Confidence and Self Esteem are good friends- they always walk hand in hand. If we lose our confidence, it has a deep impact on Self – Esteem.
So how does one develop a high self esteem….?
Today we will focus on the meaning of Self – Esteem, and how we can inculcate a positive perception of self.
What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself.
– Do you feel that you have the abilities and inner strength to deal with the ups and downs of life? Do you respect yourself and do you act responsibly?
– Do you like yourself?
– Do you think you are decent person even though you are not perfect (nobody’s perfect).
– Do you try to do your best with the strengths and weaknesses that you have been given?
– If so, you have a healthy or positive self-esteem.
Two ingredients of healthy self-esteem:
- Worth-You feel that you have value and worth as a person just by virtue of “being”, not by doing or accomplishing. You have a God gifted right to be here and are entitled to happiness.
A person with healthy self-esteem and a positive self image would be able to assess themselves and would say: “I feel that am a good person. I enjoy my own company. I feel worthy of receiving love.” - Competence: You are aware of your abilities and talents as well as your strengths. You can assess and take an inventory of your personality and say about yourself: I am a capable individual. I can think, work and carry on relationships.
- I have one or more of the following personality traits: happy, friendly, giving, compassionate, a good listener, gutsy, sensitive, warm, reliable, loyal………..name a few of your own…..
If you did add to this list then you feel you have the competence to live a meaningful life.
…..to be contd.
(A series of articles by Seema Khurana, Counsellor & Psychotherapist)
