This age of social media – and pandemic isolation – can make it easy to feel as if we don’t measure up to the glamour we see in posts shared by our friends and celebrities we may follow. It might seem as if everyone else has a good job, takes amazing vacations, lives in a lovely home, and is raising great kids.In the face of such an onslaught, it’s easy to feel that we come up short. These non-stop comparisons can chip away at us and lead to low self-esteem.

In an article in Psychology Today, Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD, describes healthy self-esteem as a realistic, appreciative opinion of oneself. Schiraldi adds that we are all born with the capacity to live fruitfully. That core worth isn’t about our wealth, education, health status—or the way we’ve been treated.

Schiraldi is the author of The Self-Esteem Workbook. It is designed to help people see themselves lovingly. We are each worthy at our core. Comparing ourselves to others is not a true measure of our value.

When we judge ourselves as less than, we may see false evidence that confirms our belief. “Much like judge and jury, [those with low self-esteem] constantly put themselves on trial and sometimes sentence themselves to a lifetime of self-criticism,” author and clinical social worker Allison Abrams notes in the Psychology Today article.

However, this cycle can be broken.

Building block 1 – Speak kindly to and about yourself. It’s all about developing new – and more positive – habits. While it might seem obvious, the first step is realizing that something needs to change. Being aware of how you speak to yourself (negatively, in this case) can help you stop believing the message.

Stop comparing yourself to others, notes psychotherapist Kimberly Hershenson. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and feelings of low self-worth. Among other things, keep in mind that what you see on Instagram isn’t the whole story.

Building block 2 – Explore your strengths. Take stock of your virtues. Recognize your strengths, talents and what makes you feel confident. In the Psychology Today article, psychotherapist and certified sex therapist Kristie Overstreet suggests asking yourself, “Was there a time in your life when you had better self-esteem? What were you doing at that stage of your life?”

Having trouble seeing your strengths? Try asking a friend to tell you what you’re good at, what’s unique about you, etc. Sometimes it’s easier for others to see the good things we’re not noticing about ourselves. Everybody has things they are good at, ways to contribute, things that others value about them — try to do more of those things.

Building block 3 – Appreciate that all people are valuable, and we’re all works in progress. No matter what kind of challenges you face, it’s important to remember that you are not your circumstance. As Schiraldi says, “Recognizing inner worth, and loving one’s imperfect self, provide the secure foundation for growth.” Once you have that, you can enjoy the journey, without the constant fear of fai