Self-esteem can only thrive when people are kinder to themselves and refrain from waiting for validation.
It all started when one morning, I woke up, looked at the mirror and thought, ‘Wow, I really need to get a better mirror.’ The issue clearly wasn’t me. That was my mistake – self-esteem and self-deception, much like two faulty GPS systems, often coexist arguing over which route leads to happiness.
Some days, you’d feel like the main character in an inspiring movie montage and other days, you accidentally wave back at someone who wasn’t waving at you which would be rather embarrassing. In the latter, your self-esteem would, without a doubt, collapse like a poorly crafted house of cards. The reality is self-esteem isn’t a single fixed trait. Many factors such as relationships, experiences and whether or not the last text message you sent was read can impacted self-esteem.
It is often believed that self-esteem stems from one’s childhood. You could be the child whose every scribble was applauded, or maybe you were the one told, “That’s nice, but let’s keep our day job options open.” The possibilities are endless. But before we go blaming childhood entirely, it’s important to remember that self-esteem isn’t set in stone—it evolves. That’s why the same person who once feared raising their hand in class can later argue passionately about which pizza topping is objectively the best.
Self-esteem and self-confidence are terms that are often mixed up, but they are poles apart. Self-confidence comes from what you are able to do while self-esteem comes from how one feels about one’s self irrespective of any action. And on another wrong end of the spectrum, too much self-esteem can lead to arrogance.
Sometimes your self-esteem can be shattered by social media, claiming that self-worth comes from doing the extraordinary. How are you supposed to celebrate who you are when you are busy competing with someone who runs in the morning as you are contemplating getting out of bed? The comparison trap is real, but there are ways to climb out of it.
Enhancing self-esteem isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about learning to appreciate yourself as you are. Appreciate the person you are because self-worth should not come from trying to be perfect. Foster small daily habits like self-compassion, gratitude, and even celebrating the most insignificant wins like receiving an email that lifts your spirit. Self-esteem can only thrive when people are kinder to themselves and refrain from waiting for validation. And if all else fails, just blame the mirror.
Good, very elaborative article