Self Esteem 1.1
(Monday)
Context:
A measure of self-esteem is necessary to survive and thrive in the workplace, and in life. Without enough self-esteem, we can never reach our true potential. We may allow others to control us or treat us poorly.
On the other hand, too much self-esteem can border on arrogance. Arrogance prevents us from learning from others. Arrogance can prevent us from taking and following directions. Too much self-esteem can make it difficult for you to collaborate and cooperate with team members, managers, or clients.
What it is: Confidence in one’s worth or abilities; a confidence or satisfaction in oneself; self-respect.
When we talk about self-esteem or self-confidence we also use the word ‘belief’. So self-esteem or self-confidence includes believing in yourself and your abilities.
Why it’s important: If you don’t have the self-esteem or confidence to handle a task at work, how can you expect your boss to have confidence in you? If your boss doesn’t have confidence in you, how can you expect to keep your job?
Don’t be fooled. If you don’t possess a reasonable amount of self-esteem, your boss and co-workers will notice. On the other hand, what manager or employer would ever want to fire a person in whom they have absolute confidence? Someone who they know will complete a job or task the right way, on time, and on budget?
But beware. If you have so much self-esteem that you are perceived as arrogant and never listen to anyone else’s ideas, advice, suggestions, or observations, you can alienate yourself from your co-workers. Or worse yet, you could lose your job altogether. No one likes a know-it-all.
Primer Questions
Do you have self-confidence? Self-esteem? Why or why not?
Do you lose self-confidence when you are around certain people? or in certain situations?
What does self-esteem mean to you? Do you think it’s important to have self-esteem?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal.
“
I am who I am. Not who you think I am. Not who you want me to be. I am me.
”
— Charles Horton Cooley
Understanding our level of self-esteem.
As you go through this lesson, the metacognitive (self-discovery) work you do will be the most important and impactful part of this lesson.
Without becoming aware of a lack of respect, appreciation, or confidence in yourself, you may not see a need to make any changes.
Without understanding how and why you feel the way you do about yourself, you may not know what changes to make.
Watch the video.
Definition:
Esteem. noun: respect and admiration, typically for a person.
We can understand the term self-confidence. We understand what confidence means, and entails. We can usually identify if we feel confident, or not, in any given situation.
But what about self-esteem? How can you tell if you respect and admire yourself? Do you respect and admire yourself?
Write down your answers and observations in your journal to the questions above, or discuss them with others.
“
Remember, if you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.
”
-Louise L. Hay
Don’t try to be someone else. Work on developing the best version of You.
When you read that statement above, what did you think? What did you tell yourself? Did you agree with the idea of developing yourself? If not, why?
Metacognitive Goals
Most of us have a measure of self-esteem. However, our self-esteem can change depending on the situation or person/people we’re around.
This week, try to notice your base self-esteem level. Is it on the high side? Or the lower side? Then notice when your self-esteem increases or decreases. Who or what boots your self-esteem? Who or what can lower your self-esteem?
Understanding these two factors is a good starting place to build or maintain a balanced and healthy amount of self-esteem.
Thought of the day.
There is only one of you. That, in itself, makes you special. You are unique.