7 Strategies to Improve your Self-Esteem
Self-esteem profoundly impacts all aspects of our lives, friendships, self-perception and acceptance of changes happening over time. Yet, while everyone experiences low self-esteem, some struggle more than others. Why is that? This article attempts to shed some light on what self-esteem is and how to strengthen it.
Low self-esteem leads to a distorted perception of yourself. Therefore, how you see yourself may differ from how others see you.
One of the reasons behind this is that everyone understands reality through their own lived experience. How we experience others is filtered by our perception of ourselves and our environment.
Starting from the beginning:
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is associated with the perception of yourself.
People with higher self-esteem:
are likely to feel loved and accepted
are proud of what they do
find it easier to believe in themselves
People with lower self-esteem:
are constantly doubting themselves
are harder on themselves
often feel like they are not good enough
Pay attention: the feeling you experience is determined by the perception of your abilities and not by what you are or can do.
“Adolescents who are absorbing negative messages about who they are and what is expected of them may sink to that level instead of realizing their true potential.”
Daniel J. Siegel, Brainstorm
How does self-perception develop?
All people in your life have a fundamental role in building the perception of yourself.
When people
Focus on what’s good about you, they teach you how to show self-appreciation.
Consistently display coherent verbal and non-verbal communication, you develop a sense of security.
Make you feel seen and listened to, you build your confidence.
Are patient when you make mistakes, you learn to accept yourself even when things don’t go as planned.
Care for you; you feel worthy and loved.
But if people:
Keep criticising everything you do; you feel like everything you do is wrong.