What is Self esteem?

“Light your own fire.” Buddha


What is self esteem? There are many definitions to it. Let’s look at the characteristics that high-esteemed students have.

Lishner [1997] has summarized the characteristics of high esteem students.

Displays initiative, independence, curiosity and confidence
Show pride in their work
Trust their ideas
Set goals independently
Explore and ask questions
Initiate activities with confidence
Adapt to changes or stress
Tolerate frustration
Are comfortable with transitions
Can adjust to change
Describe self in positive terms
Have a cheerful mood

Having looked at it, can you judge how you would rate yourself if you look at yourself through the lens of the above characteristics?

There are many tests in the internet to gauage your level of self esteem.The results may vary from tests to tests. i would go into detail at another time. Nevertheless there is an important point you must remember.

If self esteem is dependent on reward, recognition, performance than that self esteem is external to you. When self esteem can be earned or bestowed by others upon you then the danger is it can be easily be lost or taken away by others.

But on the other hand if self esteem is internal, personally held, controlled by you then it can be sustained.

EXERCISE

This exercise is about boosting self confidence and self esteem.
Close you eyes.
Put a smile of contentment on your face.
Before you open your eyes make your entire body feel the energy of contentment fill you up.
The smile generates good brain chemistry inside of you.
Do it before you leave your house to school.
Do it before each class starts or even before your game.
Do it for this week and see the changes inside of you and in class.
Write about it in your journal.