Low self-esteem is a common issue that affects many people worldwide. I want to talk about it from a different perspective. But what is the root cause of low self-esteem? Well to be honest, personal belief.

Now there are multiple factors that tie into low self-esteem but the most important part about it is believing that you can change it. That you not a hopeless case. That it is possible to get out of, which includes believing in yourself.

Unraveling the Root Causes. Factors That Can Feed Low-Self Esteem.

One of the main causes of low self-esteem stems from experiences during early childhood. An unhappy childhood where parents or other significant figures such as teachers were extremely critical can plant the seeds of low self-esteem. These critical voices often become internalized, leading to a persistent feeling of not being good enough.

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse may also be striking and overt causes of low self-esteem. Being forced into a physical and emotional state of vulnerability and fear can severely impact an individual’s sense of self-worth and confidence.

Another key factor that contributes to low self-esteem is ongoing stressful life events, such as relationship breakdowns or financial troubles. These situations can make individuals feel out of control, leading to feelings of inadequacy and failure.

01 The Role of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is another contributing factor to low self-esteem. When we constantly strive for unattainable standards of perfection, we set ourselves up for inevitable failure. This cycle of striving and failing can lead to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.

02 The Impact of Loss or Trauma

Loss or trauma can also play a significant role in the development of low self-esteem. The death of a loved one, divorce, a major illness or injury, or abuse at the hands of someone you trusted can leave you feeling vulnerable and unworthy. These experiences can shake your sense of self and lead to low self-esteem. It’s important to know, that even though this trauma can have a major impact, you can still choose to believe that you are worth it. That you can do what you want to. It is just a little hard work, some grit, and a decision to believe that you got this.

03 The Effect of Poor Academic Performance

Poor academic performance in school can result in a lack of confidence and contribute to low self-esteem. Children who struggle academically often compare themselves negatively to their peers, leading to feelings of incompetence and low self-esteem.

04 Body Image

Body image, or the perception and attitudes one has towards their physical appearance, plays a significant role in self-esteem. In today’s society, we compare ourselves to other people. Media and popular culture often promote unrealistic beauty standards that are hard to attain. When individuals compare themselves to these standards and find they fall short, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, unattractiveness, and low self-worth, contributing to low self-esteem. Moreover, body shaming or negative comments about one’s appearance from others can further exacerbate these feelings. This negative body image can lead to a harmful cycle, where dissatisfaction with one’s body feeds into low self-esteem, which in turn leads to further negative body image. It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different and unique, and self-worth should not be tied solely to physical appearance. Cultivating a positive body image involves recognizing your body’s strengths, appreciating its functionality, and practicing self-love and acceptance, which can significantly improve self-esteem.

One of the ways to overcome this is to begin the journey of physical health. Start small, get out, and go walk for 15 minutes every day. Drink water. Count calories. Once you start it will be so much easier to move into bigger habits. The hardest part is starting and you can do this, I promise you that you can do this. Just believe in yourself.

05 Core Beliefs

The root cause of low self-esteem often stems from a cycle of self-doubt and self-devaluation. This negative loop begins when we question our abilities, talents, or worth, leading us to underestimate ourselves. This self-doubt can breed a damaging pattern of self-devaluation, where we consistently undervalue our accomplishments, attributes, and potential. This devaluation further feeds into our self-doubt, creating a harmful cycle that erodes our self-esteem over time. A significant part of this problem is the lack of real work done on self-evaluation and self-improvement. Instead of confronting our doubts or insecurities, we tend to avoid them, leading to a failure to recognize our true worth. When we neglect to do the ‘real work’ of introspection, self-acceptance, and growth, it results in a distorted self-perception and perpetuates low self-esteem. Therefore, breaking this cycle requires us to face our doubts head-on, validate our worth, and commit to the ongoing process of self-improvement.

Healing the Root Cause of Low Self-Esteem

Understanding the root causes of low self-esteem is the first step towards healing. It’s important to remember that these root causes are not definitive. They are experiences and situations that have led to a belief – a belief that can be changed.

Self-worth and self-belief form the core solutions to overcoming low self-esteem. Feelings of worthlessness or incompetence are often emotional responses that do not necessarily reflect reality. They are subjective interpretations of our experiences, rather than factual assessments of our abilities or value. Overcoming low self-esteem involves changing how we see ourselves, which starts with choosing to love and believe in ourselves. It’s about acknowledging our inherent worth and potential, regardless of external circumstances or opinions. Practical daily habits can significantly contribute to building self-belief and confidence. Making your bed each morning, for instance, is a small task but accomplishing it kick-starts your day with a sense of achievement. Regular exercise like going to the gym not only improves physical health but also boosts mental well-being and resilience. Accomplishing work or personal tasks gives a sense of productivity and competence, reinforcing the belief in our abilities. These small victories accumulate over time, gradually building up our self-confidence and helping us recognize our worth. Remember, the journey to higher self-esteem is a process, one that begins with the decision to value, respect, and believe in oneself.

Working through past experiences, managing ongoing stressors, challenging perfectionistic tendencies, and seeking professional help when needed are all crucial steps in rebuilding self-esteem. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to overcome low self-esteem and build a positive, healthy sense of self-worth.

Journaling

Journaling can be a powerful tool in the journey towards healing and building self-worth. It provides a safe space for self-expression, introspection, and self-assessment. As we put our thoughts, feelings, and experiences into words, we gain a clearer understanding of where we are in our personal journey. Journaling encourages us to confront our innermost fears, doubts, and insecurities, bringing them to the surface where they can be examined and addressed. This process allows us to identify patterns of negative self-talk or behaviors that undermine our self-worth. Moreover, journaling helps us chart a course for the future. By reflecting on our entries, we can identify areas of growth, set personal goals, and track our progress towards achieving them. In essence, journaling is not just about recording our experiences but actively participating in our own journey of self-improvement. It’s about acknowledging our worth, celebrating our victories, learning from our setbacks, and persistently moving forward toward a healthier perception of ourselves.

To be honest hard work and determination will help you overcome a lot of low self-esteem issues. The other side is changing your core beliefs. If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, just remember that you got this, you can do it, don’t hesitate to seek help, and you’re worth it! Whatever you need to do to move forward, you are worth it.