Here were some examples I found of some self-affirmations that are supposed to work for self-esteem.

I love and accept myself unconditionally. I don't really even understand what this means.

I approve of myself and feel great about myself. If I were to say this to myself, I would be lying to myself. How is this supposed to work?

I am a cultured and wise and yet, a humble person. Same as above.

My high self esteem enables me to respect others and beget respect in turn. The first part is essentially true, but the second part is a total fabrication.

I am a unique and a very special person and worthy of respect from others. Kinda like the first one, I don't really understand it.

I have high self esteem as I respect myself. This would be more lying to myself.

So yeah, I don't really see how this works. Is the idea to ... to be perfectly blunt ... lie to myself until I start believing it?