What It Means When Business People Don't Like Who They Are

At least eighty-five percent of the global population, according to studies, has low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is often linked to poverty, a lack of education, or other disadvantages, but it really affects people of all income levels and levels of education.

The vast majority of highly effective businesspeople suffer from low self-esteem. Perhaps they have difficulties in social situations or find it hard to form meaningful connections with others. Maybe they don't think much of themselves because of how they look or how they feel physically. Maybe they're not enjoying life because they're too focused on work. Most "successful" individuals are very motivated to do well. They make up for what they lack in other areas by devoting themselves completely to their profession and finding a niche in which they can really shine. While this may provide them a new outlet for their competitive drive, it does nothing to improve their social lives, leisure time, sense of self, physical health, or sense of purpose in life.

There's certainly nothing wrong with trying out a bunch of different jobs until you discover one that pays well and makes you happy. Although they may lack confidence in other areas, many people in such a position are still very motivated to succeed. Since they know they can achieve the most success in the economic world, they tend to put less emphasis on other pursuits.

However, even in those areas where they succeed, they seldom feel a sense of enduring happiness since their activities are based on the false idea that they are not good enough, flawed, or undeserving of being totally loved and appreciated. It's like they're ascending a ladder whose pinnacle is floating in the sky. They believe that reaching the top is the key to their success. Their value will have been validated. In the end, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and contentment. They keep going up and up, but they never seem to get there. They are continually put to the test by brand new objectives. As they progress, they realize how far they still have to go. Unfortunately, no matter how hard they try, they just can't quite get there. Or, if they do, it doesn't last long and fades away quickly. To discover the contentment that comes from loving and accepting oneself is a state of mind that they will never achieve.

Their ladder is built on quicksand, so they descend almost as fast as they rise. From their vantage point, perfection is an elusive goal that they will never be able to achieve. They will always look for ways to point out their flaws and confirm their worst fears that they are too broken to be fixed.

The advice in The Self-Esteem Book is straightforward and easy to understand. The lack of confidence in one's own value can never be an excuse for settling for a mediocre life. Most individuals either invent or buy into the idea that they are flawed in some way, that they are not competent, good enough, or deserving of love and the full benefits of life. They may heal and finish the past, remove negative self-talk, and make a deliberate choice to live their life from a desire to strive for greatness and give to others if they are willing to investigate their history to find the root of their resignation and low self-esteem. They will achieve success and satisfaction by internalizing the conviction that they have the power to affect the world around them and that they are deserving of all the good things that life has to offer.

Not only does low self-esteem make it harder for businesspeople to succeed, but it also has additional negative consequences, such as making them less likely to experience satisfaction, long-term contentment, or tranquility. For instance, those who avoid dealing with the causes of their low self-esteem miss out on the opportunities that would allow them to live out their life's calling and share their unique talents with the world. So long as we waste our time and energy thinking about our mistakes and unfinished business from the past, we won't be able to give our full attention and effort to the task at hand in the present, and we won't be able to be as creative and productive as we could be.

When we misunderstand the words and actions of others in a manner that invalidates us and makes us feel horrible about who we are, it has a negative impact on our relationships. In an effort to establish our worth, we may get so preoccupied with fixing our perceived flaws that we fail to see the needs of others around us. To avoid embarrassment or "being found out," we may downplay our true selves in social circumstances. Another common way we try to make up for our shortcomings is by becoming workaholics. The cost of this distraction is a diminishment of our potential to have an effect on the world and make the most of the talents we were given.

The three-step technique outlined in The Self-Esteem Book is the key to breaking free of the cycle of low self-worth, lack of confidence, and the exhausting pursuit of happiness. In order to go on, one must first find peace with their past so that it no longer drains their vitality and keeps them preoccupied. When the shackles of the past have been released, we may focus on an accurate assessment of the present. It is possible to take stock of the positive aspects of our lives and address any areas that may need improvement so that we can have the freedom to pursue the kind of life that respects our deepest beliefs and motivates us to live with fervor every day.

The magic wand of free will is ours to wave over our lives now, and we may create the future we want. As we let go of the poor self-esteem, unhealthy resignation, and self-pity that no longer serve us, we may choose to do it in a manner that thrills us. Intentional living helps us see how great God made us, so we can live happy, productive lives in which we give our all to helping others and making the world a better place.