Self Esteem means having regard and respect for one's own self for what we are. We are all not born equal. Some are physically very strong, some very beautiful or handsome, some very intelligent, some very powerful, some very wise, some very rich, some get the best girls or boys, some very famous and some very successful in making money. Human nature is such that we tend to compare ourselves with others and not satisfied with what we have. In this process, we either tend to get into depression or into excessive grandiosity about ourselves and swing like a pendulum from one end to the other. Most people who are at peace with themselves are the ones who have the right amount of self esteem, self confidence and self satisfaction. In such people, the self realization is also very high. In such cases, the Eastern philosophy of comparing yourself with the less fortunate ones helps. This however, should not lead to laziness and inaction, which is often the case.
People of western origin are more pro active and action oriented, but too much emphasis is placed on personal success and since money has become the sole indicator of success in the modern world, it often leads to mental depression because of failures. People must remember that money is a by product of their efforts. It is often found that even the best of efforts does not lead one to make money and become a success. However, not making any efforts and hoping for a lucky break is being plain foolish. The high amount of corruption, malpractices and unethical methods that are adopted today is an indicator that making money is not easy through fair and ethical means. Easterners are generally fatalistic and worry too much because they are concerned about tomorrow. This is the reason the savings rate of easterners is fairly high. Africans are the best in this regard. They just live for now, for today. They are not bothered about tomorrow. You give them a million and they will blow it in no time.
How you feel about yourself depends on who you compare yourself with. Apples should not be compared with Oranges or Mangoes. If you have them as role models and try to emulate them, then nothing is wrong. However, losing self identity or self esteem or self respect is not the right thing to do. We are all unique in our own ways and nature has given us some gifts. It is for you to exploit those gifts to your advantage and ignore what you do not have.
Healthy self esteem means thinking as highly of yourself as you think of your peers. Man is a gregarious animal. We all have to live in groups. We all need love and recognition. We need to be happy amongst our peers. It is enough if your peers think highly of you and you of them. Self esteem and self confidence goes up with your efforts to improve yourself. Every individual must try to improve him or herself by putting in the necessary efforts and hard work. High self esteem is generally compatible with humility. Great souls with great achievements are almost and always humble. It is the empty vessels that make the most noise. High self esteem not accompanied with humility is a sign of arrogance.
© Copyright. Written on September 5, 2008. Without prejudice. All rights reserved.
Self Esteem - To learn more about this author, visit Madhavan T Gopalachary's Website.
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Madhavan T Gopalachary
(Visit Madhavan's Website)
Madhavan Gopalachary, nick name "madgopes"
(g pronounced as in go) given by IIT
classmates, is a Mechanical Engineer and
an alumnus of Indian Institute of
Technology, Madras having passed out
specializing in IC Engines &
Thermodynamics.
He has nearly 35 years of experience in
the Corporate World. He started off as a
trainee and handled sales, marketing,
manufacturing, product management, profit
center management, strategic planning and
corporate development including R & D in
various organizations and at various
levels before becoming a CEO. His last two
professional assignments were at CEO level
before embarking to start management
consultancy business on January 01, 1998.
He has worked for British, Swedish MNCs as
well as very large Indian business houses.
He has spent a large portion of his time
from June 1998 till date in East African
Countries practicing as an independent
Management Consultant.
More details can be obtained at the
following web sites:
mmg.name
/mtg.html;
mmgconsu
lting.biz/
Madhavan's articles can be accessed at www.madgopes.com
.
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