SELF-ESTEEM - HOW TO OVERCOME LOW SELF-ESTEEM

SELF-ESTEEM: HOW TO OVERCOME LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Self-esteem refers to a person's beliefs about their own worth and value. It encompasses the feelings people experience as a result of their sense of worthiness or unworthiness. It is an integral part of how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world.

Self-esteem is crucial because it influences people's choices, decisions, and motivations. It serves as a driving force that makes individuals more or less likely to take care of themselves and strive to reach their full potential.

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HIGH AND LOW SELF-ESTEEM

People with high self-esteem are motivated to take care of themselves and persistently strive toward achieving their personal goals and aspirations. They believe in their worth and capabilities, which makes them resilient and more likely to overcome adversity.

In contrast, individuals with low self-esteem often feel unworthy of happiness or success. They may have the same aspirations as those with high self-esteem but lack the motivation and confidence to pursue them. This can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and a reduced ability to bounce back from challenges.

Self-esteem can be an abstract concept, but one way to understand it is by analogy. Consider how someone might care for something they deeply value, such as a car. If cars are important to them, they ensure proper maintenance, make thoughtful decisions about its use, and take pride in it. Self-esteem works similarly: when you value yourself, you invest in self-care, make decisions that enhance your life, and feel pride in your accomplishments.

As a wise parent once said, "When children believe they are valuable and important, they take good care of themselves. They make decisions that enhance their value rather than diminish it."

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HOW TO OVERCOME LOW SELF-ESTEEM

1. Understand You Are Not Alone
   Recognize that many people struggle with low self-esteem. Knowing you are not alone can be comforting and motivating. Embrace the belief that if others have overcome it, so can you. Start by loving yourself and committing to personal growth.
2. Stop Pretending to Please Others
   As the saying goes, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." Pretending to be someone you’re not only undermines your confidence. Instead, embrace your authentic self. While it may feel daunting at first, letting go of pretenses is liberating and lays the foundation for a healthier self-esteem.
3. Practice Saying 'No'
   Learn to say what you mean and mean what you say. Often, we say "yes" out of fear—fear of authority, hurting feelings, or letting others down. However, agreeing to things you don’t want to do fosters resentment and unhappiness. Break this cycle by respectfully and firmly saying "no" when needed. Clear communication and delivering on genuine commitments will strengthen your self-esteem.
4. Permit Yourself to Make Mistakes
   Mistakes are inevitable. Instead of berating yourself for them, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes allows you to focus on improvement rather than regret. This shift in perspective fosters resilience and self-compassion.
5. Take Responsibility for Your Actions
   At some point, you may disappoint others—whether intentionally or accidentally. When this happens, resist the urge to make excuses. Accept responsibility and focus on repairing the situation. A sincere apology followed by genuine efforts to make amends demonstrates integrity and strengthens self-worth.
6. Help Others
   Few things provide as much personal gratification as making a positive difference in someone’s life. By helping others, you gain a sense of purpose and connection that transcends personal worries. Whether it’s offering your time, skills, or resources, acts of kindness can redefine your self-worth and boost your confidence.
7. Commit Fully to Your Choices
   Quit second-guessing yourself. Whether it’s making tea or pursuing a career goal, immerse yourself fully in the process. Worrying excessively about outcomes only hinders progress and detracts from the present moment. Trust your decisions and give your best effort to each task without overthinking.

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As stated earlier, self-esteem is a measure of how worthy you believe you are. It is not something to seek from external validation but to cultivate from within. Set your own expectations and strive to meet them. You have the potential to become a person you can be proud of.

Commit to these steps, and embrace the journey to becoming the confident, authentic individual you were meant to be.