Self Esteem 1.3

(Friday)

 

Review key points for this first lesson.

We need to be aware of our current level of self-esteem in order to make any needed adjustments. We need balanced self-esteem to be highly valued by employers.

  • Balanced self-esteem will allow us to enthusiastically take on challenging tasks in the workplace, while also allowing us to take advice and constructive criticism from others.

  • Self-esteem includes respecting and valuing oneself (your effort, ideas, and opinions) and is related to self-confidence.

  • We need to be aware of who, where, and when our self-confidence is boosted and lowered. Understanding the ebb and flow of our self-esteem can help us to stabilize how we view ourselves.

  • Finally, we need to develop self-compassion or be reasonable with our expectations of ourselves. We can do this by appreciating our effort, not just the final result.

When you analyzed places that boosted or diminished your self-esteem, did you consider school as one option?

For many, school is a place that can negatively impact self-esteem. If your self-esteem is lower at school, you wouldn’t be alone. But don’t let school negatively impact your self-esteem. Just focus on doing your best, and putting forth 100 percent effort!

 

Feel free to complete the metacognitive review below.

 

Do you compare yourself to others?

Most of us have. There are many reasons we compare ourselves to others. There’s also a detrimental and beneficial way to go about making comparisons.

In this final part of lesson one, we’ll look at two ways some people use comparisons. In Lesson 2 of Self-esteem, we’ll look at the beneficial ways we can compare ourselves with others.

Comparing for failure.

Some people compare themselves to others to justify a specific outcome or result.

Others compare in order to feel better about themselves. But if they are doing this, do they really have self-esteem?

Do you compare yourself to classmates, siblings, teammates, or others for either of the aforementioned reasons?

If you do, write about it in your journal after watching the video.

Remember: If you currently compare yourself to others to make yourself feel good, or to provide yourself with an excuse not to try, you do not have balanced self-esteem.

It is so important that you notice if you have those tendencies now, so you can address them, and make a change to build your self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. Don’t be fooled. If you don’t work on eliminating these negative comparison traits now, not only will they prevent you from reaching your true potential in the present, but they will also impact your ability to perform at a high level in the workplace.

 

STEPS FOR CHANGE

  • Don’t try to be anyone else, other than yourself. Do try to be the best version of yourself possible. You can do this by developing useful qualities, traits, mindsets, and habits.

  • Learn to focus on your effort, not just the final result (or grade). If you do your best, give 100% and give it your best shot, you can be proud no matter what the outcome.

    Also, remember to be reasonable with what you expect of yourself. Again, just expect the best you can do, and show yourself a little self-compassion and understanding.

  • If you compare your strengths to others’ weaknesses in an attempt to build your self-esteem or compare your weakness to others’ strengths to excuse yourself from doing better, you’re unbalanced.

    Remember, self-esteem and self-respect start with looking inside. What qualities, traits, and skills do you already possess? What qualities, traits, and skills will you develop?

 

Only you can limit yourself.

Think about it. An oak tree, palm tree, and apple tree all look different. They all grow at different rates, have different uses, and produce. We appreciate each one because they are different. Get the point?

Thought of the day.

Growth is inevitable. You will grow and change in so many ways as you mature. Don’t compare yourself while you’re developing to others who are also just figuring out who they are. Just keep developing the qualities, habits, and mindsets of those who make a difference. One day you’ll be that kind of person as well.