To observe Annual Boost Self-Esteem Month, Kindness-Compassion-and-Coaching.com published a series of posts about this intriguing subject. If you would like to read the series from the beginning, please start with this piece: Self-Esteem: What You Need to Know and Secrets Revealed. Today’s post focuses on how to detect healthy self-esteem in a woman as well as the benefits of healthy self-esteem.
High Self-Esteem vs. Healthy Self-Esteem in a Woman
Before we dive into the signs of healthy self-esteem in women, let’s talk for a minute about the term “healthy self-esteem”. Many use the term interchangeably with “high self-esteem” but the two are actually different in subtle but important ways.
High Self-Esteem
High self-esteem refers to having a favorable view of oneself and feeling a sense of worth and value.
While high self-esteem can be beneficial in that it can promote resilience, and nourish motivation and well-being, it can also have potential pitfalls when taken to an extreme.
Excessive focus on maintaining high self-esteem can lead to narcissistic tendencies and a disproportionate need for external validation.
People with high self-esteem may also engage in too many comparisons to others, which contributes to a negative mindset.
Healthy Self-Esteem in a Woman
On the other hand, healthy self-esteem encompasses not just positive self-perceptions, but also an accurate and balanced view of oneself.
It involves accepting both strengths and weaknesses, recognizing that no one person is perfect, and in acknowledging personal growth areas.
Healthy self-esteem is grounded in self-awareness, self-compassion, and a realistic assessment of one’s abilities and limitations.
It allows for a more holistic approach to self-worth, where people are less preoccupied with seeking constant external validation and more focused on personal growth and well-being.
While high self-esteem emphasizes positive self-perceptions and self-value, healthy self-esteem goes beyond that by incorporating self-awareness, self-compassion, self-responsibility, a balanced view of oneself and more.
It promotes personal growth, resilience, and a more grounded sense of self-worth.
Signs of Healthy Self-Esteem in a Woman
Self-esteem is a complex and multifaceted construct, and every person’s experience varies. However, there are some common signs that are generally regarded as indicators.
Here are some common indicators of healthy self-esteem in a woman:
- Women with healthy self-esteem have a genuine acceptance and love for themselves as a whole, recognizing their unique qualities and strengths.
- They stay true to themselves and their values, not being overly concerned with seeking approval or conforming to societal expectations.
- Women with healthy self-esteem prioritize their own needs and well-being and make decisions that align with their values and desires, rather than solely trying to please others.
- They have positive and supportive inner dialogue, challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, and cultivating a compassionate and affirming self-narrative.
- Women with healthy self-esteem establish and maintain boundaries in their relationships, recognizing their own worth and advocating for their needs.
- They demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and challenges, viewing them as learning opportunities rather than personal failures, and bouncing back with a sense of determination.
- Women with healthy self-esteem prioritize self-care activities that nurture their well-being, such as engaging in hobbies, practicing self-care rituals, and prioritizing rest and relaxation.
- They cultivate healthy and mutually supportive relationships, surrounding themselves with people who respect and value them for who they are.
Benefits of Healthy Self-Esteem
Having healthy self-esteem can bring numerous benefits to women. Some of the key benefits include:
- Women with healthy self-esteem tend to have better mental well-being, experiencing lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. They have a more positive outlook on life and are better equipped to handle challenges and adversities.
- Healthy self-esteem boosts women’s confidence and belief in their abilities, enabling them to take on new opportunities and pursue their goals with a greater sense of self-assurance. This can lead to increased success and satisfaction in various areas of life, such as career, relationships, and personal growth.
- Women with healthy self-esteem are more resilient and better equipped to cope with setbacks and failures. They have a stronger belief in their own worth and capabilities, enabling them to bounce back and learn from challenges, rather than being overwhelmed by them.
- Healthy self-esteem is associated with better quality relationships. Women with healthy self-esteem are more likely to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, make healthier relationship choices, and attract positive and supportive people into their lives.
- Women with healthy self-esteem tend to make decisions that are aligned with their values and aspirations, as they trust their judgment and intuition. This can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
- Healthy self-esteem is linked to overall improved well-being and higher levels of life satisfaction. Women with healthy self-esteem are more likely to prioritize self-care, engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, and cultivate a positive and balanced lifestyle.
Self-esteem is a complex and complicated concept. The benefits of healthy self-esteem in a woman can vary significantly.
Nonetheless, in general, developing and maintaining healthy self-esteem can have a profound positive impact on many aspects of a woman’s life.
It’s worth reflecting on our own self-esteem to determine if we have opportunities to develop a healthier mindset and outlook regarding our own innate, intrinsic value, and also to consider how we interact with others who may require extra support or understanding.
So, let’s do all we can to cultivate the self-esteem in all woman – in ourselves, and in each other.
If you would like to move onto the next post in this series, check out: Self-Worth Worksheet: An Easy Way to Strengthen Self-Esteem.
For a comprehensive overview of self-esteem and self-worth, visit Self-Esteem Activities: How to Rediscover Self-Worth Now.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of Kindness-Compassion-and-Coaching.com. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. She is a certified Neuroscience Coach, member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
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