How to Overcome Low Self Esteem

What is Low Self Esteem?

In order to find out how to overcome low self esteem, we first need to understanf what iy is. Low self-esteem is when we have a negative perception of ourselves that affects how we think, feel, and behave. It involves having a poor opinion of oneself, viewing oneself as inferior or flawed, and feeling inadequate and unacceptable.
Sufferers will also feel low in confidence and self-worth. Low self-esteem has a number of causes and outside influences, including environmental, social, and familial factors, as well as internal struggles and beliefs.
Self-esteem is essentially made up of two components: self-evaluation and self-efficacy.
Self-evaluation is your sense of worth and how you think and feel about yourself. It’s mostly based on your personal opinion, but it can also be influenced by others and your past experiences.
Self-efficacy is your perception of what you are capable of doing and is based mostly on your past successes and failures.
People with low self-esteem often view themselves in a negative light, believing that they are not worthy or capable of achieving success. They are usually pessimists and doubt their own abilities. Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-confidence, feelings of depression and anxiety.
The effects of low self-esteem can reach far beyond our personal thoughts, impacting our wider relationships and social lives. Those with low self-esteem may struggle to make and maintain positive relationships, feeling like they do not deserve them or do not belong. They avoid social situations, dread speaking in public, and rarely have the confidence to pursue their goals.
Low self-esteem can also have an impact on physical health. People with low self-esteem may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or overeating, as well as lacking in taking care of themselves with exercise, sleep, and self-care.

Causes of Low Self Esteem

Low self-esteem is a common problem that can manifest in many different ways. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and life experiences.
One of the first causes of low self-esteem can begin in childhood. A child who experiences harsh criticism or is not given adequate love and support can develop a negative self-image. This negative self-image may persist through into adulthood if it is not addressed. If a child is raised in an environment where they are constantly comparing themselves to others, they may feel inadequate and form a poor self-image.
Traumatic experiences can also lead to low self-esteem. These can include physical and emotional abuse, being witness to violence, or experiencing loss. This trauma can cause a person to feel as though they are not deserving of good things or result in feelings of shame or guilt.
Low self-esteem can also occur as a result of feeling disconnected from others. If an individual lacks meaningful relationships and support systems, they may feel isolated and powerless. If an individual has difficulty forming relationships and/or maintaining friendships, they can be left feeling inadequate and incapable.
All of these causes can lead to a cycle of low self-esteem that can be hard to break out of. It can be difficult to identify the root cause of low self-esteem, which is why it is important to seek help from a professional if you think you may be suffering from this problem.

Societal Factors

When addressing the issue of low self esteem, it is important to consider the role of societal factors. Research has shown that our self esteem can be shaped by the messages we receive from our peers, family, educational system, and the media. The standards of beauty or success that are presented to us can be difficult to live up to and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression.
Unbalanced survey coverage can be a source of self doubt, as people compare themselves to highly idealized versions of reality. It is important to be aware that these external influences can have a negative impact on our self esteem and confidence. Any steps taken to overcome low self esteem need to take into account these external factors.

Past Experiences

It is important to recognize how your past experiences have contributed to your current level of self-esteem. When you have experienced a setback or trauma in the past, it can lead to feelings of low self-worth, which can then eventually lead to low self-esteem.
If you take the time to recognize how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts and feelings toward yourself, it may help you to better understand why you are having difficulty with low self-esteem.
Additionally, understanding your past can help you overcome it in the future by focusing on the ways that these experiences can be used to help build healthy self-confidence and self-esteem.

Family Dynamics

Low self esteem can be particularly pronounced in families where it has been passed down from generation to generation. This form of emotional inheritance can be caused by a family underestimating their accomplishments, or placing too much emphasis on the accomplishments of other more confident or successful members of the family.
This can lead to a low self-image and a negative view of life in general. To overcome this kind of low self-esteem, it is important to focus on your own individual strengths, accomplishments, and successes. It is also important to recognize and appreciate your own successes, as well as the successes of the other members of your family.

Tips on How to  Overcome Low Self Esteem

Nobody is perfect, and having low self-esteem is a normal part of life. While we may at first struggle to undrstand how to overcome low self-esteem, it is possible. Below are some tips for overcoming low self-esteem.

1 – Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings:

The first step in overcoming low self-esteem is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Understand that it is normal to feel bad about yourself. Recognize that everyone has a negative opinion of themselves from time to time and that is okay.

2 – Develop Self-Compassion:

Try to be kind and understanding with yourself. Nurture yourself and practice self-care. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you would with a friend or a loved one.

3 – Reframe Negative Thoughts:

If a negative thought enters your mind, challenge it. Reframe it in a more positive light. You can do this by asking yourself “What is the evidence for this thought? Is there a different or more positive view that I could take of this situation?”

4 – Set Realistic and Achievable Goals:

Make a list of goals that are achievable and realistic. Having attainable goals will give you something to aim for and consequently build your self-confidence.

5 – Stay Connected:

Reach out and stay connected with family and friends. Having supportive relationships will help you to feel accepted and loved which can in turn help to improve your self-esteem.

6 – Engage in Relaxation Techniques:

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can help to reduce stress, foster a sense of calm, and even improve your self-esteem.

7 – Seek Professional Help:

If necessary, seek professional help. A qualified therapist or counsellor can provide you with the tools and guidance you need to overcome your low self-esteem.
Low self-esteem can be difficult to overcome, but with the right attitude and techniques, you can start to foster self-compassion and self-love. With patience and dedication, you can begin to believe in yourself and your abilities and ultimately lead a more confident and fulfilling life.

Further Recommended Reading

Confidence: How to Overcome Your Limiting Beliefs and Achieve Your Goals by Martin Meadows

A must-read for anyone who struggles with self-doubt and lack of confidence. The book is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs and achieving success.

What sets this book apart from others on the topic is its emphasis on the role of failure in building confidence. Meadows shows readers how to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a setback. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or just looking to improve your self-confidence, Confidence is a valuable resource that will inspire and motivate you to reach your full potential.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

The Confidence Code is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on the gender gap in confidence. Through extensive research and interviews with experts, the authors uncover the reasons why women tend to struggle with self-doubt and lack of confidence, and provide actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges.

The authors not only explain the science behind confidence, but also provide relatable stories of women who have overcome their own confidence issues. The result is a book that is both informative and inspiring, offering readers practical advice for boosting their own confidence and helping to close the gender gap. Overall, The Confidence Code is a must-read for any woman looking to build her self-assurance and achieve her full potential.

Stop People Pleasing: Be Assertive, Stop Caring What Others Think, Beat Your Guilt, & Stop Being a Pushover by Patrick Kong

This book is for anyone who struggles with saying no and putting their own needs first. The book provides practical tips and strategies for breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing, guilt, and self-doubt, and developing a more assertive and confident approach to life.

What sets it apart from others on the topic is the author’s empathetic and non-judgmental approach. King acknowledges the complex emotional and psychological factors that underlie people-pleasing behavior, and offers readers a range of tools and techniques for overcoming these patterns. Overall, Stop People Pleasing is a valuable resource for anyone looking to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reclaim their own power and autonomy.

The Self-Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety & Increase Wellbeing by Robyn L. Gogin

The Self-Care Prescription is an essential book for anyone looking to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing. The book offers a comprehensive approach to self-care, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices from cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and positive psychology to help readers manage stress, reduce anxiety, and increase their overall sense of wellbeing.

What makes this book stand out is its practical and accessible approach to self-care. Gobin provides readers with a range of tools and strategies for incorporating self-care into their daily routines. The book is filled with real-life examples and exercises that help readers to apply these concepts to their own lives. Overall, The Self Care Prescription is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their mental health and wellbeing, and is a must-read for anyone who wants to prioritize self-care in their daily lives.

The Self Confidence Workbook: A Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Improving Self-Esteem by Barbara Markway

An essential read for anyone looking to build their self-confidence and overcome self-doubt. The book offers a comprehensive and practical approach to developing a healthy sense of self-esteem, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness.

What sets this book apart from others on the topic is its focus on action-oriented strategies. The Self Confidence Workbook provides readers with a range of tools and exercises that they can apply to their daily lives, from reframing negative self-talk to practicing self-compassion. Overall, The Self Confidence Workbook is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their self-confidence and live a more fulfilling life.