ENHANCE CONFIDENCE
When I’m with my coworkers, especially women, I get nervous easily. I have trouble starting or maintaining conversations; I go blank and then feel like an idiot. Why would they want to talk to me, I always wonder? Take a look at me, for example. They don’t seem to enjoy hanging out with me.
Do you get nervous when you have to give a speech on stage? Do you ever feel like you’re not “good enough” or “deserving”? Accepting compliments can be difficult. Do you have any doubts about your ability to finish a task? Are you concerned about how others see you? Are you self-conscious about your appearance? All of these are signs of low confidence and indicate that we need to boost our confidence.
Signs of low self-esteem include:
- Criticizing and saying negative things about yourself
- Joking about yourself in a negative light,
- Emphasizing your flaws while ignoring your accomplishments
- When things go wrong, you blame yourself,
- Believing that other people are better than you.
- You don’t deserve to have fun.
- Refusing to accept compliments
- Avoiding challenges out of fear of failing
- Being overly upset by criticism or disapproval
- A sense of sadness, depression, anxiety, shame, anger, or worthlessness
Causes of Low self-Esteem
Low self-esteem can be traced back to early childhood events. If you didn’t fit in at school, struggled to meet your parents’ expectations, or were neglected or abused as a child, you may develop negative core beliefs about yourself. This refers to a person’s ingrained self-perceptions.
Teenagers, particularly young girls, may be exposed to harmful messages and ideals on social media and in the media at large, leading them to believe that their worth is determined by how they look or act. Low self-esteem and negative self-worth thoughts may result as a result of this. Low self-esteem can also be caused by poor academic performance or bullying.
What are the effects of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem can lead to difficulties in relationships as well as problems at work or school. When you are confronted with criticism or disapproval, you may become agitated and withdraw from activities and people. You should avoid doing anything that could lead to you being judged or compared to others.
Some people with low self-esteem stop caring about their appearance, while others overcompensate by always looking perfect.
You may also have issues with your body image, consume excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs, and fail to stand up for yourself when bullied or abused.
Teenagers with low self-esteem are more likely to use alcohol or drugs to feel better or fit in, to have a negative body image, and to engage in sexual activity earlier than their peers.
How to improve your self-esteem?
- Consider what you’re good at — what are your assets?
- Celebrate the small victories in your life — pat yourself on the back when you accomplish something small.
- Examine alternative explanations and put things into perspective to counteract your negative thinking.
- Think about what you can change instead of worrying about what you can’t. Don’t try to do everything perfectly — perfection is impossible.
- If you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up about it; everyone makes mistakes.
- Do things you enjoy — it’s easier to maintain a positive attitude when you’re doing something you enjoy.
- Volunteer to help people — this can make you feel better about yourself. Hang out with people who don’t bring you down.
- It is beneficial to exercise.
