Assess your level assertiveness with this blog and see what areas you need to improve in order to build healthy self-esteem.

To improve your self-esteem, first you must understand your self-esteem is greatly influenced by two things: Your thoughts and actions. Neither one, alone, is sufficient. Movement towards a goal or way of thinking is done through actions; not just physical actions, such as working out, but you need to take a mental step in the right direction.

Boost your self-esteem with the benefits of exercise. Plus 5 unique workouts that are sure to build confidence and break a sweat.

Break bad habits and commit to new behaviors with tips that will help make long lasting changes and increase your self-esteem. Learn how here.

Realistic New Year's resolutions remove some of the fear of failure that can go along with goal-setting.  I have never liked New Year's resolutions because the idea of abandoning an old habit that was making me feel good or serving my life in some way didn't seem logical. If it is something I have been doing for months or years, could I just nix it from my life overnight? It's a set up for failure. We have conditioned ourselves to want and need particular habits we have formed. Instead of swearing off your favorite foods, which your brain has been conditioned to love, or going to the gym 7 days a week, which your body and brain have no idea how to do yet, set some realistic New Year resolutions that make sense.

Happy holidays? Get real! Maybe a happier holiday will do. For many, the holidays are anything but happy. There's the stress to spend too much, dealing with family dysfunction and those feelings of insecurity from comparing your life to family and friends' lives. All of these can wreck the holiday season. When you focus on the past, the problems and the feelings of frustration it produces takes away from all the self-confidence and self-esteem you have been working on. When we put our energy into negative thinking or those on the naughty list, our self-esteem plummets. Instead, focusing on feeling happier will make this a happier holiday for you and the ones you love.

This holiday season give the child on your list a gift that will inspire creativity and build your child's confidence. The hot toy of the season, must-have technology gadget or video game, or plastic princess have a short shelf life. In a few hours or days, it will be just another "thing". Instead, gift them with something that encourages their creative minds, bonding, or helps build self-esteem in children.

Your negative thoughts are very powerful. Think of a snowball rolling down a steep hill, the more traction it gains, the more likely it will turn into an avalanche of snow. The same is true for negative thoughts. That tiny moment of "I can't", "I suck", "I should be...", can start the snowball effect in your mind. Negative thoughts can affect your entire day and life if you let it.

Want to feel more confident everyday? Try these tips for overcoming self-doubt and build unshakeable confidence in every moment of the day.

What can you learn from self-help experts about confidence? A lot! They have helped millions develop and build happier and more fulfilled lives, and they can help you too.