What is self-esteem? In short, it’s a subjective and sometimes an emotional evaluation of yourself. Based on your self-worth and self-confidence, you dictate the level of your self-esteem. Those with high self-esteem tend to define themselves on their terms. Those with low self-esteem are more inclined to let other people define them.
Have a strong sense of personal value. If not, you may start to see yourself in the light of the stereotypes that other people apply to you. Many of these stereotypes revolve around unhealthy behaviors.
For some in a social or ethnic minority, doing drugs may be what others expected of them. For others in a low-income job, drinking is how they feel people in their position should act. If you find yourself in this position, rise above it to improve your self-esteem.
Remind yourself that you can change the patterns. You need not perpetuate the unfortunate stereotypes cast by others. Remind yourself that patterns or habits can sustain only when you decide to live up to them.
Other people see you with their own preconceived biases. When you rise above those biases, you help yourself and everyone in your situation. Show them you can be better than their expectation and improve your self-esteem in the process.
If you know someone in this situation, try to communicate with them. Suggest how they can escape vicious cycles of trying to meet other people’s expectations. Remind them they can rise above those expectations and represent a better view.
What is Self-Esteem When There’s Self-Sabotage?
Rooted in low self-esteem is self-sabotage. Sometimes you do things that you know are bad for you. Sometimes you do these things because you do not realize that they are bad for you. Other times you realize that they are bad for you, but you enjoy them, so you do it anyway.
Other times, we do things that are bad for us because they are bad for us. It is often called self-sabotage. Why would anyone do something terrible for them? Usually, the deep-seated motive for sabotage roots itself in low self-esteem. It is a relationship worth exploring.
What is Self-Esteem and Health Standards
For some of you with low self-esteem, you may see yourself as not having value. You might think you are detrimental to your environment. You may not value yourself in your interaction with others, so you conclude you have no value. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As a result, you may not see your health as worth maintaining.
For some people in this regrettable situation may attempt to do serious harm. Yet, for others, they allow themselves to spiral into self-sabotage. They elect to engage in unhealthy and sometimes dangerous activities. It only lowers your self-esteem.
Try to share your situation with others, and in doing so, you will make a difference in other people’s lives. You can educate others through activities like blogging or being part of a therapy group. There are other people like you, and you can help them and yourselves to feel better.
If you know someone in this position, let them know how valued they are. Let them know that all people have value, even those who have made mistakes. You helping others improves your self-esteem.
If You Don’t Love Yourself, No One Else Can Either
Do you want a fulfilling romantic relationship? How about a circle of supportive friends? You need to learn to believe yourself first. Believing in yourself is the absolute first step in learning to love yourself. When you start to love yourself, you will attract what you deserve.
It is not counterproductive to focus on yourself first. You can develop lasting relationships with others when you understand your needs. How you value yourself defines how you will appreciate others.
Let’s consider why. You won’t tolerate toxic behavior when you love yourself. You will value your inner peace. You won’t want to engage in unnecessary drama, nor do you bring that sort of energy into your life.
This mentality transcends into who you choose to associate. If you value yourself, you won’t need the shenanigans of toxic people. In fact, they will likely bore you. Learn how to appreciate your inner peace, and you’ll attract those who bring that peace to you.
You Know Your Worth
Someone who loves themselves understands what they bring to the table. These people are confident in their abilities, strengths, and traits. In turn, they attract those with the same characteristics into their circle. Overall, this improves your self-esteem.
Unfortunately, individuals with low self-worth may not see the things they have to offer. Thus, they allow others to feed off this insecurity. It could lead to unhealthy relationships and a never-ending cycle of low-self-esteem.
See your self-value by understanding your strengths. By focusing on your positive aspects, you won’t accept anything less from others. Realizing this helps you avoid individuals who don’t have your best interests at heart.
You Aren’t Easily Intimidated
Loving yourself means having a healthy sense of what you’re capable of achieving. When others see that confidence, they believe it. They know you can handle any obstacle or task that comes your way.
It makes it easier for others to respect your actions and choices. If you have a hard time believing in yourself, it creates doubt in others as well. They may find it hard to trust you or take you seriously.
So, find your inner confidence and flaunt it. You will gain the respect of yourself and your actions will follow.
How Can I Love Myself?
Loving yourself involves more than consistent grooming and shopping sprees. While physical aspects play a significant role in self-care, they make up only a fraction of what real self-love is.
If you want to love yourself, focus on your positive qualities. Answer the following questions:
• How do I treat people?
• What makes me a good person?
• What are my strengths?
• What do I love about myself?
By focusing on what you excel in, you’re training your brain to think positively. It will help you silence those negative voices and view yourself in a new light.
Things to Remember
Learning how to love yourself plays a crucial role in how others will treat you. Yet, it is always essential to keep approval in check. Acceptance should not be your primary focus.
Measuring your happiness on how much others like you will make you a slave to their perspective. Instead, practice kindness but don’t value yourself based on the opinions of others.
Keep your needs, concerns, and opinions at the forefront. You’ll soon see that rejection and disapproval isn’t that scary. If it seems a struggle to find the right circle of friends, or your ideal partner, stop. Take a moment and re-shift focus back to yourself.
Instead of wasting energy on how to gain the approval of others, build on your self-love. When the time is right, you’ll attract those who will know how to treat you with the love and respect you deserve.
How Low Self-Esteem Blocks You
Do not ignore the importance of having high self-esteem. Low self-esteem will block you from achieving many important goals and milestones. High self-esteem will open doors in your relationships. You will increase your ability to gain significant happiness and reach your goals.
Believe Yourself and Thrive!
