Self-esteem describes how we feel about ourselves, which often influences our actions towards others and what we can accomplish in life. It is how we value and perceive ourselves. It’s based on opinions and beliefs about ourselves, which can feel difficult to change. We might also think of this as self-confidence.
Self-esteem allows us to accept new challenges and try new activities, to be more comfortable with others, and develop closer and healthier relationships, to believe we can succeed, to gain self-confidence, to be the person we want to be and to be assertive and refuse to be pressured into what we do not believe in.
The ranges of self-esteem are
- Overly high self-esteem: Feeling superior to others. People with overly high self-esteem are often arrogant, self-indulgent, and express feelings of entitlement.
- Low self-esteem: Feeling inferior to others.
- Healthy self-esteem: Having an accurate and balanced self-view.
Self-esteem is built and nurtured over a long time and it is self-determined. It does not depend on comparisons with others. In life, you set your own goals. Recognizing your special talents and appreciating yourself the way you are. Think about the kind of person you are and make a list of your best qualities. Be aware of the things you would like to improve about yourself, but do not be overly self critical. Be realistic. Set achievable goals so that you can be satisfied when you accomplish them.
Believe in yourself. Tell yourself: “I can do it!” Spend time with people who care for you, make you feel good about yourself and boost your self-esteem. Stay away from people who damage your self-esteem, particularly if they do it on purpose.
Key aspects of self-esteem are: Knowing yourself. Respect ourselves. Love ourselves. Affirm ourselves. Trust ourselves. Accept ourselves. Show ourselves. Stretch ourselves. Nourish ourselves. Be ourselves. Share ourselves. Self-discipline.
We all want to be successful. Focus on the three Cs. Confidence, Competence and Connections.