Boosting Self-Esteem: A Journey to Embracing Our Worth
February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a great opportunity to reflect on our sense of self-worth and explore ways to nurture it. In a world where comparison and external pressures often dominate, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are.
Let’s take some time to pause, focus inward, and recognise that our worth isn’t defined by external achievements or the opinions of others, but by how we respect and value ourselves. Self-esteem is the foundation of how we perceive ourselves, shaping our decisions, relationships, and approach to challenges.
These are powerful questions for self-reflection.
Ask yourself:
Am I proud of what I’ve achieved?
Am I grateful for what I have?
Do I give myself enough credit?
What Is Self-Esteem?
According to Carl Rogers, a humanist psychologist, our self-concept consists of three distinct parts: ideal self, self-image, and self-esteem.
His theory explains that when ideal self and self-image are aligned with reality, we develop a strong, positive self-concept. However, when they are misaligned, it can lead to inner conflict, self-doubt, and feelings of inadequacy, ultimately affecting our self-esteem.
Hence, bridging the gap between the ideal self and self-image while living in the present reality is key to boosting self-esteem. But what do these terms mean, and how can we ensure they align with reality?
The Three Components of Self-Concept
Ideal Self – The person you envision yourself to be, shaped by your goals, values, and aspirations. This person has the qualities and attributes you are either working towards to or want to possess.
Reality check:
Are my goals realistic?
Am I working towards values that truly matter to me?
Self-Image – How you see yourself right now, including our strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits.
Reality check:
Am I being true to myself?
Am I treating myself with kindness and fairness?
Self-Esteem – How much you value and accept yourself, influenced by how closely your ideal self and self-image align with reality. It is also shaped by how others see us, how we compare ourselves to others, and the roles we play in society.
Reality check:
Is others' perception of me accurate?
Am I being fair to myself when I compare myself to others?
Self-concept can sound complex.
Here are some practical ways to strengthen self-esteem.
Reflect on Your Ideal Self – Take time to think about the person you want to become. Are your goals realistic and aligned with your values?
Explore Your Self-Image – Journaling or talking to a coach can help you assess how you see yourself now. What strengths do you have that you might not be acknowledging?
Work on Self-Esteem – Be kind to yourself. Replace harsh self-criticism with compassion and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Focus on Gratitude – Write down things you’re grateful for, including personal qualities or moments. Gratitude can shift your mindset to a more positive place.
Engage in Positive Affirmations – Use affirmations to reinforce your value and embrace your imperfections. For example: “I am worthy of love.”
Find a Coaching Partner for Your Self-Concept Journey – Coaching provides a structured and supportive space to explore self-concept, helping you align your ideal self, self-image, and self-esteem for a healthier perspective on yourself. With a coach, you can identify areas of incongruence, reframe unhelpful thoughts, set achievable goals, and move closer to a state of harmony where your ideal self, self-image, and reality align. The result? Stronger self-esteem and a clearer sense of purpose.
Although having coaching partner is a great way to nurture your self-esteem, the most powerful tool is yourself. Only you can boost up your own self-esteem with or without coaches.
Remember, strong self-esteem isn’t about being confident all the time—it’s about trusting in your worth and treating yourself with compassion, even on difficult days.
In this International Boost Self-Esteem Month, let’s take a moment to reflect your journey and celebrate how far you’ve come. Building self-esteem is an ongoing journey—by cultivating self-awareness, nurturing confidence, and practising self-care, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether through personal reflection or coaching, even the smallest intentional steps can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Also display at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/boosting-self-esteem-journey-embracing-our-worth-eunice-thomas--mgjwe/