Self-esteem can be defined as that internal insight we have within ourselves that gives us confidence to deal with whatever life hands us. It also has a lot to do with how we value ourselves and brings out a confidence within us that we are apt to handle things as humans and have strength along with the ability to bounce back when thrown down. Thus, a confident person is also one with high self-esteem who is never ultimately cast down because of mistakes and never lets stress get the best of them.
But on the other hand there is the person with the low self-esteem. These are people who think negatively of themselves. These are the people who are afraid of anything new that could force them out of their day-to-day pattern of life and they have little belief they can accomplish anything. To maintain this facade of a positive image they burn a lot of energy covering up their real negativity. These same people cannot take criticism and they worry excessively.
Self-esteem has much to do with how we feel about ourselves and how we believe in our abilities. It is so powerful that it can have strong effects on how we behave, our level of motivation, and our basic attitude towards those we interact with. Self-esteem is developed from a child’s youngest years as he or she tries things in this new world and either accomplishes them or fails and has to try again.
Success is not the only factor that affects a child. People’s reaction to the child’s success has a greater impact actually. A child can develop low self-esteem if he or she does something right initially but is not praised. Also, a child can develop low self-esteem if he or she is belittled yet did something right the first time too. Yet a child can develop high self-esteem if he or she is praised for just the effort regardless of success or not. It is very important to realize that when parents evaluate carefully a child’s ability to achieve something and make praise when appropriate that a healthy level of self-esteem can develop.
Self-esteem levels are going to vary as we go through different life events. This is especially true in teenagers who have difficulties as their personalities, environment, and bodies go through changes. Teenagers have a difficult time during this developmental period as they have doubts as to their abilities to function successfully in their future life.
When some problem arises in life and a solution is nowhere to be found, the adult is susceptible to low self-esteem. This is all too true when the adult becomes a parent for the first time and is trying to figure out if they can handle this new responsibility properly. This situation is often overcome by identifying your limits and asking for assistance when things get too much to handle.
And then there are those with self-esteem that is way to too high and just present themselves as arrogant to others. These are the ones who will only adhere to their way of doing things and are perfectionists too. In contrast, there are those with low self-esteem who because they do not have the courage to change the bad situations they are in they remain with employers or in relationships that are not good for them.
The key is to find that right level of self-esteem (not low and not too high) that allows a person to function at a healthy level in life and be happier all around.
