Self-Esteem Profiles and Factors for Increasing Self-Esteem

Understanding Variations in Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is not a monolithic trait; it varies among people both in its level (high or low) and its stability (constant or fluctuating) over time and in different situations.

Recognizing these nuances allows us to identify different profiles of people according to how they experience and maintain their sense of personal worth.

Understanding these profiles is helpful in tailoring the coaching approach to address the specific needs of each individual in relation to their self-worth.

Four Self-Esteem Profiles

High and Stable Self-Esteem Profile: People with this profile are characterized by a consistently positive appraisal of themselves.

They are open and flexible, adapting fluidly to the rhythm of the environment without their self-esteem being easily affected by external circumstances. They tend to show resilience and security.

High but Unstable Self-Esteem Profile: Individuals in this group have a generally high self-esteem, but are unable to keep it constant.

Their self-esteem suffers ups and downs, being particularly vulnerable in highly competitive contexts or in environments they perceive as destabilizing. They may react defensively to criticism.

Low and Stable Self-Esteem Profile: In this case, the person maintains a consistently low self-esteem.

Generally, they do not strive to promote a positive self-image and tend to undervalue themselves as a habitual attitude. They may show resignation or passivity.

Low and Unstable Self-Esteem Profile: These people tend to be sensitive to and influenced by external events.

Their self-esteem, generally low, may experience sporadic moments of euphoria or temporary increase in the face of external successes or validation, but this improvement is not lasting.

Key Factors for Increasing Self-Esteem

Regardless of the initial profile, self-esteem is an aspect that can be worked on and strengthened.

There are a number of factors or attitudes that, when consciously cultivated, help to increase self-esteem in a healthy and sustainable way.

Coaching often focuses on developing these elements in the coachee:

• Acceptance: involves identifying and embracing both our positive qualities and our flaws or areas for improvement, integrating them as part of who we are without excessive judgment.
• Help: Recognizing that sometimes it is convenient to ask for other points of view and external guidance. This helps to set realistic goals and get support along the way.
• Time: Learn to take time to be alone and reflect on what we really want in life, connecting with our authentic needs and values.
• Encouragement (Positive Attitude): Cultivating a positive attitude is essential, as the goal is almost always attainable if approached with optimism and confidence in one's own ability.
• Respect: It implies feeling proud of who we are, with our lights and shadows, and not focusing excessively on the "shoulds" imposed by oneself or others.
• Appreciation: It is essential to celebrate one's own achievements, no matter how small they may seem, recognizing the effort and progress made.
• Love (Unconditional Self-Acceptance): Self-love involves accepting ourselves unconditionally, including both our successes and our failures, understanding that all these experiences contribute to building us as people.

Working on these factors in a comprehensive manner allows building a stronger and more resilient self-esteem.

Summary

Self-esteem varies in level and stability among individuals, which allows distinguishing different profiles. Four types are identified: High and Stable, High but Unstable (vulnerable to criticism), Low and Stable (habitual undervaluation) and Low and Unstable (sensitive to external events).

Regardless of the profile, self-esteem can be strengthened through the conscious cultivation of certain attitudes. Coaching focuses on developing acceptance (integrating qualities and flaws), helpfulness (soliciting other points of view) and time (reflecting alone).

Other key factors include encouragement (positive attitude), respect (self-pride without focusing on "you should"), appreciation (celebrating achievements) and love (unconditional self-acceptance of successes and failures).