Building and Enhancing Self Esteem

Monami Haque,Senior Lecturer,

Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ),University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

(ULAB).

Identity and the Self

Aim: To begin exploring the codes that make us who we are and How

we are..

“I am who I am because of the time and place I was born and the culture I was raised in. My family gave me a set of values and so has my town, my religion, my community and my country. Add these all up and that’s who I am”

“I have got an identity – at least my friends seem to think so, but I’m not really sure who I am. I know that I’m more like some people than others, but this changes as I try out new identities. I don’t really want to take on an identity if it means I can’t be different when I want to be”

Consider these two points of view – which approach do you find yourself in most

agreement with?

Self-Esteem…What is it?

..Self-esteem refers to the way we see and think about ourselves..

Self-Esteem…What’s it made of?

..Your self-esteem is made up of all the experiences and interpersonal relationships you’ve had in your life. Everyone you’ve ever met has added to or taken away from how you see yourself..!

Self - Concept Circle• The person I think I am.

• The person others think I am.• The person others think I think I am.

My ActionsOther’s Reactions To

Me

As Others See Me

As I See Myself

Positive Self-Concept

I am an okay person.

I have definite strengths

and abilities.

I can do anything I really want

to do.

I see myself as being as good as my friends.

There are many ways to

solve a problem.

The Effects of High Self-Concept

**People with high self-esteem possess the following characteristics:

-They like to meet new people.-They don’t worry about how others will judge them.-They have the courage to express themselves.

-Their ideas are met with interest because others want to hear what they have to.-They are magnets to positive opportunities.

“I think I can” attitude!

Characteristic of Negative Self-Concept

I am a jerk.

Why try? I could never

do it anyway.

I cannot do anything right.

I am not nearly as good as

my friends.

I knew my plans would not work.

The Effects of Low Self-Esteem**People with low self-esteem possess the following characteristics:

-They don’t believe in themselves.-They see themselves failing before they begin.-They have a hard time forgiving their mistakes and make themselves pay the price forever.

- They are dissatisfied with their lives. -They spend most of their time alone. -They complain and criticize.

“I can’t do it” attitude

•An individual with a high self esteem is confident, dynamic, appreciative, achievement-oriented, content and open to change.

•On the contrary, research has shown that low self esteem is linked with feelings of hopelessness and suicidal tendencies.

•If one does not value or cherish oneself, then there is no incentive to protect or work for the progress of that self.

Importance of Self Esteem

A healthy self-esteem is based on:• An ability to assess the self

accurately.• An ability to accept and value the

self unconditionally.• Realistically acknowledge strengths

and limitations.• Accepting the self as worthy and

worthwhile without conditions or reservations.

Self Esteem and its Basis

Some of the early experiences contributing to selfimage are:• Early childhood shaping through reward

and punishment.• Parental dispute and inconsistencies

in disciplining.• Controlled parenting and failing to

meet parental• expectations.• Comparison with other siblings or

peers.• School pressure and neglect by

teachers.• Peer pressure and inability to live up

to their expectations.• Belonging to a social group which is

the focus of prejudice.

Early Experiences and Self Esteem

The bottom line e.g. the conclusions, judgments and views about oneself are established -

• I am bad and awful• I am not capable• I can’t do it• I am a burden on others.• I am not worthy• I am stupid• I am.....

Impact of Life Experiences on Self Talk

• Low self esteem distorts judgment about self perception.

• The knowledge about one’s self critical thinking is the first step in helping to modify one’s belief system which lead to formation of strong convictions.

• It is not necessary that self perception and reality are at

Importance of Self Talk

Final Thought• You are a unique individual. No one else is like you in the whole world. This makes you special already!

• Our time in this world is limited. Make it happen for you so you leave your mark in history!

‘Everyday, a

nd in everyw

ay,

I am becomin

g better and

better’

I can!I am!I will

!!

A Note to Remember

Thanks Everyone for Attending!!!