Let’s Talk Motivation and Self Esteem With Gail
Ever felt like self doubt is holding you back? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with believing in ourselves to some degree - we question our worth, and hesitate when opportunities come our way. I’ve been there myself, and I know how challenging it can be to push past those moments of uncertainty. But here’s the good news - motivation and self esteem go hand in hand, and when we learn to strengthen them, we unlock our full potential.
When we feel good about ourselves, we take action. We chase our dreams, build strong relationships, and live authentically. But when self esteem dips, motivation often fades too. This is where self esteem motivational speakers like me can come in. We can help you reframe your mindset, share transformative insights, and inspire change.
In this article, I’ll explore what self esteem really is, how it connects to motivation, and share some practical ways to strengthen both - so you can step into the life you truly deserve.
Understanding Motivation and Self Esteem
What is Self Esteem?
Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and includes our belief in our own self worth and abilities. It shapes the way we interact with the world, influencing our confidence, relationships, and career decisions. When self esteem is high, we feel capable and motivated. When it’s low, we can second-guess ourselves and hesitate to take action.
Common Reasons for Low Self Esteem:
Past experiences of criticism or rejection
Perfectionism and unrealistic self expectations
Comparing ourselves to others
Negative self talk and internalised doubt
The Link Between Motivation and Self Esteem
Motivation thrives when we believe in ourselves. When we feel confident, we take risks, embrace challenges, and persevere. But when self doubt takes over, it’s easy to feel stuck. Psychologically, motivation and self belief are deeply connected - our inner dialogue shapes our actions. The more we tell ourselves we can do something, the more likely we are to follow through - and vice-versa.
Possible Signs That Your Self Esteem Could use a Boost:
Persistent self doubt and negative thoughts
A fear of failure keeping you from trying new things
Avoiding challenges or opportunities due to fear of rejection
If any of these resonate with you, don’t worry - you have the power to change them, as we’ll see below...
How to Boost Motivation and Self Esteem
Some of the first steps you can take to improve confidence, motivation and self esteem are to adopt daily habits that foster a confident mindset. This might sound like a glorified version of hackneyed ‘inspirational’ sayings like “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”, but I promise you it really does work! Some examples of these actions and habits include:
Affirmations and Positive Self Talk: Start your day with empowering statements which relate to areas of your life that you know you struggle with. For example, if you find it hard to advocate for yourself, then you could reassure yourself with self-talk like 'my opinion is important, and I have every right to share it today'.
Gratitude and Self Compassion: Acknowledge your progress instead of focusing on what’s missing. Celebrate the little wins, and keep a log of what you accomplish each day, no matter how small.
Visualisation Techniques: Picture yourself succeeding. Athletes do it; so should you.
How to Stay Motivated Even When Self Doubt Creeps In
It’s only natural that even with the best of preparation, you’ll still doubt yourself sometimes. When you do, what’s important isn’t ‘preventing that from happening’ – as it’s often your brain’s way of stopping you acting rashly or carelessly – but knowing how to keep self doubt’s appearance to a minimum, and knowing how to cope when it does show up. Taking the following steps may well be helpful to you:
Set Realistic Goals: Break down big ambitions into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm, and so you can see the incremental progress you've already made when you begin to doubt yourself.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Every setback is a stepping stone. When the disappointment has cleared, look for what you might do differently next time.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Your environment shapes your confidence and motivation. Try to limit your time with people who consistently make you feel lesser-than.
The Role of Self Esteem Speakers Explained
Motivational speakers help reframe limiting beliefs. As a confidence motivational speaker I share tools and insights with my audiences that can help to shift mindsets in a positive way, making it easier for them to embrace the changes and challenges that they face on a daily basis. If you’re looking for more personal, bespoke guidance, I also offer coaching that empowers individuals to overcome doubt and build lasting confidence.
Learning from Self Esteem Motivational Speakers
A great speaker doesn’t just talk; they connect. They’ve lived through self doubt, overcome challenges, and emerged stronger. Their power lies in:
Sharing real-life experiences and success stories that prove transformation is possible
A deep ability to connect with audiences, making advice feel personal
Providing actionable takeaways that create real change
Practical Exercises to Strengthen Self Esteem & Motivation
The "Power Pose" and Body Language Techniques
Your body influences your brain. Standing tall with shoulders back triggers confidence-boosting hormones. Try a two-minute power pose before big moments, and experiment with some different poses until you find the one that helps you channel your innate power!
Journaling for Self Reflection & Growth
Write about what you’re proud of, the challenges you’ve faced and either overcome or managed, and how you’ve grown as a result. It strengthens self awareness and motivation. For some further tips, take a look at this blog.
The 5-Minute Confidence Boosting Exercise
Each morning, list three things you’ve achieved (big or small). Over time, this rewires your brain for confidence, and reminds you of your capabilities and resilience.
Adjusting Your Morning Routine for Success
Start your day with a self care ritual - whether it’s meditation, stretching, or simply enjoying a mindful cup of tea. Your mornings set the tone for the day.
Overcoming Setbacks: What to Do When Motivation Fades
Why We Lose Motivation and Confidence
Life happens. Stress, setbacks, and unexpected challenges can make us feel stuck. The key is knowing how to bounce back.
How to Break the Cycle of Self Doubt
Recognise negative thought patterns and challenge them
Focus on progress, not perfection
Take one small action - even a tiny step forward reignites motivation
Rebuilding Self Esteem After a Setback
You are not defined by your struggles or ‘failures’. Reflect on how far you’ve come, how many steps forward you’ve taken before that one step back. You can also reframe setbacks as learning experiences, and remind yourself that a failure is an opportunity to bounce back and be better than you were before. Such experiences can often also be a re-direction back towards the path that you're actually meant to take.
Some Closing Thoughts
Motivation and self esteem are a little like ‘mental muscles’. We can strengthen them with practice, and the more we work on them, the more resilient and confident we become. You can change the way you see yourself, and you do have the power to take charge of your life.
So, where will you start? Will you try a new morning habit? Listen to a self esteem speaker online? Challenge a negative thought? Whatever you choose, remember that your journey to greater self confidence can start today - and if you’d like my help and guidance along the way, all you need to do is get in touch.