Strategies for Employing Positive Psychology to Combat Self-Criticism

Strategies for Employing Positive Psychology to Combat Self-Criticism

=================================================================================

In the realm of psychology, a branch known as positive psychology sheds light on the study of strengths, happiness, and well-being. This approach can be instrumental in overcoming self-doubt and boosting self-esteem.

Recognising and building self-esteem's two core components – self-like (your overall self-image) and self-competence (your beliefs about your ability to overcome challenges) – is a cornerstone of positive psychology. Acknowledging your intrinsic worth and reinforcing your problem-solving capabilities are key strategies in this endeavour.

Practising self-reflection through purposeful questions can promote confidence. Ask yourself what makes you feel capable, what strengths you have, and how you can turn challenges into growth opportunities. This reflection helps reinterpret self-doubt as a chance for learning and development.

Aligning your actions with your core values enhances self-esteem, as it creates a sense of authenticity and meaningful contribution. Cultivating mental wellbeing is also crucial, as recent research suggests that it mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and motivation, with self-esteem as a key factor.

Adopting behaviours that foster self-actualization, as described by Maslow, can aid in overcoming self-doubt. Pursue new experiences, listen to your feelings rather than tradition or social pressure, take responsibility, and practice honesty with yourself.

Using practical exercises and learning tools, such as apps and structured programs offering interactive activities and step-by-step confidence-building techniques, can support daily practice in boosting self-esteem and reducing self-doubt.

Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple yet effective way to practice gratitude and increase overall sense of well-being. Recognising and appreciating what you have can significantly boost well-being and help overcome self-doubt by shifting focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.

Comparing oneself to others fuels self-doubt. To stop, focus on your own journey rather than comparing to others and celebrate personal progress. Affirmations, positive statements that reinforce your worth and abilities, such as "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I trust in my abilities and talents," can also be beneficial in combating self-doubt.

Visualization involves imagining oneself succeeding in their endeavors to strengthen belief in one's potential. When facing a new challenge, use visualization techniques, break the challenge into smaller tasks, and trust in your abilities.

Research shows that people who practice self-compassion are more resilient in the face of challenges and tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. To practice self-compassion when one has been hard on themselves for years, start with small steps like noticing self-critical thoughts and gently redirecting them.

The journey to overcoming self-doubt with positive psychology may take time, but with dedication, one can overcome the barriers that stand between them and their full potential. By combining these approaches – cultivating self-awareness, aligning life with your values, fostering emotional intelligence and wellbeing, and engaging in growth-oriented behaviours – you create a positive psychology framework that strengthens self-esteem and helps overcome self-doubt effectively.

[1] Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14. [2] Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (2006). The psychology of optimal functioning: The high-end of human potential. In Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 291-303). Wiley-Blackwell. [3] Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396. [4] Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. V. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(1), 111-131.

1. Strengthening one's self-esteem, a fundamental aspect of positive psychology, requires focusing on self-like and self-competence, the two core components, which can be achieved by acknowledging intrinsic worth and reinforcing problem-solving capabilities.
2. Integrating fitness and exercise into daily routines serves as a key factor in personal growth and mental health, as it fosters self-actualization as described by Maslow.
3. Education and self-development programs, encompassing areas like nutrition, health-and-wellness, and science, promote knowledge that can contribute to overall well-being and empower one to make informed decisions about one's life.
4. Cultivating mental health and emotional intelligence facilitates motivation and overcoming self-doubt, as it mediates the relationship between self-esteem and emotional competencies, which was illustrated in recent research.

Read also: