Dear Katie: I'm looking for some advice on how to build my confidence and self-esteem

Hiya, 
I was just looking for some advice on how to build my confidence and self-esteem up as a seventeen year old turning eighteen. In my teenage years I’ve struggled with confidence and I’ve gotten to the point where I really want to feel good about myself and concentrate on myself more. Also, to stop thinking about others opinions of me and doing what’s best for me. I have tried multiple things but nothing has made a big difference. I’m starting to get myself into a routine example, school and gym most days, but there seems to be something missing as I thought things would start to fall into place. 
Have you any advice or tips? 🙂 
Thanks,
Ash.
Dear Ash,
Secondary school can be such a strange time. No one really knows who they are yet or where they fit in. You’re already one step ahead! You have a pretty good idea of who you are and you’re ready to share that with the world. The next step is having the confidence to do so. I always say, ‘if you don’t love yourself first, how can anyone else.’ This goes a long way when you’re trying to build up your confidence. When you’re comfortable with yourself and who you are, that’s where your confidence will stem from. Sometimes it’s okay to be a little bit selfish when you’re trying to work on yourself and grow your confidence and self-esteem. As you get older and leave secondary school, you will really blossom into your own person.
While you’re trying to grow your confidence and self-esteem, start expressing yourself in small ways. This will be a huge step for you and your confidence. It could even be something as small as wearing an outfit that is really your style or wearing your hair a certain way that you wouldn’t normally have the confidence to wear. These might sound like the smallest things but small steps go a long way when you’re just getting comfortable with really being yourself. 
The fact that you already have such a good balance between school and hobbies, like the gym, it gives you time to focus on yourself. To really build yourself up, it would be a good idea every night before bed to make even a mental list of 10 things you like about yourself or good things you achieved that particular day. It may be something like you got a good result in a test or you’re starting to see the progress you want in the gym. Anything at all! Even if it’s just that you got out of bed that day. 
Please don’t worry if things don’t feel like they’re completely falling into place. It takes a long time for that to happen, I’m still trying to figure that one out. Just try to enjoy the journey until then, don’t rush yourself, because getting there is the most fun part.
I would also recommend giving our article 10 Tricks To Boost Your Body Confidence a read.
Love,
Katie x