Low self-Esteem: Part-2

Last time we discussed how we always compare our weaknesses with others’ strengths, how we pick up the worst comments and how we must give equal importance to all strengths. We have fair understanding as to what low self esteem is. Let us learn the impact of it on our life and how to overcome it.

Impact of low self esteem is very high. Usually, it affects our relationships, lowers our confidence, develops social anxiety. You tend to isolate yourself from people. Most often, we compare ourselves with others and consider every person to be flashy, superior and exclusive. Since we consider others to be exclusive, we form a fear towards people. We avoid them and seek to hang out with people whom we consider our ‘level’ and are comfortable with them.

Relationships: Either with your family, siblings, friends, relatives, lovers etc low self esteem can spoil relationships. We misunderstand what others are saying and misinterpret it in the wrong way. This causes hurdles and ruins the bond.

Self criticism: We tend to be very harsh on ourselves. Every person has an inner child within themselves. This child can be considered to be a baby. There is an innocent ,lovely baby among us that needs to be nurtured with love and affection but we act very harsh towards it. This inner child deserves to be loved. In this period, our emotions are heightened. If we criticize ourselves 10%, suffering from low self esteem can make it increase tenfold. These often lead to excessive negativity, sadness, demotivation in life.

Work/academics: One of the most prominent signs is low performance at work/school. The negativity you accumulate majorly impacts your work. It will bring consequences like lack of motivation, memory loss, lack of focus etc., all factors that ultimately affect your performance.

The impact is huge. They go on and on but how do we overcome this? Low self esteem can be solved. You can fight low self esteem. All these days you feel low, embarrassed, hateful towards yourself. Now, you will be bubbling with joy, love and pride. Gather up your energy and practice these simple techniques:

1. Practice gratitude journal. When you have low self esteem, most of the bright things happening may look every small and most often, you won't even be grateful for them. Practicing a gratitude journal will actually help you to realize and register in your brain that there are millions of things to be grateful for. This feeling of gratitude can instantly bring in little happiness because gratitude and happiness are always correlated.

2. Positive affirmations. We know how powerful they are. Affirmations are so powerful yet we often misjudge them. Affirmations and manifesting are again somewhat correlated. Suppose, you feel mentally and physically weak, you need to constantly reaffirm yourself that YOU ARE THE STRONGEST PERSON ALIVE. YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING ANYTHING. The more times you say it, the more effective it will be. Honestly, this is such an efficient method because each time you say it, you are wiring and tuning your brain into believing it and when your brain is believing it, it’s very simple. As, convincing your brain is the toughest part. It is recommended to say it loud. You could yell, scream, scold etc.

3. Feeling good about yourself. This ain't easy but you need to put constant effort to overcome this issue. Everyone’s way is different. Some feel good if they have a productive day, some if they help others, organize things, take pictures, practice their hobby and so on. Find out your way. Be gentle with yourself.

4. One month challenge. Take a jar, sticky notes/ chits. As soon as you wake up, pick a chit/sticky note and write one thing you love about yourself. Practice this for a month. Remember to be heartful to yourself. You must feel it when you write it.

5. Solve challenges/hurdles in life. We become weak and mindless. Solving challenges will boost your confidence. Specifically, solving people related challenges will have a greater impact. One main problem is we don't know how to say NO. If this is your case too, take this as your first hurdle. Stay confident and just say NO to people. Defend yourself, protect yourself and know yourself.