Modernity has most of us familiar with using the terms “self-esteem”, “self-image”, and “self-confidence” on a regular basis, but how many people know, exactly, what self-esteem really is? How many people are plagued by a low self-esteem yet don’t understand why or how to improve it? How many people live, day-in and day-out, with low self-esteem and don’t even recognise that’s the cause of their poor quality of life?

Self-esteem is the perception one has about him or herself. It is best conceptualised as a continuum, wherein people move between two poles: high and low self-esteem. Where one exists on this self-esteem continuum has a direct effect on how they live their life, the decisions they make, and how they perceive the world – and people – around them.

Higher self-esteem is a result of positive feelings one may have about his or herself. The inverse is true for those with low self-esteem.

It is easy to fall into self-esteem traps. These traps have people comparing themselves to others – often comparing their insides to other people’s outsides. When you compare yourself to someone else, insecurities you may have about yourself can become highlighted – more intense – and the result is a negative self-image. Sometimes it doesn’t even take comparing yourself to someone else; bad self-esteem can be a result of unrealistic expectations you have of yourself. Developing bad habits around self-esteem can lead someone down a road of negativity that becomes a lasting personality trait.

If not treated, you may lose sight of your own individuality, the value of your own identity, the dignity of your own experience – the essence of who you are.

Improving your self-esteem is challenging. It takes time, honesty, and – above all – courage. But, the lasting effects of this vital work are worth the effort. It’s important to remember that self-esteem has a direct relationship with the quality of your life.

Consider the idea that learning how to improve any skill takes knowledge, practice, and a coach. None of us wake up with the requisite skills to, say, compete in a highly specialized, competitive athletic competition or create a fine work of art. Self-esteem parallels other types of skills; it takes learning, practice, and counselling.

I can help you identify areas that undermine self-esteem, very often they are hard to see on your own. I can help you change your perception of what defines you – to creating your own self-image. High self-esteem comes from accepting who you truly are, and not depending on that acceptance from others. I can help you develop the skills and tools you need to define yourself by your own, healthy standards.

“Always be yourself. Every famous person I met had this advice. Never be afraid to be yourself, and never be afraid to take risks. People who don’t take risks never go anywhere.”
Larry King, Television and Radio Interviewer