Raising Youth Self-Esteem

One Man’s Story: Part Four

Self-worth and self-confidence are crucial for a person’s success and happiness. Unfortunately, many young people today are struggling for lack of these qualities due to their past experiences or lack of support. Today I will explore the causes and impact of low self-worth and low self-confidence, and suggest ways young people can overcome these challenges.

One of the primary causes of low self-worth and self-confidence that I have experienced is lack of recognition and appreciation from important people in my life. These include parents, teachers, peers, religious leaders, and community leaders. When one feels that their contributions are not valued or recognized, it can lead to lack of self-esteem and confidence in them. Additionally, experiences of bullying or other negative interactions with peers can also adversely impact self-worth and confidence levels.

Unrealistic expectations or pressure from society or oneself has also contributed to low self-worth and self-confidence in my life. I know most youths out there are often bombarded with messages from mainstream media, social media, families, relatives, and friends that suggest that they need to appear a certain way, have certain possessions, or achieve certain milestones in order to be counted as successful or acceptable. When they are unable to meet these expectations, feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem set in.

The impact of low self-worth and self-confidence can be significant and pervasive. For instance, most of the time in my academic life I could avoid participating in class activities, hesitate to ask questions, or seek help, and this affected me so much that I could not perform to my full potential. In social settings, I could isolate myself, find it difficult to form relationships and had social anxiety. Sometimes I missed job opportunities, found it difficult to negotiate salaries or promotions, and had difficulty starting or running businesses. Lastly, it could also lead me to lack faith or trust in myself, as well as feel disconnected from a higher power or purpose.

So, how can we overcome these challenges and build our self-worth and self-confidence? Here are some suggestions for you. Always practice self-care: this includes taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they might be seen. This will help you build self-esteem and confidence. In my case, for example, when I received my scholarship to study abroad I invited my family, friends, and relatives to join me in thanking God for the opportunity by celebrating a Holy Mass together. That has always built self-esteem in me everywhere I go and in everything I do.

Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out positive relationships with people who encourage and support you. Avoid people who are negative or critical. Sometimes we find it difficult to let some people go even if they are hurting us but the reality is that if their influence on your life is impacting you in a negative way you have to let them go. Always remember that is the same way they will do to you if you are a negative influence on their lives. 

We need to set realistic goals that are achievable and work towards them. This will help build a sense of accomplishment and increase self-confidence. Be kind and compassionate towards yourself. Recognize that everyone is bound to make mistakes and that failure is a natural part of the learning process. You can accomplish this by practicing self-compassion.

If you want to build self-confidence and resilience you need to step out of your comfort zone and take risks. This will help you face your challenges and to build a strong network around yourself. You can also seek help from a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professionals If you discover that you are struggling with low self-worth or self-confidence. They can provide support and guidance on how to overcome these challenges.

Lack of self-worth and self-confidence are the critical issues that most young people are facing which have hindered their success and happiness. Unfortunately, many of them today struggle to acquire these qualities due to past experiences or lack of support. By practicing self-care, celebrating small victories, surrounding themselves with positivity, setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, taking risks, and seeking help when needed, young people can overcome these challenges and build their self-worth and self-confidence. It is also important for parents, teachers, guardians, community leaders, mentors, and role models to recognize the importance of these qualities and support young people in developing them from an early age.

In conclusion, youths who possess self-worth and self-confidence have proven to be invaluable assets to the start-up and entrepreneurial community, and to society at large. These individuals have the courage to take risks and pursue their goals with determination, resilience, and a sense of purpose. They are more likely to persevere through obstacles and setbacks, learn from failures, and create innovative solutions that contribute to economic growth and social progress. Moreover, their confidence and self-assuredness can inspire others and foster a culture of positivity, collaboration, and peace. Overall, investing in the development of self-worth and self-confidence among youths is crucial for building a brighter future for all.

Understanding Critical Aspects of Life–One Man’s Story: Part Three