Did you know 85% have low self-esteem?

Several studies have revealed that 85% of American adults suffer from low self-esteem. That means that only 15% of American adults are confident and satisfied with who they are.?

Have you ever considered where you might fall in these statistics??

Before you answer, please stop and take a deep breath.?

Now, be honest with yourself.?

To what degree do you suffer from poor self-esteem??

The reason I ask is that I have struggled with low self-esteem most of my life. I've always suspected that I wasn't alone. Recently, studies have shown that more people are like me than I ever imagined.?

Problems caused by Low Self-Esteem.

Personally, doubting yourself can lead to depression, anxiety, anorexia, and even suicide. ?Even if it isn't that severe, that lack of confidence often leads to a sense of desperation that makes for poor choices that negatively affect us financially, physically, and socially. I often wonder how much low self-esteem accounts for excessive drinking, drug use, and criminal convictions. I also wonder how many relationship problems are linked to it.?

I think we can all understand how many problems lacking confidence in the workplace causes. Doubting yourself separates you from your best opportunities in whatever field or profession you pursue. In a competitive world we cannot afford to hesitate to ask for the sale when the opportunity is there. We cannot shrink from a promotion or neglect to apply for a job because we are not confident. Yet, we do. I know because I've been there.?

Acknowledging WHAT has happened should not be a matter of shame and increasing self-doubt. Instead, this article is to help you think bigger and reach higher about your insecurities.?

Causes of Low Self-Esteem

Why do we feel this way??

A quick search online shows that the roots of poor self-esteem are deeply personal and found in a wide variety of traumas and experiences.?

One therapist notes two primary reasons.?

First, we have difficulty in one or several social relationships.?

Early childhood relationships seem to set the stage for this aspect of mental health. Those who had supportive relationships seem to be more confident, while those without struggle well into adulthood.?

Second, we don't meet our own expectations.?

Even though I have accomplished significant goals, there is an underlying sense that I'm not measuring up to what I think I should have done by this point in my life. There is a haunting feeling that I should or could have been and done much more. ?

Notice the problem. We set standards that we can never meet.?

The Solution

Before I offer a few tips, let's admit that there is no quick, simple, easy fix. If there were, I would have remedied mine years ago. Instead, we must pivot our perspective and see ourselves in a different perspective.?

First, accept that you are not alone. According to the statistics, 85% of American adults suffer from low self-esteem. That means you need to stop beating yourself up.?

Second, take an honest assessment of yourself. List your accomplishments. List your valuable qualities. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE. Simply make the lists. ?

Third, celebrate YOUR accomplishments. Look in the mirror and smile. The key is to find the positive and focus on that. Repeat this exercise whenever you are doubting yourself.?

Fourth, list the names of those you spend the most time with (including social media.) Put a + by those who encourage and support you. Put an X by those who don't.?

Fifth, prioritize your time with those with a + beside their name. Reduce the time you spend with any person who has an X by their name. You deserve relationships that celebrate who you are and what you have done.?

I am Loren Murfield, Ph.D., helping individuals think bigger and reach higher than they ever thought possible.?

COMING SOON: My new book details how I overcame physical and mental health issues, such as low self-esteem, to run 6 marathons in the year I turned 68.?