10 Attitudes to Improve Self-Esteem and Be Happy

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Self-esteem, a vital component for mental and physical well-being, is the evaluation we make of ourselves based on our emotions, actions, beliefs, and behaviors. This comprehensive guide will explore how self-esteem influences all aspects of life and how cultivating a positive self-image can be transformative.

Understanding Self-Esteem: Self-esteem, also known as the value we attribute to ourselves, plays a fundamental role in shaping our emotional and physical journey. Let’s explore the precise definition of self-esteem and how it acts as the internal compass guiding our daily choices.

Building Self-Esteem Since Birth: From the moment we are born, we are exposed to conditions that influence our self-esteem. This segment will analyze how factors such as obedience, posture, nutrition, education, and success impact how we value ourselves.

Empowering Through Self-Esteem: By understanding the importance of self-esteem, we can trigger a positive revolution in all areas of life. This guide provides valuable insights on cultivating a positive self-image, emphasizing the message that every human being deserves to esteem themselves. Discover how your journey to higher self-esteem can be the key to a fuller and more satisfying life.

SUMMARY

• What is self-esteem?
• Causes of low self-esteem
• Symptoms of low self-esteem
• The 4 Essential Pillars of self-esteem
• 10 attitudes to improve self-esteem
• How to improve self-esteem definitively?

What is self-esteem?

From the perspective of psychoanalysis, self-esteem emerges as an intrinsic link to the development of the ego. Sigmund Freud, a pioneer in the field, introduced the German term “Selbstgefühl,” emphasizing two crucial meanings: personal consciousness (feeling of oneself) and self-valuation in relation to a system of ideals (feeling of self-esteem). The latter, as described by Freud, is what we understand as self-esteem.

The way we perceive ourselves, based on our actions and thoughts, serves as the catalyst for feelings of inferiority or superiority, self-criticism, self-censorship, narcissism, or selfishness. This intricate psychological landscape not only shapes our daily experiences but also plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and quality of life.

By understanding the ramifications of ego development on self-esteem, we can unravel the complexities that involve our everyday emotions and actions. This deep dive into psychoanalysis offers valuable insights into overcoming emotional challenges and cultivating robust self-esteem.

Developing Resilient Self-Esteem The interconnection between self-esteem and the ego reveals the importance of taking care of our mental and emotional health.

This knowledge empowers us to nurture resilient self-esteem, providing not only a more positive outlook on ourselves but also positively influencing how we face the ups and downs of life.

Causes of low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can be originated from various causes, many of which are deeply rooted in past experiences, personal beliefs, and external influences. Below, we highlight some of the main reasons behind this phenomenon:

Constant Criticism:
Frequent receipt of criticism, especially during childhood and adolescence, can leave deep marks on self-esteem, creating a depreciative view of oneself.

Excessive Comparison:
Constant comparison with others, whether in appearance, achievements, or skills, can generate feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, contributing to low self-esteem.

Traumas and Abuses:
Traumatic experiences, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can significantly impact self-image, resulting in a negative view of oneself.

Failures and Rejections:
Persistent failures and experiences of rejection, both personal and professional, can shake self-confidence, contributing to low self-esteem.

Unrealistic Expectations:
The imposition of unrealistic standards, either from others or from elevated personal expectations, can create a constant sense of not meeting expectations, affecting self-esteem.

Extreme Perfectionism:
Seeking perfection in an extreme way can lead to a constant sense of inadequacy, as it is practically impossible to achieve flawless standards in all aspects of life.

Bullying and Social Rejection:
Bullying situations, social exclusion, and relationship difficulties can negatively influence self-esteem, especially during formative years.

Mental Health Issues:
Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders can trigger feelings of devaluation, contributing to low self-esteem.

Negative Cultural Messages:
Cultural influences that promote unattainable standards of beauty, success, and achievement can impact self-esteem, especially when one does not fit into these norms.

Failure in Authenticity:
Feeling the need to mask one’s true identity to fit into social or family expectations can lead to a disconnection from the authentic self, resulting in low self-esteem.

It is crucial to recognize that low self-esteem is complex and may result from a combination of these factors. Addressing these causes consciously and seeking professional support are essential steps to building a healthy self-esteem. Overcome these barriers and discover the inner strength that will boost your self-esteem.

Symptoms of low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can manifest in various ways, impacting not only our perception of ourselves but also influencing our social interactions, academic and professional performance, and emotional well-being. Discover some common signs associated with low self-esteem:

Excessive Self-Criticism: Propensity to constantly and negatively criticize oneself, even in the face of notable achievements.

Personal Insecurity: Feelings of insecurity about one’s abilities, physical appearance, intelligence, among others.

Difficulty Accepting Compliments: Inability to authentically receive compliments, often downplaying one’s own accomplishments.

Constant Comparison: Propensity to frequently compare oneself to others, resulting in feelings of inadequacy.

Fear of Judgment: Constant fear of being judged or rejected by others, leading to excessive self-preservation.

Avoiding Challenges: Tendency to avoid challenging situations due to the fear of failure or not being able to handle difficulties.

Social Isolation: Avoiding social interactions, often believing that one is unworthy of friendships or relationships.

Recurrent Negative Thinking: Constant presence of negative thoughts about oneself, one’s worth, and capabilities.

Excessive Perfectionism: Continually seeking perfection but feeling constantly dissatisfied with one’s own performance.

Dependence on External Validation: Constant need for external validation to feel good about oneself.

Low Resilience: Difficulty in dealing with setbacks and rejections, leading to quick demotivation and discouragement.

Self-Sabotage: Self-sabotaging behaviors, such as procrastination or refusal to take responsibilities, due to lack of self-confidence.

Dysfunctional Relationships: Difficulty in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships due to a lack of self-trust.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Neglect of physical health, often associated with a lack of motivation and self-value.

Difficulty Setting Boundaries: Difficulty in establishing healthy boundaries in interpersonal relationships, accepting harmful behaviors from others.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in addressing low self-esteem. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be crucial to initiate a process of building self-esteem and emotional well-being. Transform your path to renewed self-esteem and live a more fulfilling and positive life.

The 4 Essential Pillars of self-esteem

Potreck-Rose and G. Jacob present an innovative psychotherapeutic perspective to combat low self-esteem by identifying “the four pillars of self-esteem.” These pillars form the foundation for a holistic approach that encompasses both the intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions of self-esteem, aiming to promote a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

1. Self-Acceptance:
This pillar encompasses a positive attitude toward oneself, including personal satisfaction, self-respect, and harmony with one’s own body. Developing self-acceptance involves being “at one with oneself” and cultivating an internal environment of full acceptance.

2. Self-Confidence:
It refers to confidence in one’s abilities and performance. It includes the conviction to successfully complete tasks, overcome challenges, and forgo something when necessary. Building self-confidence involves strengthening belief in one’s abilities and resilience in the face of difficulties.

3. Social Competence:
This pillar highlights the ability to make social connections. It involves the capacity to deal with others, face challenging situations, maintain flexible reactions, and understand the social resonance of our actions. Developing social competence contributes to healthier interpersonal interactions.

4. Social Network:
Connection to a network of positive relationships is crucial. This includes satisfactory relationships with partners, family, and friends, providing mutual support and a sense of importance to others.

Exploring and strengthening each pillar of self-esteem fundamentals is a transformative journey. With practical approaches and specialized techniques, it is possible to build a positive self-image, promoting emotional balance and more rewarding interpersonal relationships.

Those with self-esteem trust in their abilities, pursue their desires with a positive attitude, and, driven by belief in their own competence, achieve their goals more easily. In contrast, those facing challenges of self-confidence often doubt their potential and may fear taking risks or achieving grand accomplishments.

10 attitudes to improve self-esteem

People with high self-esteem tend to be stronger, resilient in adverse situations, as they believe more in their own potential of mind and action. But how to practice good self-esteem?

Here are 10 attitudes that can help you:

1. Eliminate guilt

One of the main reasons for low self-esteem is the constant feeling of guilt. Whether for not doing something or for what has been done, it is common to hold onto the feeling that we are guilty of the life we are leading. However, try to eliminate this feeling, embracing more and more the lightness of being free beings, and that if we are acting harmfully to ourselves or others, the opportunity for change is present every new second.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others

The world we live in is sustained by competitiveness. This makes us believe that our own personal or professional success will only be achieved when we surpass that of other people. Leave all comparisons aside. Thus, each being is as unique, complex, full of experiences, pains, and joys as you. One person’s joy is not the same as another’s, just like suffering. When it comes to life, there is no basis for comparison: do what makes you feel good.

3. Don’t generalize your experiences

Just because you made a mistake in the past doesn’t mean you will make it again now. The concepts created for us or that we ourselves create cannot imprison us. Thus, we can move all the time, and visualizing situations this way helps this movement become more natural, lighter.

4. Trust yourself

Don’t expect others to give you the necessary motivation to act. That is, find strength within yourself to trust your movements and take your life where you want it. Thus, it is much easier to achieve your goals when your mind is already inclined to believe in your success.

5. Trust Your Inner Strength

Find motivation within yourself. Trust your movements and direct your life according to your desires. Believing in your success makes it easier to achieve significant goals.

6. Learn from Your Mistakes

Face mistakes as opportunities for growth. Don’t let a slip-up discourage you. Just as you forgive others, learn to forgive yourself. Developing compassion for your actions contributes to a fuller life.

7. Discover What Strengthens You

Identify activities that boost your self-confidence. Whether it’s physical exercise, learning, mastering skills, or social interactions. Find what works for you and resort to these practices to boost your self-esteem.

8. Honesty with Yourself

Avoid lying to yourself. Be transparent about your difficulties and abilities. Accept your weaknesses and strengths, seeking mental balance without falling into narcissism or excessive self-criticism.

9. Transformative Gratitude

Cultivate gratitude to improve your experiences. Recognizing the good around you, including within yourself, promotes happiness and drives positive attitudes.

10. Celebrate Your Achievements

Every victory, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. Your existence is an achievement in itself. Use each goal achieved as a positive boost toward physical and mental balance.

Bonus: Live in the Present!

The most significant act to strengthen self-esteem is to live in the present. Regardless of the past or the future, focus on what you can do now to increase your confidence and joy of being.

Just like a flower that grows when watered, your self-esteem will flourish by adopting these attitudes. Take care of yourself, nurturing this care, and notice how life becomes simpler and more beautiful.

How to improve self-esteem definitively?

If you realize that your self-esteem is low, there is excellent news: for the most part, this is a learned attitude. The sensations we experience are deeply linked to the habits we develop regarding our attitudes and internal communication.

By learning to visualize our perspectives and abilities differently, we gradually build positive self-esteem.

To highlight positive feelings, it is crucial that various aspects of life are in harmony: family, school, personal, professional, and emotional. If one of these areas is not going well, others may not receive the proper “attention,” and all are linked to self-esteem and security.

But how to approach these aspects? Explore more about self-esteem and adopt proven strategies to strengthen your self-esteem today!

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