Suhani Vaidya

5 Factors Affecting Self Esteem

Self Esteem is the overall opinion you have of yourself.

Sense of self-doubt, you are overly apologetic, Perfectionism, procrastination, negative self-image, needing to prove your worth, and being a workaholic - a way to prove yourself are all symptoms of low self-esteem.

Surprised?

I wasn't aware I struggled with low self-esteem. I worried about other people's opinions, and no matter what I did, how I showed up, or how much I achieved, nothing was ever good enough. And this led to me lacking fulfilment & purpose and happiness in my life and career.

Working on myself and learning the tools and strategies helped me build my self-esteem, gain confidence, and start believing in myself and my abilities to help and guide others. What an incredible journey!

Are you struggling with low self-esteem? Here are some of the factors that affect your self-esteem.

1. Your experiences:
The most obvious factor that can affect your self-esteem is your childhood experiences. Most of the beliefs you hold about yourself reflect the messages you receive from teachers, parents, siblings, peers and those who influenced you.

2. Your potential:
Another factor that can impact your self-esteem is your level of achievement or success. It can be easy to start doubting yourself if you don't feel like you're reaching your full potential.

3. The opinions of others:
What others think of you also influences how you see yourself. If you constantly feel like you're being criticised or devalued by others, you are more likely to struggle with poor self-esteem.

4. Your personal relationships:
How you interact with those around you can also affect your self-esteem. It can be challenging to feel good about yourself if you don't feel like you have healthy or supportive relationships.

5. Your mental health:
Finally, your own thoughts and perceptions are a significant factor in self-esteem. Constantly focusing on your weakness and flaws leads to depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues; it can be hard to feel positive about yourself.

If you're struggling with low self-esteem, it's important to remember that several factors can contribute to it.

Have you tried everything but still feel like you are not good enough? Let's connect; I would love to help you. Book a complimentary session - https://bit.ly/3mHXu2j

How To Say No Without Feeling Guilty

Why is it so hard for many of us to say no?

It can be tough to say no, especially when feeling pressured or obligated. We may worry about disappointing others or fear that we'll seem rude or uncooperative. But saying no is essential in caring for our needs and setting healthy boundaries so we can say yes to ourselves.

I used to be very uncomfortable saying no to others. Working from home part-time with a two-year-old toddler, completely overwhelmed with my workload, I remember saying yes to taking on a new project in my corporate job. I knew very well at the time it was a bad idea. But I was afraid of saying no. Feeling guilty, they wouldn't like or accept me or even fire me.

As a result of saying yes to everyone, I felt like I was treated as a doormat at home and work. But now I realize it's not only okay to say no but also necessary.

So if you're afraid to say no, remember it's okay. It doesn't mean you don't care about others; saying no is the best thing you can do for yourself and others from the get-go.

Four strategies to say no without guilt:

1. Learn to say NO without justifying yourself.

Fear of saying no is one part; the other is we usually justify the reason. Justifying why we are saying no reinforces our need to please others. A simple "No, I can't help you with that today" is enough.

2. Be persevering.

It is an opportunity to get a little uncomfortable and stand your ground by practising persistence. Stick to your decision firmly and politely.

3. Give yourself permission to say NO.

It's Okay to honour your needs and respect your priorities. It's important to remember you are not responsible for everyone else's needs but yourself.

4. Practice saying no.

The more you practice, the easier it will become. Start with small opportunities and work your way up to bigger ones.

Saying no can be challenging at first, but it gets easier with practice and saves you from burnout. It's worth preserving your sanity in the long run.

Saying no can be tricky, but doing what's best for you is essential.

Want to learn the art of saying no without feeling guilty?

Book a complimentary session with me today - https://bit.ly/3mHXu2j