Self-esteem is an essential element of our mental and emotional health. It is the foundation of how we feel about ourselves, and it has a profound impact on our lives. From our relationships to our performance at work and our role as a parent, self-esteem influences everything. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of self-esteem and ways to build and maintain it.
Why is Self-Esteem Important?
Self-esteem is the key to a happy, gratifying, and purposeful life. It determines our perception of ourselves, which is the foundation of our emotional and mental well-being. Without perceiving ourselves as worthwhile, we cannot have high self-esteem.
People with high self-esteem are motivated and ambitious. They are more sensitive. Their performance and risk-taking ability go up. They are open to new opportunities and challenges. They can give and receive criticism and compliments, tactfully, and with ease.
Building self-esteem is a journey that requires patience, hard work, and determination. Here are some ways to build self-esteem:
A) Embrace your weaknesses and turn them into strengths:
Many great people have suffered disabilities and challenges in life, yet they have persevered and become an inspiration to others. Taking strength from weakness can help build self-esteem and lead to great accomplishments.
For instance, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 21 and was given two more years to live. Nevertheless, he persevered and became one of the most celebrated theoretical physicists.
B) Be kind and generous:
Those who serve selflessly without expecting anything in return, often have high self-esteem and are optimistic. Takers, on the other hand, tend to have low self-esteem and are pessimistic. Doing good for others without expecting anything in return can make us feel good about ourselves.
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C) Accept Responsibility:
At the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam served as the Project Director of SLV-3. During one launch, the space launcher failed to take off, and the then ISRO chief, Satish Dhawan, took responsibility for the setback, assuring that the spacecraft would be launched again within a year. Consequently, India successfully launched the spacecraft the following time, and Mr. Dhawan made sure that Dr. Kalam was given credit for the achievement.
Great leaders take responsibility for failures rather than blaming others. Accepting responsibility builds character and helps to develop a positive sense of self.
D) Set realistic goals and work on them:
Setting realistic goals and achieving them can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment, leading to a positive self-image. Know what your duties are and do them without fail.
E) Stand up for what is Right:
Standing up for what is right in difficult situations takes courage and confidence. Doing so can boost self-esteem and build character.
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F) Give yourself positive self-talk:
What we believe about ourselves is crucial to our self-esteem. Listening to positive and encouraging podcasts and saying positive affirmations can help influence our subconscious mind and affect our belief system.
G) Have patience:
A Chinese bamboo farmer worked hard to tend to his bamboo trees, but they didn’t grow. Despite his hard work, the bamboo trees did not grow for the first four years. However, the farmer was disappointed, but he did not give up. Success and growth often take time, and it is important to trust in the process. Like the bamboo farmer who tended his crops for years before seeing growth, we need to have patience and persistence to achieve great things in the end.
In conclusion, building self-esteem is a journey that requires effort and patience. Embracing our weaknesses, being kind and generous, accepting responsibility, setting goals, standing up for what is right, giving ourselves pep talks, and having patience can all help to boost our self-esteem and lead to a happier, more fulfilling life.