Autore: Sergio Cosentino
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12 novembre 2024
There are many factors that can influence our happiness and success, but one of them stands above all others: self-confidence. Without adequate self-confidence, every step in life becomes heavier, every dream seems more distant, every challenge seems insurmountable. Cinzia and I are deeply convinced that self-esteem is the fundamental pillar of a full and satisfying life, capable of turning our dreams into reality. Self-esteem is not just an abstract quality, but it is that concrete factor that influences every decision we make, every word we speak, and every relationship we build. It is the fuel that propels us forward in times of doubt and uncertainty. Without self-esteem, we are bound to see life as a set of limitations and obstacles. With self-esteem, on the other hand, the world is transformed into a field of opportunities to be explored. But what is self-esteem really about? It is not just about feeling “good” or “capable,” but about accepting who we are deep inside. It is the realization that despite our flaws and imperfections, we have value. Self-esteem gives us the strength to act without fear of failure, allows us to look in the mirror and say to ourselves, “I am enough, and I deserve to be happy.” It is that inner voice that tells us that we can achieve what we desire, if only we have the courage to try. However, many people struggle to cultivate this self-confidence. Too often, society teaches us to measure our worth by external success, accolades or comparisons with others. But this is a big mistake. Self-esteem does not depend on what others think of us, but on what we think of ourselves. It is an inner strength that grows when we stop looking outward and start believing in our own potential. Cynthia and I strongly believe that a life without self-esteem is a half-life, a life where dreams remain locked in the drawer, stifled by doubts and fears. That is why we encourage anyone who follows us to take a step toward change: believe in yourself, without reservation. Having high self-esteem means facing every challenge with determination and optimism. “Always-on” people know that even when everything seems to go wrong, positive energy and confidence can transform the situation. Life is made up of ups and downs, but those with self-confidence know that every difficulty is just an opportunity in disguise. There is no failure, only lessons to be learned. How then can we build our self-esteem? The first step is to accept ourselves as we are. We often spend our lives trying to be perfect, to avoid making mistakes, but this is a trap. Self-esteem does not come from perfection, but from acceptance. We need to embrace our flaws, learn from our mistakes and understand that our value is not related to how perfect we are, but how authentic we are. The second step is to take action. Action is critical to strengthening our self-esteem. Every time we set ourselves a challenge and face it, even if with fear, we are building our self-confidence. Self-esteem is fueled by courage. When we are faced with an opportunity that frightens us, we must remind ourselves that fear is natural, but it should not stop us. Every action, even the smallest, is a brick in the building of our self-esteem. Finally, we must surround ourselves with people who believe in us. The support of those who love us can make all the difference in times of uncertainty. People who support, encourage and inspire us are like mirrors that reflect our inner light. However, it is crucial to remember that self-esteem comes first from within. We cannot wait for others to value us; we must be the ones to recognize our own. Without self-esteem, life becomes a constant chase toward an elusive goal, always seeking external confirmation. With self-esteem, every step becomes more confident, every obstacle a challenge that we can face with the knowledge that we are capable of succeeding. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” And this is the true power of self-esteem: it sets us free from the opinions of others and allows us to live our lives with authenticity and joy. In the end, cultivating self-esteem is an ongoing journey, but it is also the greatest gift we can give ourselves. When we believe in ourselves, every door opens. Every dream becomes attainable, and every moment of our lives becomes an opportunity to grow and improve. So, do not be afraid to believe in yourself. Do not be afraid to fail, to make mistakes, to be imperfect. Self-esteem is not the absence of flaws, but the ability to love and accept ourselves as we are. And only when we learn to accept ourselves can we truly live a happy and successful life. An “ever-unagioia” life. In our latest book, “The Science of Joy: Discovering the Secrets to a Happy Life,” we delve into many of these topics.