Session 3 3.1
Self-image and self-esteem
Self-esteem is tied to your self-image. What is selfimage? Everyone has an image formed of others and themselves. You can think someone is smart, funny, and loyal, or boring and stupid. The opinion you have about yourself and others can correspond with reality more, or less. The way you think about yourself and others, largely determines how you interact with others. The image we have of ourselves, is not always conscious, but it does determine how we feel, and it affects our behaviour. If you think of yourself as boring and say you have a reception this afternoon, then you are at risk of acting reserved, being silent and thus confirming you are boring. Then the vicious circle is complete. Because our self-image is key to what we do, it is important to know if our self-image matches the reality. Someone with a positive self-image is very capable of facing his weaknesses and admitting mistakes and blunders. You will not talk yourself down, but you see it the way it is, it is something to learn from. You do not have to think: ‘how stupid of me, I’m an idiot’. Someone with a positive and realistic self-image thinks: ‘next time I will do it differently.
Session 3
3.1.1 The use of self-reflection Self-reflection means that you dare to face your thinking and behaviour. It is the ability to look at yourself critically. It is useful and can help you to improve behaviour. Knowing where you stand, makes for that you can adjust your behaviour. If you want to become a hairdresser but you do not cut hair fast enough, it can be useful for you to get more practice first to develop your skills. A realistic view of where you stand, ensures that you what know what else you can learn.
If you look at growing self-esteem, it is worthwhile to honestly check if you judge yourself excessively negative. If that is the case, you must exercise a little more compassion for yourself.
Rebalance
Personal coaching and couples therapy
32