One very important question to ask ourselves is: what self esteem is?
Wikipedia defines it as follows, and I quote, “Self-esteem is confidence in one’s worth or abilities; self-respect.”
It refers to a person’s entire sense of worth or value. It can be considered an indicator of how much a person “values, approves of, appreciates, prizes, or likes himself or herself.”
This kind of person is confident in themselves and believes they are valuable.
They believe they can do anything their mind is set on doing. They are self-assured and confident in their talents.
What are the two important aspects of what self esteem is?
- Self-efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to deal with life’s obstacles.
- Self-esteem: Believing that we are worthy of happiness, success, and love.
Knowing what self-esteem is, it is crucial to understand that many factors influence all aspects. Among the various factors thought to affect our self-esteem are:
* genetics. * personality.
* experiences in life.
* age. * health. * thoughts.
* Situations in society.
* Other people’s reactions.
* Contrasting oneself with others.
It is vital to highlight that self-esteem is not fixed. It is changeable and measurable, which means it can be tested for and improved.
The Importance of Self-Esteem.
It is an abstract concept; it’s difficult for someone who doesn’t have it to imagine what it’s like to have it. Consider how they may feel about items in their lives that they value as a method for people with low self-esteem to start appreciating what it would be like to be better. Some of the things that self-esteem means to us and can help us achieve are as follows:
- It makes us less susceptible to stress. According to research, a healthy sense of self-esteem may operate as a barrier against worry. This is because we tend to produce less cortisol (the stress hormone) in our circulation when we have better self-esteem. Cortisol is less likely to persist in our system, making us less prone to anxiety.
- It strengthens our interpersonal relationships. Healthy self-esteem sets the tone for your relationships with others because you can only connect genuinely with others if you can deeply connect with yourself.
- It helps us in advocating for ourselves. We are less likely to tolerate abuse or mistreatment because we believe we deserve more. We are self-confident.
- It assists us in achieving our goals. We can recognise our strengths and learn from our faults when we have healthy self-esteem. We persevere because we are not terrified of failure and sincerely believe in our talents.
Types of Self Esteem.
There are three different types. However, this does not imply that we can categorise ourselves as having one form or the other; instead, we know that we can feel more joyful at times and gloomy at others. Everything is dependent on what is going on in our lives.
However, you may determine which form of self-esteem predominates in you. Which one appears the most frequently?
Positive or High Self Esteem.
Individuals who have this level of esteem accept and value themselves. It is positive since it allows the person to feel content with their existence. Does this imply that there will be no barriers or walls to overcome? No, but confidence in oneself and trust distinguish people with this type of character.
However, this does not make them arrogant, nor does it make them feel superior to others. They only have the security they need to prevent being thrown off balance by unfavourable circumstances and events.
Negative or Low Self-Esteem.
When someone has low self-esteem, they lack confidence in themselves, who they are, and what they are capable of. They frequently feel incompetent, neglected, or inadequate. People with low self esteem are always terrified of making errors or disappointing others.
It is not a mental health problem in and of itself, although it is intimately linked to it. If a variety of factors negatively impact your self-esteem, it may lead to mental health issues (for example, depression or anxiety).
Inflated Self-esteem:
People with inflated self esteem believe they are superior and are constantly ready to underestimate others. This is particularly damaging since it stops people from creating meaningful and healthy relationships.
They struggle to listen to others and criticise themselves. They are incapable of repairing their mistakes and, as a result, are continually blaming others. Furthermore, they tend to undervalue people and act hostilely against them.
What are the 4 Components of self-esteem?
It comprises four attitudes toward yourself:
Your self Confidence:
The sense of security you have in yourself and your life defines self-confidence. You can only expand and grow if you are confident that your needs are being addressed. Having your needs met include having a place to live, good physical health, and safe money.
Your uniqueness:
Since it is your knowledge of yourself, your sense of identity is vital to your self-esteem. It can also include your gender, your sexual orientation, your career, your beliefs, your culture, or anything else about yourself. Faith in these things is beneficial since they can help you realise what you need and want.
Feeling Belong:
This is all about feeling welcome and a part of where we are in life, whether at school, job, family, or other groups we’re a part of. Sometimes, you can find your place elsewhere if you need to be in a group, such as your workplace.
You are feeling self-assured in your skills.
Faith in your talents/skills is critical to control what happens to you. If you believe in your abilities, you can handle significant problems and make the necessary changes to respond to them. On the other hand, being confident in your talents isn’t only about succeeding. It all comes down to learning from your mistakes and remaining resilient in the face of defeat.
Tips and Strategies on how to improve our self esteem for self improvement.
Self esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves. It is important because it affects our mental health, relationships, jobs, and overall well-being. Here are some tips and strategies on how to improve self-esteem:
1. Identify and challenge negative beliefs: Determine your unfavourable self-perceptions, then work to change them. If you tell yourself, for instance, that you are “too foolish” to apply for a new job, you can disprove that notion by reminding yourself of your abilities and achievements.
2. Focus on the positive: Make a list of the qualities you value most about yourself. Note any flattering remarks others have made about you as well. At least five positive items should be included on your list.
3. Be kind to yourself: Use hopeful statements and be kind and encouraging to yourself. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes.
4. Build positive relationships: Surround yourself with supportive people[. Avoid criticising yourself to others, as this can reinforce your negative views.
5. Be assertive: Learn to say no to others and stand up for yourself.
6. Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and check in with your progress regularly. Celebrate your victories, no matter how big or small.
7. Take care of yourself: Exercise regularly to release endorphins and ‘happiness hormones’ like dopamine and serotonin. Make time for your hobbies and the things you enjoy.
8. Seek help: Consider talking therapy or counselling to help you build self-esteem and cope with experiences that affect how you feel about yourself.
9. Practise Self Talk: It is also important to practice positive self-talk to improve your self esteem. Positive self talk is known to improve confidence and self trust, which results in boosting self esteem.
Conclusion:
Getting this far means you know what self esteem is. Healthy emotions can influence your motivation, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. This is an important aspect of self-development that should be explored.
Remember that different things work for other people at different times. It can be challenging to improve self esteem, but by knowing what self esteem is, practising self-compassion and improving self-confidence can make a difference in your well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about what self esteem is:
1. What self esteem is?
– It is the attitude we choose to have towards ourselves. It is composed of our beliefs about ourselves and the value we place on ourselves.
2. Why is self-esteem important?
– Self-esteem is important because it affects our mental health, relationships, job, and overall well-being. People with healthy self-esteem tend to like themselves and value their achievements.
3. What are the signs of low self-esteem?
– Signs of low self-esteem include persistent sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, shame, or guilt. People with low self-esteem often feel unhappy or unsatisfied with themselves most of the time.
4. How can I improve my self-esteem?
– Several strategies to improve self-esteem include identifying and challenging negative beliefs, focusing on the positive, being kind to yourself, building positive relationships, being assertive, establishing practical goals, looking after oneself, and getting assistance when required.
5. Can self-esteem be changed?
– Yes, self-esteem can be changed. While it may take time and effort, practising self-compassion, challenging negative beliefs, and building self-confidence can help improve self-esteem.
6. Are there any resources available for improving self-esteem?
– Yes, there are resources available for improving self-esteem. Therapy or counselling can be beneficial for individuals seeking professional guidance. Additionally, self-help books, online courses, and support groups provide tools and techniques for boosting self-esteem.