Self-Esteem: Why Being Yourself Matters More Than Being Perfect

Recently I’ve been working with a lot of people who are seeking to boost their self-esteem because they believe they aren’t good enough or worthy in some way. And of course, whenever they learned this or adopted this, it now affects their sense of self-worth, their belief in themselves and their perceptions of how others will view them and judge them.

And like all patterns we run, the more you consciously or non-consciously act, react and think in this way, the more habitual and automatic it can start to feel.

 

Quick Summary

Self-esteem is about much more than appearance, achievements or what other people think of you.

In this article you’ll discover:

• what self-esteem really is
• how low self-esteem affects thoughts and feelings
• why self-acceptance matters
• why comparing yourself to others can damage confidence
• how becoming more comfortable being yourself can strengthen self-esteem

Many people spend years trying to become somebody else before allowing themselves to feel good enough. Often, self-esteem improves when you become more accepting of who you already are.

 

Related Resources

You may also find these helpful:

• Confidence & Self-Esteem Hub
• Confidence & Self-Esteem Hypnotherapy in Ely
• Low Confidence and Anxiety: Why They’re Often Linked
• How To Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
• How To Tame Your Inner Critic
• Confidence Improvement Case Study
• Hypnotherapy Reviews in Ely

 

Self-Esteem

The Cambridge Dictionary describes self-esteem as “belief and confidence in your own ability and value.” It encompasses how you perceive yourself, whether you feel comfortable in your own skin, whether you have a sense of positive love, acceptance and regard for yourself and whether you trust in your ability to make decisions, to take action and to handle whatever comes your way in your life. It’s that sense of capability that you can achieve what you set out to achieve and can feel happy and proud of your achievements.

Sometimes we can pick up self-critical ways of communicating with ourselves from key people in our life, whether that was at an early age or in later relationships and friendships. Often those critical messages become so familiar that we stop questioning them and simply assume they must be true. It’s not uncommon for people to internally criticise and put themselves down when their self-esteem is at rock bottom.

And of course it can make you anxious and worried about the future and whether you can, will or deserve to succeed and be in happy in your career, relationships, friendships, health and many other facets of life.

But here’s the thing: just because you’ve felt that way up until now doesn’t mean that you have to continue down that path forevermore. We are all constantly changing and adapting and we all have the ability to change our self-image and self-perception and enjoy a brighter future. Sometimes we just need a little help to work out how we can do that.

 

One Thing I’ve Noticed About Self-Esteem

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that many people spend so much time trying to become who they think they should be that they forget to appreciate who they already are.

When confidence is low, people often compare themselves to others and focus on what they lack. They notice other people’s strengths while ignoring their own. Yet confidence and self-esteem often improve when you stop trying to become somebody else and start becoming more comfortable being yourself.

You don’t need to be perfect.

You don’t need everyone’s approval.

You don’t need to become a different person.

Often the real change comes from recognising your own value and giving yourself permission to be who you are.

After all, you are unique. No-one else can do a better job of being you. You can and should celebrate that, even if others don’t agree.

Incidentally, one of my latest hypnosis downloads is all about boosting self-esteem and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin and to enjoy being you. You can and should learn how to talk to yourself in the same way you would take to someone you love and want the best for. You can and should celebrate your uniqueness, the very essence of who and how you are.

In fact, as Mama Cass sang (and now copied by Paloma Faith), “nobody can tell you, there’s only one song worth singing” because,

“You gotta make your own kind of music, sing your own special song

Make your own kind of music

Even if nobody else sings along.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Esteem

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is the value and worth you place on yourself. It influences how you think about yourself, how you treat yourself and how you respond to challenges, criticism and setbacks.

Why do I compare myself to other people?

Many people compare themselves to others when confidence is low. Unfortunately, we often compare our weaknesses to other people’s strengths, which can make us feel worse rather than better.

Can self-esteem improve?

Absolutely. Self-esteem is not fixed. As people become less self-critical, more accepting of themselves and more aware of their strengths, self-esteem often begins to improve naturally.

Can hypnotherapy help self-esteem?

Many people find hypnotherapy helps reduce anxiety, self-doubt and negative thinking while increasing confidence, self-belief and emotional resilience.

 

Support for Self-Esteem

If low self-esteem, self-doubt or anxiety have been affecting your life, support is available.

You can learn more here:

• Confidence & Self-Esteem Hub
• Confidence & Self-Esteem Hypnotherapy in Ely
• Hypnotherapy Reviews in Ely

Or arrange a free initial consultation to discuss what might help.

So forget what others may think, forget what has happened or might happen and get out there and create your own story, and sing your own special song.

Go and make your own kind of music!

To your health and happiness,

Dan Regan

Self-Esteem Hypnotherapy in Ely and Newmarket

 

Want to find out more about working with me to boost your self-esteem? Book your complimentary consultation and let’s have a chat about it.

And while you’re waiting for my reply, you may want to have a look at what other people have said about the changes they’ve enjoyed achieving.