Did you know 85 percent of the world’s population suffers from deficient self-esteem?
We might think of self-esteem as just an interior mental game we have to play, but it’s much more serious than that. Researchers now link low esteem to high-school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, poor academic achievement, violence, and even suicide. Other stats include:
75% of girls with low esteem reported engaging in negative activities such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking when feeling bad about themselves.
More than one-third (34%) of girls with low esteem believe they are not a good enough daughter.
One of the main factors in teen promiscuity is low self-esteem. When a teen has little or no self-value, he or she uses sex as a means to build confidence.
These negative effects are not confined to teenagers, of course. Examples of unhealthy self-esteem behavior include:
Inability to accept compliments
Feeling unloved
Fear of rejection
Self-neglect
Procrastination
Anxiety/Depression
Perfectionism
Untrusting
Pessimistic outlook
Socially withdrawn
Disordered eating
Self-harm
The fact is self-esteem is a serious issue and can be a matter of life and death.
Like the 85 percent, I was plagued with sketchy esteem at best as an adolescent and young woman. I was my own worst enemy, constantly sizing myself up to everything and everyone around me. I lived in a never-ending battle, getting my value from my physical, mental and financial achievements.
I developed obsessive-compulsive behaviors. My anxiety was off the charts, resulting in a fever blister break out at least once a month. My need to please people led me to behaviors that compromised not only my livelihood but my health as well. Truth be told I didn’t think I was worth much.
That all changed starting in July 2004 when I embraced the five fundamental truths of self-worth. As I began to internalize this Biblical wisdom, a transformation took place that changed the course of my life.
My improved self-image led me to a drama-free life. I worry less and have hope for the future. I experience joy and peace on a regular basis. My relationships are deeper, making it easier to love others but also making me more lovable. I can finally say I am no longer surviving—I am thriving and enjoying life.
The truth is we are not born with healthy self-esteem it is developed over time and doing so is vital to experiencing a fulfilling life.
With that in mind, I have created a resource that is structured around these five fundamental truths I referred to above. It’s called Mastering the Art of Unconditional Worthiness and it’s designed to help you start living a life you are excited about, a life of:
We might think of self-esteem as just an interior mental game we have to play, but it’s much more serious than that. Researchers now link low esteem to high-school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, poor academic achievement, violence, and even suicide. Other stats include: