Developing Self-Esteem Through Self-Reflection

What is self-reflection?

Let’s start by explaining self-reflection 🧐. It’s the act of thinking about oneself, one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s a conscious and voluntary process aimed at better understanding ourselves. It involves asking questions 👉 Why did I react that way? What does this situation reveal about me? What are my core values? How do my choices align with who I am, or not?

It’s an analytical approach that calls on our mind and logic. We try to break down our defense mechanisms and internal processes to better understand them and possibly adjust them.

Why Practice Self-Reflection to Build Self-Esteem?

"Know thyself" - Socrates

This quote is important because it’s essential for our well-being to clearly identify our needs, to learn to love and accept ourselves as we are 😉. Self-reflection allows us to know ourselves deeply, and it’s a crucial foundation for building strong self-confidence.

However, knowing ourselves well and being able to take a step back is also a great way to live better with others. Indeed, by being more in tune with our feelings, we are better able to manage our emotions and reactions towards others. Understanding our own weaknesses also makes us more empathetic and attentive to others.

It’s easier to have healthy relationships when we know how to listen to ourselves and set boundaries.

👋 You might be interested in this article: What exactly is empathy?

So, How Do You Practice Self-Reflection in Practice?

It’s all well and good to explain the why, but now it’s time to talk about the “how.” If self-reflection helps boost our self-esteem, that’s great, but how do we achieve it? In my opinion, there are 7 tips to follow, which I’ve found in various readings on the subject:

• 1. Acknowledge your strengths and qualities 💪. Reflect on what you do well, your successes, and the compliments you’ve received. Write them down to remember them.
• 2. Identify your weaknesses without judging yourself 😌. Accept them as areas for improvement, not flaws. Practice self-compassion.
• 3. Set realistic and achievable goals 🎯. Think about the steps needed to get there. Celebrate each small victory to reinforce your confidence.
• 4. Question your negative and irrational thoughts 💭. Ask yourself if they are valid or helpful. Replace them with more positive and constructive thoughts.
• 5. Focus on the present and future rather than the past 👀. Learn from your mistakes without dwelling on them. Look ahead to the future.
• 6. Cultivate gratitude 🥺. Reflect daily on the positive things in your life, even the small ones. Appreciate what you have and who you are.
• 7. Take care of yourself 🥰. Think about how to better meet your needs. Make time for activities that recharge you.

Improving self-esteem through self-reflection is a process that requires consistency. Learning to listen to yourself takes time, but it’s so worth it. Ready to open up to yourself then 🥳?

But also:

• Stop Saying "If You Don’t Love Yourself, No One Else Will"
• What is a Dynamic Spiral?
• Lack of Self-Esteem Affects How You Manage Your Money