An Introduction to Self Esteem

Self-esteem refers to the amount of realistic respect that you have for yourself. It is important for a person to have a healthy self-esteem in order to lead a happy and successful life – both on a personal level and a business level. People with low self-esteems often have a harder time leading a happy and successful life. People with a healthy self-esteem realize that they deserve the good things in their lives, while those who suffer from low self-esteem feel that they deserve only the bad things in live. Each person is responsible for their own self-esteem and can take measures to improve their self-esteem, thereby improving their lives.

What are the signs of a person with a healthy self-esteem? People who have a healthy amount of self-esteem can clearly state who they are, where they are going, and what they are committed to. They accept the responsibility and the consequences of their actions rather than blaming others or making excuses. They are not self-centered, but are concerned with the welfare of others. They are goal-oriented, productive, creative, and optimistic. And, most importantly, a person will a healthy self-esteem understands that he/she is worthy of being loved and cared for as well worthy of loving and caring for others.

What are the signs of low self-esteem? People with poor self-esteem often crave the approval of those around them. They have a poor track record in school or work. They are poor problem solvers and poor risk takers. They often have irrational beliefs and tend to think irrationally in important situations. People with low self-esteem often face the day with many fears, the main one being a fear of rejection from others. They are often insecure, anxious, nervous, and may overreact with resentment and anger if they feel someone does not accept them. They do not take responsibilities for their actions, but blame others. Most importantly, a person with low self-esteem does not feel worthy of giving or receiving love, nurturing, and compassion.

A person’s self-esteem develops throughout life. Experiences from childhood play a major role in determining whether a person has a healthy self-esteem or a low self-esteem. Children who grow up with a healthy self-esteem often experience the following during childhood – being praised for trying their best, being listened to and spoken to respectfully by their parents and others who play a large role in their lives, getting attention and hugs from their loved ones, succeeding in school and sports, and having friends that are trustworthy.

Children who grow up with a low self-esteem often have experiences that are quite the opposite – they are often harshly criticized no matter how hard they may try, they are often yelled at and even beaten, they are ignored, ridiculed or teased by those in authoritarian roles as well as peers, their parents may expect them to be perfect all the time, and they often experience failure in school and sports and are made to feel that these failures mean that they are failures. Low self-esteem can affect both your mental and physical health. If you suffer from low self-esteem, you should explore options that will aid you in improving your self-esteem, which will in turn, improve your quality of life.