It Matters What You Think
Self-respect is one of those things that we think we have, we know we should have and we think we know how it will benefit us. But do we really?
It's an area in personal coaching that comes up frequently. Often people don't recognise that this might be an area of personal growth that they wish to work on and it emerges through exploring other areas they want to have clarity on.
Just a safety caveat - this article is written without judgment. There can be many complex reasons why anyone can have reduced self-respect and it is an individual experience. So if this triggers you in any way, please leave this article and come back to it another time.
Lack of self-respect can lead to miscommunication in life, not getting what you want and frustration - never mind other issues that might lead into it or stem from it such as feeling unheard, imposter syndrome or reduced career progression or bad life choices. So it's quite a biggy, eh?
The results of it can be quite impactful and it can have various consequences that can impact different aspects of life, such as:
1. Low self-esteem: a lack of self-respect often leads to low self-esteem, where you may have a negative perception of yourself and your abilities.
2. Negative self-image: low self-respect may make you struggle with maintaining a positive self-image, constantly criticising yourself and feeling unworthy.
3. Difficulty setting boundaries: it can be challenging to establish and enforce personal boundaries, leading to being taken advantage of or tolerating unhealthy situations whether this is in your personal or work life.
4. Impaired relationships: lack of self-respect can affect relationships; you may find it difficult to assert yourself, communicate effectively, or establish healthy boundaries with others.
5. Limited personal growth: you may hesitate to pursue personal goals, take risks, or explore new opportunities, hindering personal growth and development.
6. Mental health issues: low self-respect can contribute to or exacerbate mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness.
7. Unhealthy coping mechanisms: some may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, self-harm, or destructive behaviors as a result of low self-respect.
If any of these areas ring any bells, it is important to recognise the impact of low self-respect on you personally and take steps towards building a healthier self-perception and self-worth. It can also be hard to understand what might be leading to it in the first place.
So what can cause it?
Some common factors that may contribute to reduced self-respect include:
1. Negative self-perception: holding negative beliefs about oneself, such as feeling unworthy or inadequate, can significantly impact self-respect.
2. Criticism and judgment: repeated criticism, judgment, or bullying from others can erode self-respect over time.
3. Past failures or setbacks: experiencing significant failures or setbacks can lead to self-doubt and a decrease in self-respect.
4. Traumatic experiences: trauma, abuse, or other distressing events can have a profound impact on one's self-perception and self-respect.
5. Comparison to others: constantly comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior can undermine self-respect.
6. Lack of boundaries: not setting or enforcing personal boundaries can lead to feelings of powerlessness and a decline in self-respect.
7. Unhealthy relationships: being in toxic or abusive relationships can negatively affect self-respect.
These are some general factors, and individual experiences may vary.
The good news is, once you are honest with yourself and recognise that this is an area that you wish to work on, you can build your self-respect back up again. Working with personal/life coaching to help you identify what areas might be feeding into it. And seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals in this process to help.
What also can help? Self-reflection, self-care, and working on personal growth are all areas that will help you be you again and clarify what you direction you want to take or decide for your future life.
It is never too late to grow or start again.
https://linktr.ee/katherineashmore
#life #selfrespect #boundaries #impostersyndrome #relationships #confidence #relationships
