Module II Self-Esteem: Sense of Worth

What Is Self-Esteem?
In psychology, the term self-esteem is used to describe a person's overall
sense of self-worth or personal value. In other words, how much you
appreciate and like yourself. Self-esteem is a term in psychology to
reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own
worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs (for example, "I am
competent", "I am worthy") and emotions such as triumph, despair,
pride and shame'.

Why Self-Esteem Is Important

Self-esteem can play a significant role in your motivation and success

throughout your life. Low self-esteem may hold you back from
succeeding at school or work because you don't believe yourself to be
capable of success. By contrast, having a healthy self-esteem can help
you achieve because you navigate life with a positive, assertive attitude
and believe you can accomplish your goals.

Pillars of Self esteem

 Self acceptance ( accepting your strengths and weakness )

 Self respect ( respecting one self )

 Self belief ( belief of becoming successful person)

 Self trust ( be a winner )

Factors That Influence Self-Esteem

 Education
 Environment
 Experience
As you might imagine, there are different factors that can influence self-
esteem. Genetic factors that help shape overall personality can play a
role, but it is often our experiences that form the basis for overall self-
esteem. Those who consistently receive overly critical or negative
assessments from caregivers, family members, and friends, for example,
will likely experience problems with low self-esteem.

Difference b/w high and low self esteem

High self esteem Low self esteem

Talk about ideas Talk about people

They believe in discussion Augments

Willingness to learn Know it all

Optimistic Pessimistic

Humble Arrogant

Positive self-esteem

People with a healthy level of self-esteem:

 Firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to
defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough
to modify them in light of experience
 Are able to act according to what they think to be the best choice,
trusting their own judgment, and not feeling guilty when others
don't like their choice
 Do not lose time worrying excessively about what happened in the
past, nor about what could happen in the future. They learn from
the past and plan for the future, but live in the present intensely.
 Fully trust in their capacity to solve problems, not hesitating after
failures and difficulties. They ask others for help when they need
it.
 Consider themselves equal in dignity to others, rather than
inferior or superior, while accepting differences in certain talents,
personal prestige or financial standing.
  Take for granted that they are an interesting and valuable person
for others, at least for those with whom they have a friendship.
 Resist manipulation, collaborate with others only if it seems
appropriate and convenient.
 Admit and accept different internal feelings and drives, either
positive or negative, revealing those drives to others only when
they choose.
 Are able to enjoy a great variety of activities.
 Are sensitive to feelings and needs of others; respect generally
accepted social rules, and claim no right or desire to prosper at
others' expense.

Low self-esteem

It can result from various factors, including a physical appearance or

weight, socioeconomic status, or peer pressure or bullying.

Low self-esteem occasionally leads to suicidal ideation and behaviour.

These can include self-imposed isolation, feelings of rejection, dejection,
insignificance, and detachment, and increased dissatisfaction with
current social relationships. A lack of social support from peers or
family tends to create or exacerbate stress on an individual, which can
lead to an inability to adjust to current circumstances Drug abuse and
forms of delinquency are common side effects of low self-esteem.

Importance of self esteem in workplace

 Self esteem can be the difference between success and failure

 Esteem can affect your thinking, causing your outlook to be

positive or negative

 Esteem affects your confidence

 It affects your self image

  If you do not value yourself how will you be able to value others?

 Self esteem enables you to have the right attitude to succeed at

work

 It affects your happiness

Steps to enhance self esteem

 Forgiveness
 Let the past go away
 Set your goals
 Say positive things about yourself
 Believe in yourself
 Love yourself
 Look forward not back ward
 Focus on strengths