Self-esteem and self-respect: What is it and how can it be achieved?

What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem refers to the respect and overall sense of personal value a person has for themselves.

In other words, self-esteem can be defined as how much you value and admire yourself regardless of circumstances.

Your self-esteem is influenced by many factors, including:

• Self-confidence
• Feeling of security
• Sense of identity
• Feeling of belonging
• Sense of competence

Your level of self-esteem can affect whether you:

• Love and appreciate yourself
• Are able to make and accept decisions
• Recognize your strengths and positive traits
• Have the ability to try new or challenging things
• Treat yourself kindly
• Can move past mistakes without self-blame
• Take the time you need for yourself
• Believe that you are important and good enough
• Believe that you deserve happiness

Self-Esteem Over Time

Self-esteem tends to fluctuate over time depending on your circumstances. It’s normal to have moments where you feel disappointed in yourself and moments where you feel satisfied with yourself.

Overall, your self-esteem reflects your general feelings about yourself and tends to increase slightly as you age.

Self-esteem generally ranges from:

1- Low Self-Esteem

With low or negative self-esteem, you may undervalue your opinions and ideas.

You might focus on perceived weaknesses and flaws, giving little credit to your skills and strengths.

This often leads you to believe others are more capable or successful, making it difficult to accept positive feedback.

2- Healthy Self-Esteem

Healthy self-esteem means having a balanced and accurate view of yourself. For example, you recognize your abilities while also acknowledging your limitations.

When self-esteem is rooted in reality, it is stable and difficult to exaggerate. Bragging or feeling superior to others is not a sign of healthy self-esteem but usually reflects insecurity or low self-worth.

Important note: Self-esteem tends to be lowest in childhood, increases through adolescence and adulthood, and eventually stabilizes, making it similar to other personality traits over time.

Ways to Improve Self-Esteem

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to boost your self-esteem, including:

1. Be aware of negative thoughts: Learn to identify distorted thoughts that affect your self-worth.
2. Challenge negative thinking patterns: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, counter those thoughts with realistic or positive alternatives.
3. Use positive self-talk: Avoid blaming or criticizing yourself.
4. Practice self-compassion: Forgive yourself for past mistakes and move forward by accepting yourself as a whole.
5. Identify anxiety-triggering situations: Consider circumstances that lower your confidence, like giving a presentation, and work on changing your response.
6. Take care of yourself: Follow healthy guidelines, exercise at least 30 minutes most days, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit sugary or fast foods.
7. Do activities you enjoy: Make a list of things you love doing and try to do something from it daily.
8. Spend time with people who make you happy: Avoid those who do not treat you well.