Title: Self-Esteem Struggles and Strategies That Can Help
Headings: Self-Esteem Struggles and Strategies That Can Help
Self-Esteem Struggles and Strategies That Can Help
The Origin of Self-Esteem Struggles
Why Some People Struggle But Not Others
Challenges & Strategies to Build Self-Esteem

Content: Similarly, for some, taking an accurate look at their limitations and even strengths can be sobering. Since “self-acceptance doesn’t mean whistling a happy tune and feeling great all the time,” Howes says, some people may be wary of assessing their attributes. “ Both [strengths and weaknesses] could mean we have some work to do — using our talents or working on our shortcomings.” When working with clients to improve their self-esteem, Gertsen also runs into various challenges. Clients might lack social support, repeat behaviors that create negative results or dismiss or not appreciate their positive qualities. Fortunately, there are many ways to bolster self-esteem. Howes helps his clients “gain some perspective and see that while they may have work to do in one area (procrastination or physical health, for example), they have many other qualities of equal or greater importance (intelligence, loyalty, kindness, for example).” Doing charitable work also can help someone chip away at their low self-esteem, because, according to Howes, “It’s hard to simultaneously hold onto self-hatred when you’re actively engaged in acts of charity.” He says that it’s tougher for people to rationalize that they’re terrible if they’re helping others, thereby helping to quell negative self-talk. “ When people begin to care for others they’re doing, feeling and creating goodness.