Message Jim for a Free Consultation at (760) 212‑0444
Low Self-Esteem
Do you NOT think very highly of yourself?
Some of us may not feel confident in life. We can be very self-critical and say harsh things to—or about—ourselves. I’ve heard clients say “I’m worthless. I’m boring. I’m stupid.”
We all have days when we don’t hit our strides—don’t hit grand slams—fall short of expectations. Most of us can bounce back with no problem. Others struggle with not thinking very highly of themselves and have self-critical inner voices. They may not feel comfortable in their own skins. They have negative views of themselves and their world.
POP QUIZ:
- Do you have a self-critical inner voice that tells you that you are worthless?
- Do you have a low opinion of yourself?
- Do you see your world more negatively and critical?
- Do you view yourself as stupid?
- Do you avoid challenges?
- Do you think you won’t amount to anything?
- Do you feel anxious, sad, low, unmotivated, or hopeless?
- Do you feel picked on?
- Do you overcompensate and try hard to prove yourself?
- Do you avoid people, places, or situations?
- Do you dwell on your flaws, failings, weaknesses, or faults?
- Do you not try things because of a fear of failure?
- Did you experience bullying when you were younger?
- As a child, were you harshly punished, neglected, or abused?
- Do you think you are not good enough because you fail to meet the expectations of others?
- Did your parents set unrealistic expectations or standards?
- In social situations, do you feel like you are the odd one out?
- When you were younger, did you feel like you did not receive enough affection, warmth, praise, love, or encouragement?
- When you were younger, were you made to feel good enough, special, or loved?
- Do you have an anxious mind that is focused on danger—that keeps you safe—but also keeps you from challenging your automatic thoughts and developing new ways to view yourself—and that stops you from learning new coping strategies to manage your inner feelings about certain people, places, or situations?
Here’s The Good News!
Nobody is born with low self-esteem—it develops because of the experiences we have throughout our lives. At the center of low self-esteem are the beliefs and opinions we hold about ourselves. We tell ourselves stories about who we are and form conclusions about ourselves. Our opinions about ourselves can become concrete thoughts—set in stone as though they are true for all of time.
In reality, concrete negative beliefs and opinions are just stories—they do not capture the full truth of who we are.
Let’s work together to test your anxious predictions, learn new ways to approach situations that you have been avoiding, reduce your safety behaviors, and challenge your self-criticism. Let’s retrain your brain to focus on the positive—and challenge your bottom line and build a new one.
Message Jim for a Free Consultation at
(760) 212-0444