Being critical of oneself is all too easy in today’s world. Between television, movies, and social media platforms, it is no wonder that self-esteem is taking a direct hit.
It is easy to begin to compare yourself to other people. You are wanting what they have or how they look, driving your confidence down in the process. People who receive constant critical and negative assessments from friends and family see this occur as well.
Self-esteem (also known as self-worth) is an integral part of success and motivation. Having low self-esteem can dramatically affect your relationships, career, education, and even health. On the other hand, having too much can create a sense of an inflated self-importance, which is equally as damaging.
What are the warning signs of having low self-esteem?
- You believe that others are better than you
- You find it difficult to express your needs
- You focus on your weaknesses
- You frequently experience feelings such as shame, depression, or anxiety
- You have a negative outlook on life
- You have an intense fear of failure
- You have trouble accepting positive feedback
- You have difficulty saying “no”
- You put other people’s needs before your own
- You struggle with confidence
If you fit into any of those, you may be dealing with decreased esteem in yourself.
So, what does this mean?
Are you doomed forever to have low self-esteem?
No.
Absolutely not.
Throughout my time as a therapist, I have observed things that help increase self-esteem levels in individuals who were struggling.
Below are some of my findings:
- Become aware of negative self-talk (put-downs and self-criticism)
- Change the story that you’ve created of yourself- adjust your thoughts and beliefs
- Avoid comparing yourself to others
- Learn to forgive yourself and others
- Remember that you are not your circumstances
- Set appropriate boundaries with others
- Exercise and participate in regular self-care activities
This list is by no means exhaustive. It can be utilized to get the ball rolling in the right direction again. It can be challenging to change the perceptions that you have of yourself. It does not happen overnight, but it is possible.
Therefore, with hard work and self-compassion, self-destructive thoughts and beliefs can be unlearned, and self-esteem increased.
Here are some resources that you can use to go deeper into self-esteem and develop a better narrative of yourself.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-esteem
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-esteem-2795868
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/8-steps-improving-your-self-esteem
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374
