DeepSeek vs Grok vs Mistral: Self-Esteem

Prompt

Build self-esteem and confidence - overcome negative self-talk

DeepSeekDeepSeek

Build self-esteem and confidence - overcome negative self-talk

Of course. Building self-esteem and confidence while overcoming negative self-talk is a journey of replacing an old, critical habit with a new, compassionate one. It's a skill you can learn and strengthen over time.

Here is a comprehensive guide with practical steps you can start using today.

Part 1: Understand the Enemy - Negative Self-Talk

First, recognize that negative self-talk isn't a reflection of reality; it's a distorted filter your mind uses, often based on past experiences, criticism, or societal pressures.

Common Forms of Negative Self-Talk:

The Inner Critic: "You're not good enough." "You always mess things up."

Catastrophizing: "If I fail this test, I'll never get a good job, and my life will be ruined."

Black-and-White Thinking: "If it's not perfect, it's a total failure."

Mind Reading: "Everyone thinks I'm so awkward."

Should Statements: "I should be further along in my career by now."

Part 2: The Practical Toolkit - Strategies to Build Confidence

Think of this as a workout for your mind. Consistency is key.

Step 1: Catch & Challenge the Thought (Cognitive Restructuring)

You can't stop a thought from appearing, but you can stop believing it.

Catch It: The moment you notice a negative thought, say to yourself, "Stop. I'm having the thought that..." This creates distance between you and the thought. (e.g., "I'm having the thought that I'm going to embarrass myself.")

Write It Down: Get it out of your head and onto paper. This makes it less powerful and more objective.

Challenge It (The Courtroom Method): Interrogate your negative thought like a lawyer.

**What is the evidence for this thought?** Is it actually true?

**What is the evidence against this thought?** (e.g., "I've given presentations before that went fine.")

What would I tell a friend who had this same thought? (We are often much kinder to others than to ourselves.)

Is this thought helpful? Does it motivate me or just make me feel worse?

Step 2: Reframe with Compassion & Realism

Replace the harsh thought with a more balanced, compassionate, and realistic one.

Negative: "I'm a total failure because I made a mistake."

Reframed: "I made a mistake, which means I'm human. I can learn from this and do better next time."

Negative: "I'm so stupid for not understanding this."

Reframed: "This is challenging for me right now, but I can figure it out with time and effort."

Step 3: Practice Self-Compassion (The Game Changer)

Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a good friend.

Use Your Name: Talk to yourself in the third person. Studies show this reduces anxiety. Instead of "I can do this," try, "[Your Name], you can do this. You've got this."

Practice Self-Kindness: Place a hand on your heart and say, "This is a moment of suffering. It's okay. I am doing my best, and that is enough."

Step 4: Build Evidence Through Action (The Confidence Cycle)

Confidence isn't a prerequisite for action; it's the result of it.

Set Small, Achievable Goals: Don't aim to "be confident." Aim to "speak up once in the meeting" or "go to the gym for 20 minutes."

Act "As If": Even if you don't feel confident, how would a confident version of you stand, speak, or act? Do that. Your feelings will often follow your actions.

Celebrate Every Win: Did you challenge a negative thought? Did you complete a small goal? Acknowledge it! This builds a track record of success in your brain.

Step 5: Curate Your Environment

Your mind absorbs what it's exposed to.

Limit Social Media: Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.

Surround Yourself with Support: Spend more time with people who uplift and believe in you.

Consume Positive Input: Listen to podcasts, read books, or watch videos about resilience, growth mindset, and personal development.

Part 3: Daily Habits for Long-Term Self-Esteem

Incorporate these into your routine to build a strong foundation.

The "I Am" List: Write down 10 positive "I am" statements that have nothing to do with achievement (e.g., "I am kind," "I am curious," "I am a good listener"). Read them daily.

Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down 3 things you are grateful for, and 1 thing you appreciate about yourself. This shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant.

Skill Development: Confidence comes from competence. Learn a new skill, improve a current one, or master a small task. The progress itself is a huge boost.

Physical Health: Exercise, sleep, and nutrition profoundly impact your mental state. Moving your body releases endorphins and proves you are capable of taking care of yourself.

A Final Word of Encouragement

This is not about becoming perfect or never having a negative thought again. It's about changing your relationship with those thoughts. It's about turning down the volume of your inner critic and turning up the volume of your inner coach.

Be patient with yourself. You are undoing years of a mental habit. Some days will be easier than others. The simple act of trying, of being aware, and of showing yourself compassion is already a massive victory. You are building a new foundation, brick by brick, and you are absolutely capable of doing it.

22:46

GrokxAI

Build self-esteem and confidence - overcome negative self-talk

Building self-esteem and confidence is a transformative journey that involves recognizing your worth, challenging negative self-talk, and fostering a positive mindset. Negative self-talk can be a significant barrier to self-esteem, but with consistent effort and practical strategies, you can overcome it. Below are actionable steps to help you build self-esteem, boost confidence, and silence that inner critic.

1. Understand Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk refers to the critical, harsh, or discouraging thoughts you have about yourself. It often stems from past experiences, societal pressures, or unrealistic expectations. Examples include thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I always fail,” or “I don’t deserve success.” Recognizing these patterns is the first step to overcoming them.

Action Step: Keep a journal for a few days and write down negative thoughts as they arise. Note the situation, the thought, and how it made you feel. This helps you identify triggers and recurring themes.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Evidence

Negative self-talk is often based on distortions rather than facts. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they are true and looking for evidence to the contrary.

Action Step: Use the “3 C’s” method—Catch, Check, Change:

Catch the negative thought (e.g., “I’m terrible at this”).

Check if it’s true by asking questions like: “Is this always true? Have I succeeded at this before? What would I tell a friend who said this?”

Change the thought into a more balanced or positive one (e.g., “I’m still learning, and I’ve improved from where I started”).

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. Self-compassion helps reduce the impact of negative self-talk by fostering acceptance and resilience.

Action Step: When you notice self-criticism, pause and speak to yourself gently. For example, if you make a mistake, instead of saying, “I’m such an idiot,” try, “It’s okay to mess up; I’m human, and I can learn from this.” You can also write yourself a compassionate letter, acknowledging your struggles and offering encouragement.

4. Focus on Your Strengths and Achievements

Low self-esteem often comes from focusing on perceived flaws or failures. Shifting your attention to your strengths and accomplishments can counterbalance negativity and build confidence.

Action Step: Make a list of your strengths, skills, and achievements, no matter how small they seem. Refer to this list when self-doubt creeps in. You can also ask trusted friends or family to share what they admire about you to gain an outside perspective.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Progress

Setting and achieving small, realistic goals boosts confidence by proving to yourself that you’re capable. Celebrating progress reinforces a positive self-image.

Action Step: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you want to improve public speaking, start by practicing in front of a mirror, then with a friend, before addressing a larger group. Acknowledge every step forward with positive reinforcement, like treating yourself or simply saying, “I did well today.”

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

The people you spend time with can significantly impact your self-esteem. Surround yourself with those who uplift and encourage you, rather than criticize or belittle you.

Action Step: Identify relationships that drain your confidence and set boundaries if needed. Seek out friends, mentors, or communities that inspire and support you. Share your goals and vulnerabilities with trusted individuals who can offer constructive feedback.

7. Adopt Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are short, encouraging statements that help rewire your mindset over time. While they may feel unnatural at first, with repetition, they can counteract negative self-talk.

Action Step: Write down 3-5 affirmations that resonate with you, such as “I am worthy of love and respect,” “I am capable of achieving my goals,” or “I am enough.” Repeat them daily, ideally in front of a mirror, and try to internalize their meaning. Pair affirmations with specific actions to make them more believable (e.g., after completing a task, affirm, “I am competent and hardworking”).

8. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Self-esteem and confidence are closely tied to how you feel physically and emotionally. Taking care of your body and mind creates a strong foundation for a positive self-image.

Action Step: Incorporate habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into your routine. Exercise, in particular, releases endorphins that improve mood and confidence. Additionally, practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay present, reducing the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts.

9. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Fear of failure often fuels negative self-talk and erodes confidence. Reframing failure as a natural part of growth helps you take risks and build resilience.

Action Step: Reflect on past “failures” and identify what you learned from them. For example, if a project didn’t go as planned, ask yourself, “What skills did I gain? How can I use this experience to improve?” Remind yourself that everyone fails at times, and it doesn’t define your worth.

10. Seek Professional Support if Needed

If negative self-talk and low self-esteem feel overwhelming or persistent, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing negative thought patterns and building confidence.

Action Step: Research licensed therapists in your area or explore online platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace. A professional can provide personalized strategies and support to help you navigate deeper issues affecting your self-esteem.

Bonus Tips for Long-Term Growth

Practice Gratitude: Regularly write down or reflect on things you’re grateful for in your life. Gratitude shifts focus away from what’s “wrong” and fosters positivity.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Confidence grows when you try new things, even if they feel scary at first. Start with small challenges and build up over time.

Limit Social Media Comparison: Unfollow accounts or take breaks from platforms that trigger feelings of inadequacy. Remember that social media often shows curated, unrealistic versions of life.

Final Thoughts

Building self-esteem and overcoming negative self-talk is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Be kind to yourself as you work through setbacks, and celebrate every small victory. Over time, you’ll notice a shift in how you view yourself, leading to greater confidence and a more fulfilling life. Remember, you are inherently worthy—start believing it one step at a time.

If you’d like specific exercises, worksheets, or further guidance on any of these steps, let me know! 😊

22:46

MistralMistral AI

Build self-esteem and confidence - overcome negative self-talk

Building self-esteem and confidence, as well as overcoming negative self-talk, involves a combination of self-awareness, positive reinforcement, and practical strategies. Here are some steps you can take:

Building Self-Esteem and Confidence

Set Realistic Goals:

Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.

Celebrate small victories to build a sense of accomplishment.

Practice Self-Compassion:

Be kind to yourself and avoid harsh self-criticism.

Treat yourself with the same understanding and patience you would offer to a friend.

Focus on Strengths:

Identify and acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments.

Keep a journal of your achievements and positive qualities.

Engage in Positive Activities:

Participate in activities you enjoy and are good at.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.

Seek Feedback:

Ask for constructive feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors.

Use feedback to improve rather than to criticize yourself.

Practice Mindfulness:

Engage in mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga to stay present and reduce stress.

Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past failures or future worries.

Take Care of Yourself:

Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.

Physical well-being can significantly impact your mental state.

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk

Identify Negative Thoughts:

Pay attention to your inner dialogue and identify negative patterns.

Write down negative thoughts when they occur to become more aware of them.

Challenge Negative Thoughts:

Question the validity of negative thoughts. Ask yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions.

Replace negative thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones.

Reframe Negative Thoughts:

Turn negative statements into positive affirmations. For example, instead of "I always fail," say "I am learning and improving."

Use positive affirmations daily to reinforce a more positive mindset.

Practice Gratitude:

Keep a gratitude journal where you write down things you are thankful for each day.

Focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Use Positive Self-Talk:

Speak to yourself in a positive and encouraging manner.

Use phrases like "I can do this," "I am capable," and "I am worthy."

Seek Professional Help:

If negative self-talk is overwhelming, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in changing negative thought patterns.

Practice Forgiveness:

Forgive yourself for past mistakes and focus on moving forward.

Understand that everyone makes mistakes and learns from them.

Practical Exercises

Mirror Work:

Stand in front of a mirror and say positive affirmations to yourself.

Look into your eyes and speak kindly and encouragingly.

Visualization:

Visualize yourself succeeding in various situations.

Imagine how you would feel and act with confidence and self-esteem.

Role-Playing:

Practice handling challenging situations with a friend or in front of a mirror.

Role-play different scenarios to build confidence in your abilities.

Journaling:

Write down your thoughts and feelings regularly.

Use journaling to explore and challenge negative self-talk.

By consistently practicing these strategies, you can gradually build your self-esteem and confidence while reducing negative self-talk.

22:46

Analysis

This comparison demonstrates the different approaches each AI model takes when responding to the same prompt. Here are the key differences observed:

Response Characteristics

DeepSeek: Provides a direct response with 89 sentences.

Grok: Provides a direct response with 84 sentences.

Mistral: Provides a direct response with 58 sentences.

Key Takeaways

Each model brings unique strengths to this type of query
Response styles vary significantly between models
Consider your specific use case when choosing between these models

Try This Comparison Yourself

Want to test these models with your own prompts? Visit SNEOS.com to compare AI responses side-by-side in real-time.

This comparison was generated using the SNEOS AI Comparison ToolPublished: September 30, 2025 | Models: DeepSeek, Grok, Mistral