Self-Esteem: A Key to Personal Fulfillment

Self-esteem plays a fundamental role in our psychological well-being and our ability to face daily challenges. A balanced sense of self-worth helps us feel legitimate, confident, and capable of moving forward despite setbacks.

1. What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem refers to how we evaluate our own value. According to Rosenberg (1965), it is based on two pillars:

• Self-acceptance: The ability to accept oneself with both strengths and weaknesses.
• Sense of competence: The perception of one’s effectiveness in various areas (work, relationships, hobbies, etc.).

2. Why Is It Essential?

Numerous studies (Baumeister et al., 2003) show that stable self-esteem is linked to:

• Greater resilience to failure and criticism
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Healthier interpersonal relationships
• Increased motivation to achieve goals

In contrast, low self-esteem can lead to self-sabotage, excessive perfectionism, and chronic feelings of insecurity.

3. How to Strengthen Self-Esteem

• Try to change your inner dialogue: Replace negative thoughts with kind and realistic affirmations.
• Step out of your comfort zone: Take on small challenges to build awareness of your abilities.
• Celebrate your successes: Keeping a journal of your achievements can help reinforce your sense of self-worth.
• Engage in artistic or physical activities: Creativity and physical expression help boost confidence.
• Surround yourself with supportive people: Avoid toxic environments and prioritize relationships that uplift you.

4. Getting Support from a Psychologist

If you struggle with low self-esteem, psychological support can help you identify its root causes and adopt effective strategies to regain confidence in yourself.

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