Chapter 1: The Misconceptions of Self-Esteem

For a long time, I held erroneous beliefs about self-esteem.

Until recently, I believed that self-worth was either something one is born with, developed from a young age, or earned through accomplishments. Deep down, I also had the notion that a positive self-view could be attained through a shift in perspective, but only for those deemed "worthy."

I thought that my only path to a better self-image lay in achievements. I believed that attributes like attractiveness, financial success, and accomplishments would lead to validation from others, which in turn would bolster my self-worth. I perceived my low self-esteem as a mere reflection of my perceived lack of achievements, thinking that overcoming it was feasible.

I never considered low self-esteem as a barrier to my aspirations or my overall life trajectory. While I often felt embarrassed and ashamed, I didn't think it would significantly affect my life's outcomes. If something didn’t go my way, I attributed it to my lack of deserving it rather than acknowledging the role of my low self-esteem. I was unaware of the detrimental cycle this mindset perpetuated.

When I finally attained many of the milestones I believed would validate my self-worth, I was taken aback to discover that my inner critic remained unchanged. As life settled and the rush to meet my goals subsided, I found the space to reflect.

I came to two profound realizations: My self-esteem influenced nearly every aspect of my actions, words, and feelings, profoundly affecting my life's direction. It shaped my ability to learn, my reactions to others' successes, and my earning potential. I also recognized that my sense of self was unlikely to evolve simply through more accomplishments.

I once engaged in a thought experiment, pondering, “How would I feel if I achieved XYZ?” Specifically, “What if I studied X?”, “What if I looked like Y?”, or “What if I earned Z overnight?” The answers revealed that my self-perception remained largely unchanged.

These insights led me to one final conclusion: Everything I believed about self-esteem was fundamentally flawed.

I can’t be the only one who has misjudged this concept. As I embark on my journey toward self-acceptance, I've encountered valuable resources and guidance. I plan to start a series where I will share the lessons I learn along the way, and I hope to gather even more wisdom. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

Section 1.1: The Impact of Self-Esteem

Self-esteem significantly affects our daily lives, influencing how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world.

Chapter 2: A New Perspective on Self-Esteem

In this chapter, we will explore various resources and insights that challenge traditional views on self-esteem.

The first video, "Positive Self Esteem: Summer School Series," offers valuable insights into building a healthy self-image.

The second video, "#RETHINK | Building confidence and self-esteem series - episode 1," delves into essential strategies for enhancing self-esteem and confidence.