, not the whole story.
Don’t let the past dictate your future. Don’t let old beliefs limit your potential. This is your time to own your truth and take the next step forward.
Self-acceptance doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step counts. If you’re ready to unpack your story and build a stronger sense of self, let’s work together.
Book a free 30-minute Zoom call to explore how we can create meaningful change in your life.
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