I consider that the term "self-esteem" should have centrally stood as a word, defining the value and importance a person has put in himself or herself, and such being perfectly identified by others as what it is; self-esteem of course. But when the word "low" is getting added to it, then I think there's a loophole somewhere. This loophole—created as a result of a failure to align with the supposed character of the word—has birthed something as "low self-esteem", as well "high self-esteem".
The character of low self-esteem has been the reality of many persons. One tends to feel many times they are not just good enough or don't deserve whatsoever it is. The big question is, "if you aren't deserving or worth it, then who is? And what makes them so deserving that you aren't”. This brings to mind the reasons behind such a mindset.
Some reasons behind the low self-esteem character can be attributed to things like an upbringing issue. Many while growing never received encouraging words—words of affirmation and confidence, even love—from their loved ones so it tends to become an issue when they try to embrace this reality later outside in life, while grown. When all you get are negative words, they surely take a toll on you.
Another of such reasons can be the positive quality of life embraced in one's mind. Some persons never agree that things can get right and beautiful for them in life; probably for some things they hear always. As a result, such individuals inadvertently become skeptical about themselves too.
One thing I'll like to say also is a failure to find one's place in life. This entails finding something unique that one is good at—could be skills, talents—and putting the best of efforts to groom it, then watch men come to honour it with their resources. When a person grows and sees others having the pleasure of this, it tends to affect his or her own self-worth.
Understanding these reasons will be highly beneficial to proffering a solution—which I'll say strategies—to overcome the low self-esteem mindset.
First, I'll say this is a battle of the mind. One has to recognise their inherent beauty and potential. Even if it be that no words of affirmations and affections have come such a person's way, they have the duty to now ensure they say those words to themselves, consistently and daily. When the mind is won, all others fall in place. No negativity should be allowed to have its way.
Another, build confidence in self and one's abilities. Have this resonating belief in your abilities that you can do and become what you want. Understand it that such things you desire, no person has a monopoly of it. At such you strive in those things and watch yourself excel.
Finding out one’s uniqueness and growing in it. These could be in skills and the talents thereof. When these are recognised, discovered and refined, it's impossible to not see much value in oneself at the end of the day. It's a world where value is respected, and people are valued for themselves and the things they bear, which they can do.
Read books, listen to sound podcasts and commentaries that address such issues. These will have a reorientation on one's mindset. Having grabbed some of these knowledge and ideas, put them to pen and paper as reminders, or on phone to help re-establish them for times when a hint of doubt and disapproval might come knocking.
I find these as some helpful strategies for the case of low self-esteem. Of course, this can't be all. Nevertheless, I affirm that these mentioned have the capacity to see one scale from a low self-esteem character to a high one. However, be mindful of pride creeping in.
Images are mine.
