I know I still severely lack self-confidence. I think many of us struggle with low self-esteem, especially as women. There are so many societal pressures weighing on us, which can be hard to manage. However, I’ve discovered that through self-reflection, we can work on building our self-esteem. How can turning inward help us kick our insecurities to the curb? And most importantly, how do we do it? Let me explain.
Let’s start by explaining self-reflection 🧐. It’s the act of thinking about oneself, one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s a conscious and voluntary process aimed at better understanding ourselves. It involves asking questions 👉 Why did I react that way? What does this situation reveal about me? What are my core values? How do my choices align with who I am, or not?
It’s an analytical approach that calls on our mind and logic. We try to break down our defense mechanisms and internal processes to better understand them and possibly adjust them.
The Difference with Introspection One might think they are the same, but introspection focuses more on observation, without analysis. It’s about becoming aware of what’s happening within us at a given moment. We focus more on our feelings, perceptions, and intuition. |
"Know thyself" - Socrates
This quote is important because it’s essential for our well-being to clearly identify our needs, to learn to love and accept ourselves as we are 😉. Self-reflection allows us to know ourselves deeply, and it’s a crucial foundation for building strong self-confidence.
However, knowing ourselves well and being able to take a step back is also a great way to live better with others. Indeed, by being more in tune with our feelings, we are better able to manage our emotions and reactions towards others. Understanding our own weaknesses also makes us more empathetic and attentive to others.
It’s easier to have healthy relationships when we know how to listen to ourselves and set boundaries.
👋 You might be interested in this article: What exactly is empathy?
It’s all well and good to explain the why, but now it’s time to talk about the “how.” If self-reflection helps boost our self-esteem, that’s great, but how do we achieve it? In my opinion, there are 7 tips to follow, which I’ve found in various readings on the subject:
Improving self-esteem through self-reflection is a process that requires consistency. Learning to listen to yourself takes time, but it’s so worth it. Ready to open up to yourself then 🥳?
Editorial opinion: Knowing yourself for a richer and happier lifeA better understanding of ourselves is a crucial step towards solid self-esteem. However, it’s sometimes necessary to seek external support. Consulting a psychologist can enrich this inner journey, offering valuable perspectives and tools to navigate the complexities of our thoughts and emotions. Taking care of your mental health is an investment in your well-being. If you feel the need for guidance, don’t hesitate to take that step. Make this choice for yourself, because every step towards better self-awareness is a step towards a richer and happier life. 🤗 Understanding ourselves, accepting ourselves, being happy... It starts here and now! |
But also:
Article presented by Lauren Hart
Writing is a beautiful means of expression that I cannot do without. It has allowed me to channel my hypersensitivity, plus I love writing about psychology and personal development. For me, self-understanding is the best way to move forward!
I often say that I’m a big introvert and that I love being alone. It’s true that I struggle with being around people all the time, but recently, I’ve realized how important social connection is for feeling good. Choosing solitude is one thing, but being forced into it is another. Why do we need others so much? What impact does it have on us? I’ll share my experience with you.
When it comes to sexuality, I believe it's important not to have any taboos (as long as it's legal, of course). So, when someone asks me what pegging is, I have no shame in explaining it. I once asked the question myself and was glad to get a straightforward answer. So, what is pegging? We’re here to give you all the details so you know what it’s about and, who knows, maybe even try it!
Sending your manager a copy of an email, asking who’s responsible for the meeting minutes, or requesting written confirmations for every project... I think we’ve all done it at some point, myself included! I never really thought much about it, but I recently discovered that this behavior has a name: the “Cover Your Ass” syndrome. What does this reveal about life in the workplace? Why is it problematic? Let me explain.
Dealing with a narcissist is never an easy feat, but understanding what makes these toxic personalities tick is key to avoiding their poisonous grip. Now, although these folks like to make people believe they have everything together and are untouchable, the truth couldn't be any further from this false reality. Narcissists worry like just everyone else, and perhaps even more so because they are living behind a mask and are constantly stressed about being exposed. Although they want people to believe that they are strong and resilient, there are certain things that make them sweat and definitely keep them up at night. Discover the 5 things that send them into panic mode.
Is the gaze and approval of others essential for you? Are you incapable of saying no? Do you do everything you can to get yourself noticed? This excessive need to please may well be indicative of a profound uneasiness. Why do you need to feel validated by other people so much? And how can you free yourself from this oppressing tendency? We reveal everything you need to know for a more straightforward lifestyle.
If you know anything about narcissists, you'll surely be aware that they are extremely overly judgmental and critical, especially towards other people. Their faultfinding stems from their perception of ultimate superiority, and therefore legitimizes them in holding people to intimidatingly high standards 👑. However, although they may believe they are pretty much perfect, the reality couldn't be any more different, yet they are slightly more forgiving with themselves. That's right, they are huge hypocrites and go from one extreme to another in a split second. Here we discuss the reasons behind their hypocritical behavior.
People with narcissistic personality disorders love playing games because it reinforces their sense of control and validates their need to pull the strings. Now, the idea of playing games may seem fairly harmless and innocent, but the truth could be further away from the reality when these manipulative personalities are involved. 😱 Indeed, narcissists are always one step ahead of the rest of us, which makes it difficult to recognize when they are toying with people. So, to open your eyes to what they are truly capable of, discover the lengths they’ll go to, to remain on top.
When we’re little, we love them unconditionally and do anything to seek their affection. Our parents are our role models, our inspiration, our protection. Then, when puberty kicks in, and we become teenagers, war sometimes breaks out. This is all very normal, but once the period of hormones and braces has passed, it’s not always a given to love your parents, and that’s okay, plus admitting it feels fantastic!
I’ll be the first to admit that my stubbornness means I’m not exactly the most willing person when it comes to uttering the words ‘I’m sorry’, but I always push through my pride; although unfortunately, the same can’t be said for narcissists... Indeed, people who suffer from this personality disorder will simply never hold their hands up and accept responsibility for their actions, despite how deeply they’ve hurt your feelings. 😱 You know the idiom getting blood from a stone, right? Well, when it comes to apologies from these toxic personalities, nothing is more appropriate, and here are 6 reasons why!
Each one of us has our own weaknesses that hold us back in life; be it at work or in relationships. However, on a more positive note, most of us have the will to work on them and transform them. That being said, once narcissists are brought into the picture, the idea that they want to work on their weaknesses doesn’t exactly seem feasible. For a deeper understanding of these narcissists and more insights into the workings of their minds, discover their weak spots and which pointers they struggle with on a daily basis, yet aren't willing to admit or work on 👎.
