When we speak of self-concept, we are referring to the perception of ourselves. When you look in the mirror for example, what do you see? Do you see many of the characteristics that defines you, especially in the spiritual sense? This is important because to achieve self-esteem, we need to understand ourselves right through to the core.

Self-concept and self-esteem are two terms that are intricately linked. From the point of view of psychologist, self-concept is defined as the sum of beliefs people have about their own personal qualities. That is, what each person knows about themselves, without the approval from others.

This self-concept will gradually be defined and improved as life goes on as it is formed by the interpretation of one’s own emotions, behavioural traits, and no comparison of one’s self with that of others.

Therefore, self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves, beliefs about oneself as well as emotional states. We will have higher self-esteem (if we value ourselves enough) or lower self-esteem (if we consider ourselves to be less valid).

So, how can one self’s be defined to achieve good self-esteem?

From the knowledge about ourselves, we can work to achieve a stronger and higher self-esteem by putting into practice the key principles mentioned below:

Focus on the positive in you

To do this, try to acknowledge bad thoughts and negative emotions, name them, focus on how it feels in your body then bring attention to all the good qualities and characteristics that you have.

Be appreciative of all the good things, be proud when you evaluate yourself personally. It has been shown that when a person reminds themselves every day of their main strengths and achievements, they become more confident and this gradually builds and improves on their resilience.

Read: Daily goal setting tips

Search for the meaning of your life

There is nothing better than setting yourself challenges and setting goals in life to develop your own personal resources. Having vital goals will motivate you to search and help find meaning in your existence. Search for the meaning of your life, and you will have a better concept of yourself when you find it.

Seek the support of others

Surely, many people around yourself can give you support and affection when you need it. Seeking help can sometimes feel like a big step, but it is a crucial towards getting your self-esteem especially when you are undergoing stress in any shape or form.

Lean on others when you need to share your feelings or your problems. There is a common English proverb which says, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’.

Read other quotes to boost your self-confidence

Open to change

Being a flexible person contributes to better self-esteem and a better self-concept. When you become more adaptable to situations that arise in life, you will develop personal resources that will make you have a better knowledge of your self-concept.

Recommended read: 5 important elements to help know who you are

Practice optimism

When we experience potholes in life, it is difficult to maintain an optimistic attitude, however, in these complicated situations, what we can do is maintain hope for a healthy self-esteem and not allow potholes to knock us down.

Conclusively, it is a good idea to focus on positive solutions by putting negative thoughts aside when you go through obstacles in life. Try this little principle and you will see how working from an optimistic position can improve on the concept about you which will improve your self-esteem, confidence, and most importantly your resilience.