By Abdulhafiz Mohammed
From mirror doubts to social media pressure, here’s how to build the confidence that lasts.
Have you ever looked in the mirror and not liked what you saw? Or compared yourself to someone else and felt like you didn’t measure up? You’re not alone. Nearly every teenager wrestles with self-esteem at some point. The good news? You have the power to change the way you see yourself—and it starts from within.
What is Self-Esteem, Really?
Self-esteem is your overall sense of value, worth, and belief in your abilities. It’s that inner voice—the one that whispers whether you’re good enough, smart enough, attractive enough, or simply enough. And no, having healthy self-esteem doesn’t mean thinking you’re perfect. It means knowing your worth, even when life isn’t going your way or others try to make you feel small.
Why it Matters More Than You Think
High self-esteem isn’t just about confidence—it’s about resilience. It helps you bounce back after failure, brush off criticism, and stay grounded in who you are. Here’s why it’s essential:
• You’ll take more chances. Whether it’s speaking up in class, trying out for a team, or expressing your unique style, confidence helps you step out of your comfort zone.
• You make better choices. When you value yourself, you’re more likely to protect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• You build stronger friendships. With healthy self-esteem, you’re less dependent on others’ approval and more able to walk away from toxic relationships.
• You become more resilient. Life isn’t always smooth, but strong self-esteem helps you stand tall through the ups and downs.
The Struggles Are Real
Let’s be honest—the teen years can be rough. Hormones are raging, bodies are changing, and social media makes it easy to fall into the comparison trap. Here are a few common self-esteem challenges teens face:
• Constantly comparing yourself to others
• Dealing with bullying or harsh criticism
• Feeling pressure to meet academic or family expectations
• Struggling with body image
• Facing rejection or failure
The key isn’t to pretend these things don’t hurt—but to recognise that they don’t define you.
Confidence Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Self-esteem isn’t something you’re born with or without—it’s something you build. And what boosts one person might not work for another. For some, confidence comes from excelling in school. For others, it’s found in art, sports, faith, or meaningful friendships. The secret? Start where you are and focus on growing from the inside out.
Your Confidence Challenge: Try This!
Want to start building your self-esteem today? Pick one of these mini challenges this week:
• Write down three things you like about yourself.
• Give a sincere compliment to someone else.
• Do something that scares you a little—raise your hand in class, post that video, apply for that role.
Afterwards, write about how it made you feel. You might be surprised by your inner glow-up.
Final Word: You’re Worth It
Here’s the truth, plain and simple:
You are worthy of love, respect, and happiness—just as you are.
Not when you lose weight. Not when you go viral. Not when you get the grade.
Abdulhafiz Mohammed writes from
Kaduna
