Self Esteem

LESSON 1.3

Review key points for this first lesson.  

We need to be aware of our current level of self-esteem in order to make any needed adjustments. We need balanced self-esteem to be highly valued by employers. 

Balanced self-esteem will allow us to enthusiastically take on challenging tasks in the workplace, while also allowing us to take advice and constructive criticism from others. 

Self-esteem includes respecting and valuing oneself (your effort, ideas, and opinions) and is related to self-confidence. 

We need to be aware of who, where, and when our self-confidence is boosted and lowered. Understanding the ebb and flow of our self-esteem can help us to stabilize how we view ourselves. 

Finally, we need to develop self-compassion or be reasonable with our expectations of ourselves. We can do this by appreciating our effort, not just the final result. 

For many, being in a correctional facility can hurt self-esteem. If you’re feeling down about yourself during this time, you’re not alone. It’s important to recognize how time spent incarcerated can affect your confidence, but even more important to remember that your value isn't defined by your past. Keep focusing on doing your best, putting in 100% effort, and building the mindset you need for success ahead.

Feel free to complete the metacognitive review.

Do you compare yourself to others? 

Most of us have. There are many reasons we compare ourselves to others. There’s also a detrimental and beneficial way to go about making comparisons. 

In this final part of lesson one, we’ll look at two ways some people use comparisons. In Lesson 2 of Self-esteem, we’ll look at the beneficial ways we can compare ourselves with others. 

Comparing for failure 

Some people compare themselves to others to justify a specific outcome or result.  

Others compare in order to feel better about themselves. But if they are doing this, do they really have self-esteem? 

Who do you compare yourself to? Inside this facility? On the outside?

If you do, write about it in your journal after watching the video.

Watch the Video

Remember: If you rely on comparing yourself to others—whether to boost your ego or to justify not trying—you’re not building healthy, balanced self-esteem.

It’s important to notice if you have these habits now, so you can work on them and start building real self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.

Don’t be fooled—if you don’t work on stopping these negative comparison habits now, they won’t just hold you back today, while on the inside, they’ll also hurt your ability to perform well on the job in the future and in life in general.

STEPS FOR CHANGE 

  • Don’t try to be someone else—focus on being the best version of you. Remember, Navy SEALs are known for being tough, adaptable, trustworthy, great problem-solvers, team players, and loyal.

    You can build those same qualities and mindsets and become elite in life, no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through. You are enough.

  • Learn to focus on your effort, not just the final result. When you give 100% and do your best, you can be proud no matter how things turn out.

    Also, be realistic with what you expect of yourself. Aim to do your best, and remember to show yourself some compassion and understanding along the way.

  • If you boost your self-esteem by comparing your strengths to others’ weaknesses, or excuse yourself by comparing your weaknesses to others’ strengths, that’s not healthy or balanced.

    Real self-esteem and self-respect start from within. Ask yourself: What strengths and skills do I already have? What qualities and abilities do I want to build?

Only you can limit yourself.

Think about it. An oak tree, palm tree, and apple tree all look different. They all grow at different rates, have different uses, and produce. We appreciate each one because they are different. Get the point? 

Thought Of The Day

Growth is inevitable. You will grow and change in so many ways as you mature. Don’t compare yourself while you’re developing to others who are also just figuring out who they are. Just keep developing the qualities, habits, and mindsets of those who make a difference. One day you’ll be that kind of person as well. 

END OF SELF ESTEEM LESSON 1.3