What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is a person’s personal opinion of his or her worth. Self esteem encompasses various psychological states, including self-confidence, self-talk, pessimism, optimism, sanctity, pride and power. It is considered a basic need for all humans to have a healthy self-image. It is one of the most important life-skill sets that can be developed and improved.
One must understand that a healthy self-image is only attainable if one has developed positive social media habits. Positive social media habits imply that a person is a worthwhile human being with good potential. People who are contented with what they have should never consider changing that which they are because in time their happy existence will spill over to others too. A healthy sense of self includes a healthy approach towards life and people.
In order to understand the concept of self-esteem, it is important to look at the work of Dr. Richard Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg is a developmental psychologist and the father of the Eysenkrog survey theory. The theory is based on research that the performance of individuals changes dramatically based on whether they are presented with a situation that requires a response or a situation where no response is required. Those who let go of their overly critical and censoring thoughts allow freedom and creativity to flow through them. This allows them to be more effective and live up to their full potential.
Self-concept refers to the ideas, values and beliefs that we have about ourselves. Dr. Rosenberg argues that there is a difference between developing and maintaining a positive self-image and a negative self-image. According to him, the latter involves suppressing healthy negative emotions and focusing on more positive qualities about ourselves. Those with an excessively negative view of themselves tend to be over-critical and self-critical. They engage in activities that make them feel guilty, worthless and inadequate.
Self-worth is related to what we regard as normal for us. According to Dr. Rosenfeld, we all have an intrinsic, internal, underlying self-image that is shaped by our early environment. It can be influenced by our parents, caregivers, siblings, teachers and peers. It then develops as we go through life experiences and later on as we grow into adulthood.
Having a healthy sense of self-confidence and self-compassion are important elements for having a healthy self-image and for building a healthy sense of self-worth. According to Dr. Abraham-Hicks, everyone has a unique set of skills and talents. The key therefore, is not to try to measure your own skills and talents against others, but rather, to value and respect those that you do have and be willing to act in a generous and accepting manner with these talents and skills. In fact, Dr. Abraham-Hicks suggests that self-acceptance and self-compassion are at the foundation of any self-respect and self-confidence.
How we respond to others also contributes to our self-esteem and our personality. A well-balanced and realistic self-image depends on a realistic view of oneself. The way that people perceive themselves affects their perceptions of how they treat others and how they behave toward others. That is why Dr. Abraham-Hicks recommends that psychologists develop a positive attitude toward self-image and toward others.
Self-awareness, self-image and self-belief are just a few aspects of positive psychology that are related to high self-esteem. High self esteem also helps to promote healthy habits and behaviors, which includes maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding substance abuse. If your goals involve promoting social justice, protecting children, helping others reach their potential, becoming a better partner, parent and humankind in general, then you owe it to yourself, your family and the world to work on your self esteem daily. You can start right now by watching this brief video from Dr. Abraham-Hicks on “What is Self Esteem?” below.
What is Self Esteem? – Abraham-Hicks recommends adopting a “high self-image” as the cornerstone of healthy psychology! Watch Now! (Your First Lesson on Healthy Psychology.)