Yearbook 2015-2016 _ Web version

IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM
Dipak H. Gomes (Student Counsellor)
Self-esteem can be defined as a positive feeling
and respect for oneself. It is essentially a
measure of self-worth and importance.
Self-esteem is an important part of one's personality that has been shaped
from very early years. During childhood, if a person's feelings are
respected, thoughts valued, and abilities recognized, the child's selfesteem
gets strengthened. When feelings are trampled upon ("I don't care
about what you think/want"), thoughts belittled ( " What a lousy idea"),
and abilities criticized (" You can never do anything correctly"), the child's
self-esteem remains at a low point of development and is therefore weak.
During the course of time, a person faces many life situations. Depending
upon the success or failure and one's reaction to every significant situation
in life, self-esteem either grows stronger or gets considerably weakened.
A person with a strong self-esteem is able to act towards others in nonthreatening
ways, builds healthy relationships and finds himself
successful. He is confident, dynamic, appreciative, achievement oriented,
contented, and open to change.
Confident
A person with a strong self-esteem knows his strengths and feels secure in
accepting his limitations. He is able to place a lot of confidence in himself
and his ability to handle problems.
Goal-oriented
His goals are always appropriate and realistic. When he sets his
mind on a goal, he is willing to give a lot of himself to achieve
it. He is ready to make efforts, for he knows nothing comes
without the sweat of the brow.
Appreciative
This person feels positively about others. A person who feels
happy and good about himself, can make others feel good about
themselves too. He is able to acknowledge the good in others.
His qualities help him in establishing meaningful relationships.
Contented
This person is able to accept himself with his limitations and
weaknesses while being aware of his assets and strengths. He
looks into the future and sees what he has and can do.
SFXGHIS YEARBOOK 2015-2016
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