How often do you find yourself being self-critical of your looks, health, finances, and your overall life?
Perhaps the way in which you view yourself negatively has become so routine you don’t look at it as being critical. Instead of considering it demeaning, self-critical dialogue is viewed as being honest with yourself.
But What If It Is the Opposite of Being Honest?
If you can relate you are not alone. Millions of women, from their 20s all the way into their 60s and over, have spent considerable time lambasting parts of themselves. Most of this is done silently within the privacy of one’s mind, but more often than not, self-critical dialogue seeps out into conversations with others and noticeable behaviors.
What if society’s ideas about candid honesty are really the product of low self-esteem, which has evolved over many years to the point where it is acceptable?
Higher self-esteem has long been associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety for people of all ages. Despite how prevalent the topic of self-esteem is, and the numerous studies conducted on it, there remains a vague idea about what self-esteem means and how to develop it, especially for those of us over 60.
In the first of a new eight-part article and video series on “Being Enough After 60,” we are going to look at what self-esteem is and detail 10 life-altering benefits of developing more self-esteem after 60.
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to the personalized way you perceive and value your own worth.
Self-esteem influences the beliefs and attitudes you hold about yourself, your capabilities, worthiness of your dreams and desires. It even dictates how you perceive yourself in relation to other people.
Individuals with healthy self-esteem tend to have a positive outlook, believe in their abilities, and have a sense of worthiness and deservingness. But even then, lurking in the subconscious of many people, exist contrary beliefs ruled by low self-esteem.
Low self-esteem refers to a negative perception of oneself, often accompanied by feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and self-criticism. People with low self-esteem may struggle with loving themselves which shows up in a lack of confidence, difficulty asserting themselves, and may be more prone to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Benefits of Building Self-Esteem
To offset negative perceptions and limiting beliefs that contribute to low self-esteem, you will want to be clear on the immense benefits of developing your self-esteem. For without believing in the benefits, you are likely to not sustain the desire to strengthen your self-esteem through self-love practices or develop a daily self-care routine.
Cultivating self-esteem can have numerous, life-altering benefits for women over 60. Here are some of the top benefits:
Improved Mental Well-Being
Developing a healthy sense of self-esteem can enhance your mental well-being by reducing self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety. It can lead to increased self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
Increased Resilience
A strong foundation of resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks and challenges with greater ease. Self-esteem benefits you in this area by enabling you to face difficult situations with confidence, self-assurance, and determination.
Better Relationships
When you have a positive self-image and self-worth, you are more likely to establish and maintain healthy relationships. Positive self-esteem can help you set better boundaries, express your needs, and make choices that align with your values, fostering more fulfilling relationships.
Enhanced Decision-Making
Self-esteem empowers you to trust your judgment and make decisions that are in your highest good. You are also more likely to assert your preferences, make choices aligned with your desires, and open up to new opportunities, all of which leads to personal growth and satisfaction.
Increased Self-Love
Cultivating self-esteem involves loving and accepting yourself more fully. The more you love yourself the more you embrace your uniqueness. This also helps you let go of unrealistic societal expectations, leading to a greater sense of inner peace.
Improved Physical Health
Research suggests self-esteem is linked to better physical health. When you have a positive self-image, you are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and emotionally beneficial thoughts.
Self-Empowerment and Self-Advocacy
Self-esteem empowers you to advocate for yourself and honor your needs. It enables you to speak up, assert your worthiness and ensure your voice is heard and valued.
Pursue New Opportunities
With higher self-esteem, new opportunities and experiences are explored with less intimidation and hesitancy. This means you are willing to go after your desires with more excitement and confidence.
Increased Creativity & Self-Expression
Self-esteem is an essential element to accessing your creative potential and expressing yourself authentically.
Overall Life Satisfaction
When you have a positive self-image and believe in your self-worth, you are more likely to lead a fulfilling life, embrace your age, and make the most of your experiences.
I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional benefits of self-esteem along with three journal prompts to help you integrate what you are learning.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Aside from all of the benefits, what’s the #1 reason you feel it’s important to build on your self-esteem? How have you developed your self-esteem after 60?
