Experiences help to enhance self-esteem

A person motivated to reach a clear understanding of what self-esteem is and how it can be increased may be puzzled by various definitions and prescriptions for raising it. In such situation a person can seek help from an experience person like counselor. Definitions of self-esteem vary considerably in both their breadth and psychological style. From a spontaneous sense a high self-esteem means that one appreciates themselves and inherent worth too. More specifically, it means to have a positive attitude, one should be convinced of once ability and powerful-in control of own lives and able to do what the person wants. In addition, one should know what it means to experience diminished self-esteem, self-depreciation, helplessness, powerlessness and depression.

Importance of self-esteem

The importance of self-esteem can be considered from several perspectives. It is important to normal, psychological development. To adequately cope with the challenges of growing and developing, persons need to believe that they have the capacity to achieve what they need and want to and that they are worthy of happiness and joy in life. Lacking a belief in either of the above, they may be productive in an external sense, but are probably less effective and creative than they would be if they possessed high self-esteem. The effects of self-esteem may also be seen in career planning and decision-making as well.

Help from others

The family is a strong force in the development of self-esteem. The early years are particularly important in establishing an authentic and abiding self-esteem in a person. High parental self-esteem is vital to the ability to look after high self-esteem and personal effectiveness in children.   School climate plays an important role in the development of the self-esteem of students.  Self-esteem and achievement may be either the cause or the effect of each other and the particular situation in which they function. Persons who hold themselves in high esteem are less likely to engage in destructive and self-destructive behavior including child abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, violence and crime. Exclusive attention to just self-esteem or personal achievement may well result in less favorable outcomes in either or both areas than when an approach is used which attends to both self-esteem and achievement.