Self-Esteem: The Key to a Better and Happier Life

Self-Esteem: The Key to a Better and Happier Life. Sometimes life needs good attention from yourself. It is not other people who control our lives. But what should be done for yourself to be good. So what is self-esteem?

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem, or self-esteem, is how a person views and assesses himself. This includes a person's feelings about how valuable or worthy he is, as well as how much confidence he has in facing various life challenges.

Healthy self-esteem can improve the quality of life and allow individuals to feel happier, motivated, and more able to overcome difficulties.

Positive self-esteem is usually reflected in healthy self-confidence, the ability to accept one's shortcomings, and the confidence to try new things. Conversely, low self-esteem can cause feelings of anxiety, lack of motivation, and even depression.

Factors Affecting Self-Esteem

● Childhood Experiences: How a person is raised can have a major influence on the formation of self-esteem. If someone often receives positive support and appreciation from family or friends during childhood, they are more likely to have higher self-esteem. Conversely, excessive criticism or negative treatment can damage a person's self-confidence.

● Social Interaction: Relationships with friends, partners, and other social environments also affect self-esteem. Strong social support and positive interactions can strengthen a person's self-esteem, while relationships full of conflict or rejection can lower self-esteem.

● Achievement and Life Purpose: When someone feels that they are achieving their life goals and overcoming challenges well, they will feel more valued and confident. Conversely, repeated failures without a clear understanding can reduce a person's self-esteem.

● Social and Cultural Standards: Society often sets certain standards regarding appearance, success, and achievement. When someone feels they do not meet these standards, they can feel less confident and have low self-esteem.

Why is Self-Esteem Important?

Healthy self-esteem has many benefits, both for mental and physical well-being. Some of the reasons why self-esteem is important include:

● Improve Mental Health: High self-esteem can help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Individuals with positive self-esteem tend to be better able to manage stress and face difficult situations with a cool head.

● Improve Social Relations: People with healthy self-esteem tend to be more confident in interacting with others. They are better able to build healthy, open, and respectful relationships.

● Motivation and Achievement: When someone feels worthy, they will be more motivated to achieve personal and professional goals. They are more ready to face challenges and learn from failures, rather than being crushed by them.

● Physical Health: Good self-esteem is associated with a healthier lifestyle. People who feel good about themselves tend to care more about their physical health, including maintaining a diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

How to Improve Self-Esteem

Improving self-esteem is a process that takes time and patience. Some steps you can take to improve your self-esteem include:

● Practice Self-Compassion: Instead of criticizing yourself when faced with failure, learn to be more gentle and accepting of your shortcomings. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that is part of the learning process.

● Set Realistic Goals: Setting and achieving small goals can help boost your self-confidence. Focusing on realistic achievements will give you a sense of accomplishment that can boost your self-esteem.

● Fix Negative Thoughts: Try to identify and replace negative thoughts that arise about yourself. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring can help you be more objective in assessing yourself.

● Maintain Physical Health: Exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep can contribute to increased self-esteem. When your body is healthy, your thoughts tend to be more positive.

● Talk to Others: Sharing your feelings with a friend or professional can help you see yourself in a more positive way. Sometimes, outside support is needed to improve your self-view.

 

● Avoid Social Comparison: Try not to compare yourself too much to others, especially in the era of social media full of image-making. Remember that everyone has a different life journey, and comparisons are often unrealistic.

When Does Self-Esteem Emerge?

Self-esteem begins to develop in childhood and continues to develop throughout a person's life. The process of forming self-esteem is influenced by various factors, including social experiences, interactions with parents, friends, and the environment, as well as achievements and failures experienced.

● Childhood (0-7 Years): At this stage, self-esteem begins to form through the first interactions with parents or primary caregivers. Positive experiences such as affection, attention, and support can help build a sense of security and appreciation in children.

Conversely, negative experiences, such as neglect or excessive criticism, can cause children to feel worthless. Children's self-confidence also develops based on how they are accepted by others around them.

● School Age (7-12 Years): At this age, children begin to gain influence from peers and the school environment. Academic achievement and social skills begin to play a significant role in the development of self-esteem. Children who feel accepted by their peers or who are successful in various activities tend to develop higher self-esteem.

Conversely, those who experience frequent bullying or academic failure may have challenges in developing self-esteem.

● Adolescence (12-18 Years): Adolescence is a critical period in the formation of identity and self-esteem. Teens begin to be more critical of themselves, and the influence of peers and social standards (including social media) increases.

Personal accomplishments, romantic relationships, and how they are perceived in their social environment can affect how they see themselves. Teens with low self-esteem often feel inadequate or unaccepted.

● Adulthood (18 Years and Above): In adulthood, self-esteem continues to develop and is influenced by achievements in career, interpersonal relationships, and life achievements. Young adults tend to be more independent and develop their self-esteem based on professional success, healthy relationships, and personal achievements.

Meanwhile, life changes such as marriage, having children, or facing a crisis can affect a person's self-esteem. As adults age, they often learn to accept themselves more, which can improve self-esteem.

Conclusion

Self-esteem is an important element in our mental well-being. Healthy self-esteem provides us with the foundation for a better, happier, and more productive life.

Self-esteem emerges and develops throughout life, starting in childhood and continuing into adulthood. The formation of self-esteem is influenced by a variety of factors, including relationships with others, achievements, and various life experiences.

With supportive experiences and positive self-acceptance, a person can build and maintain healthy self-esteem over time.

By recognizing the factors that influence it and working to develop ourselves positively, we can build stronger self-esteem. Remember that this is an ongoing journey, and every small step towards self-acceptance is a big win. Have you implemented self-esteem?