ADDRESSING LOW SELF ESTEEM AND INSECURITY

Low self esteem and Insecurity need to be addressed on a serious note, and just as insecurity simply means the state of being insecure or unsafe; liability to give way, be lost, or become unsafe or fraught with danger; want of secureness or stability; instability; liability to damage or loss: as, the insecurity of a staircase or of a foundation, low self esteem has to do with loss of confidence in oneself in all capacity and perspectives.

Moving on, insecurity can be attributed to lack of assurance or confidence, especially in regard to one’s safety, or the security or stability of something; apprehensiveness of change, loss, or damage; doubt; uncertainty: as, a feeling of insecurity pervaded the community.

Insecurity is characterised by a weak and suggestible ego. This makes a person unable to perform tasks for fear of failure.

However, insecurity has nothing to do with inability. Many individuals of the past who possessed great talents were, deep down, extremely insecure.

Effects of Insecurity

An insecure person tends to be caught up in the following adverse effects:

• Lack of achievement: These persons do not perform well at work; not because of lack of ability, but because they do not possess the necessary self-confidence.
• Emotional Dependence: Such people need permanent support from others.
• Weak Ego: Behind a normal appearance (sometimes arrogant) the person hides feelings of inferiority and is very sensitive to others’ actions in reference to him/herself
• Avoidance Behaviour
• Tendency to timidity and loneliness
• Prone to guilt: He or she experiences remorse for something uncertain

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How to Overcome Low Self Esteem and Insecurity

Insecurity may be eliminated by experiencing success and triumph. It is also useful to:

• Seek social relationships;
• Aim at emotional independence from others;
• Become conscious of one’s rights;
• Practise self-discipline, effort and sense of duty;
• Trust in God

Insecurity and Low Self Esteem cont’d

 

Insecurity is linked to low self-esteem, most times. Those who undervalue themselves perform tasks at an inferior level. Self – assurance is a good emotional habit that can reinforce self-esteem and self-identity

In the following example, two Workers were laid off due to retrenching. Both held a similar position and had the same age and experience. However, their attitude and reactions to being laid off were different.

Worker A                                             Worker B

The difference between the two is that A attributed failure to himself, whereas B relates it to external circumstances, while recognising the need to do something to improve his situation.

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If you have the tendency to devalue yourself and feel insecure, try the following:

• Focus your thoughts on your positive traits
• Do not be too hard on yourself in your inner dialogue
• Trust that the present and the future will be good
• Encourage yourself
• Do not blame yourself for all failures
• Do not diminish deserved merits for your victories
• List your praiseworthy characteristics

Comforting Words

Jesus said: ‘For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict’ (Luke 21:15).

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