InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
August 23-24-25, 2024
The focus for today (and the weekend) is:
I base my self-esteem (and that of my children)
on doing better, not being better.
Today's inspiration was written by Simon Sherry, Dalhousie University:
Self-esteem is the sense of value we have for ourselves. It’s how we perceive ourselves: whether we think we are worthy and competent, whether we think we belong, whether we like ourselves.
It’s impossible for us all to be exceptional and outperform our peers. By assuming those things, we set ourselves up for constant blows to our self-esteem. Instead, we can try to base self-esteem on doing better, not being better. Behaving in ways that align with our goals, and giving ourselves something to be proud of, will develop self-esteem that isn’t contingent on results or others’ opinions.
When building self-esteem in others, this means complimenting their efforts, not their results. For example, telling your child “Wow, you worked so hard on this!” or “Wow, you’re learning so much!” instead of “Wow, you’re so smart!” Kids can’t control how smart they are, and they’ll never excel at every subject, so those things shouldn’t define their self-worth. The same goes for adults.
CONTINUE READING:
Today's inspiration was adapted from the InnerSelf.com article:
Redefining Self-Esteem: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
by Simon Sherry, Dalhousie University.
Read the complete article here.
About The Author: Simon Sherry, Clinical Psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University
This is Marie T. Russell, co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, wishing you a day of being appreciative of the things you, and others, do (today and every day)
Comment from Marie: If you're like many people, you have this inner critic who is quick to call you names when you do something wrong. It will say things like, you're such an idiot, or you messed up again, etc. etc. Focusing on what didn't turn out well (we all make mistakes after all) gives a blow to self-esteem. Rather, remember to give yourself -- and others -- compliments and appreciation for the things that are done right. Nice job!
Our focus for today (and the weekend): I base my self-esteem (and that of my children) on doing better, not being better.
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