Self-esteem refers to the sense of self-worth that shapes how we view ourselves. It’s about knowing ourselves and our place in the world with an inner security firmly rooted within us. A healthy level of self-esteem forms the foundation for well-being in many ways and also influences how we behave toward one another.
A lack of self-esteem can lead to insecurity, stress, and a fear of rejection, causing distress and worry regardless of age. Building one’s self-esteem can therefore be crucial for feeling good and thriving in social settings, making it worth developing as part of health-promoting work, both for oneself and for others.
Self-esteem is also a foundation for personal growth. Having self-esteem, combined with basic self-confidence, means believing in one’s ability to grow and learn new things. High self-esteem also provides the inner security needed to challenge oneself.
High self-esteem makes it easier to show empathy and understanding toward others and reduces the need to assert oneself in comparisons. This can lead to a greater understanding of other people’s feelings and needs, which, in turn, can improve communication and collaboration with others.
Working on one’s self-esteem is a process that can take time and requires commitment and patience. It involves breaking old thought patterns and building a new, more positive self-image.
As a manager or professional in healthcare and social care, it is beneficial on both an individual and group level to promote self-esteem in both clients and staff. Overall, such work can contribute to a strong foundation for health, development, and, not least, harmonious social interactions.
Relevant course: LINK
Referens: Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion, self-esteem, and well-being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 1-12.
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