Self-esteem is a critical factor in our lives, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It's how we perceive ourselves--the worth we believe we have, and it's intertwined with self-efficacy, self-appraisal, our beliefs about how others perceive us, and self-acceptance. Many elements contribute to our self-esteem, including childhood experiences, personal dispositions, and how we interpret life's events.
 

Childhood Factors and Life Experiences: Childhood plays a significant role in shaping self-esteem. Adequate love, respect, praise, attention, and opportunities during childhood contribute to healthy self-esteem. Conversely, neglect, trauma, poverty, and unrealistically high standards can negatively impact self-esteem.

Trauma, whether experienced in childhood, adulthood, or as an ongoing event, negatively impacts self-esteem. Abandonment and other significant losses, like status, jobs, health, and many more, can decrease self-esteem, especially when they challenge your identity. 

Self-Perception: Your self-esteem is also influenced by your behavior, particularly how well it aligns with your values and performance in various life roles. It's about how you perceive yourself, which may be shaped by comparisons to others and the distorted thoughts often accompanying low self-esteem.

Negative Self-Talk: Poor self-esteem is often perpetuated by distorted thoughts. Common negative thought patterns include, "I am not good enough" and "What will others think?" "I can't do anything right," and "There is no point in trying." These thoughts are not accurate self-assessments but are cognitive distortions associated with low self-esteem.

Self-Esteem and Life Quality: Self-esteem is not merely about feeling good about yourself. How you think and feel about yourself influences your behaviors. It's a circular relationship between cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components. When you evaluate yourself against your values and perceive shortcomings, it can lead to negative emotions and impacts your behavior.

The Impact of Low Self-Esteem: Low self-esteem can lead to a range of problems, including domestic violence, addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and difficulties with assertiveness, decision-making, and perfectionism. It can also limit your ability to take risks, try new things, and nurture yourself.

Improvement is Possible: Fortunately, self-esteem is dynamic. You can improve it. The process involves self-discovery, self-acceptance, changing negative thought patterns through cognitive therapy, self-care, and taking risks to build self-efficacy and self-confidence. By taking responsibility for your decisions and happiness, you empower yourself to lead a more fulfilling life.

Improving Self-Esteem: It's possible to improve it and empower not only your self-confidence but a new growth mindset and behavior. Here are some suggestions to start immediately:

1. Physical Activity: Physical activity can increase your energy levels, improve sleep, reduce stress, and uplift your mood.

2. Writing: Keeping a journal or blog enables self-reflection. Exploring your feelings can help you understand and accept them. Identifying and labeling your emotions without judgment is an essential step in getting to know yourself.

3. Self-Reflection: Being able to understand your values and ensure your actions align with them helps you stop any over-concern you may have about what others think. Doing what you believe is right perpetuates acts of courage.

 
4. Healthy Relationships: Choose your company carefully. Cultivate relationships with people who affirm and support you. Spend time with those who lift you and eliminate or reduce time spent with negative influences.

5. Assertiveness: Learn and practice assertiveness. Identify areas where you struggle with it and learn how to take risks to practice assertiveness skills that you use in broader areas of your life. Assertiveness is not just about being able to say "No." It's about expressing yourself confidently.
 

6. Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-criticism with neutral or positive statements. Avoid mean or self-deprecating thoughts.
 

7. Accept Compliments: Practice accepting compliments graciously without downplaying them. Use affirmations and give yourself compliments. 
 

8. Try New Things: Permit yourself to try new activities, even if you may not excel at them. Allow yourself to enjoy new experiences without the need for perfection. A growth mindset permits you to try and fail and learn from what you consider failure.
 

9. Embrace Imperfection: Remember that everyone is a "work in progress," and nobody is perfect. Avoid comparing your insecurities to others' appearances or accomplishments.

Remember, self-esteem is not about arrogance; it's about having a realistic view of yourself, recognizing your inherent worth, and taking charge of your happiness. Your self-esteem shapes the quality of life you choose. So, work on it and empower yourself to lead a more fulfilling life.