Self-esteem, or how much we value ourselves, can fluctuate throughout the day. You might feel on top of the world one moment, only to find your confidence plummeting the next, especially when comparing yourself to others on social media.
Maintaining high self-esteem requires daily effort and can be exhausting. Research suggests that constantly striving for high self-esteem isn’t healthy. Instead, focus on improving your well-being by nurturing self-compassion and confidence.
Defining Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is our positive evaluation of ourselves, often shaped by comparisons with others. It can affect how we talk to ourselves, impacting our mental health, relationships, and performance. While self-confidence relates to belief in our abilities, self-esteem is about our overall sense of worth. Childhood experiences, trauma, and significant life changes influence our self-esteem, making it a dynamic part of our lives.
The Importance of Self-Esteem
Paying attention to your self-talk provides insight into your self-care practices. Low self-esteem can indicate that something is harming your well-being, while high self-esteem often reflects good self-care. It's essential to notice how events and interactions affect your self-esteem and to support others experiencing self-doubt.
Factors Lowering Self-Esteem
Several factors can negatively impact self-esteem:
Abuse: Difficult relationships, especially involving abuse, can severely damage self-esteem.
Mindset: A pessimistic attitude and fixed mindset can overwhelm you with negative thoughts.
Life Events: Challenging life events, like failing a course or significant changes, can lower self-esteem.
Social Standards: External pressures, such as appearance and approval from others, can undermine self-worth.
Unrealistic Goals: Setting unattainable goals can lead to self-criticism and diminished self-esteem.
Effects of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can harm mental health, leading to self-criticism, isolation, and reluctance to seek new opportunities. It can also contribute to depression, anxiety, and hinder the development of a growth mindset.
Strategies to Boost Self-Esteem
Improving self-esteem takes effort, but it's possible with the right approach. Here are eight tactics to consider:
List Your Admirable Traits: Keep a journal of things you admire about yourself and your achievements. This can improve your self-talk and outlook on life.
Stop People-Pleasing: Learn to say no and prioritise your mental health over pleasing others.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Trying new things, even if challenging, can build resilience and confidence.
Avoid Comparisons: Focus on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others, and consider taking breaks from social media.
Forgive Yourself: Practice self-compassion by forgiving past self-judgments and criticisms.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries in your personal and professional life to protect your well-being.
Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate all victories, big or small, to reinforce positive self-esteem.
Distance from Negative People: Surround yourself with positive influences and let go of those who bring you down.
Seeking Support
Improving self-esteem is a journey with ups and downs. Be patient and celebrate small achievements. As a Spiritual Mentor and Accredited Life Coach, I'm dedicated to help you focus on you and move past these difficulties in your life.
Click HERE to see how I can help.
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