Self-Esteem in Learning
5 min read
What Is Self-Esteem?
I may not be perfect, but I’ve mastered the art of laughing at myself—and trust me, it’s a skill worth learning!
Self-esteem is how you think or feel about yourself. It’s the inner voice that either builds you up or holds you back. It affects how we think, feel, and act—not to mention how we learn (Bailey, 2003). Let’s explore how building a positive relationship with yourself can unlock your full potential as a language learner and beyond.
Learning and the Mind-Body Connection
Learning isn’t just about books or flashcards. It’s deeply influenced by how we feel in our bodies, our emotions, and our relationships (Arabi-Mianrood, Shahhosseini, & Tabaghdehi, 2022).
When you think positively about yourself, you:
Stay motivated to tackle challenges.
Recover quickly from mistakes.
Feel confident using your new skills in real-world situations.
Build a Better Relationship with Yourself
Trust Yourself
Believe that you are capable of learning and improving. Mistakes are part of the process—they’re not signs of failure but opportunities to grow.
Show Compassion
Treat yourself with the kindness you’d offer a good friend. When you stumble, remind yourself that everyone struggles.
Be Confident
Confidence comes from action. Practice small tasks daily to build your belief in your abilities over time.
Love and Kindness
Celebrate small wins and progress. A little self-love can go a long way in staying motivated.
Avoid the Self-Esteem Traps
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Comparison is a trap that only steals your joy (Quote Investigator, 2021). You don’t know the full story of someone else’s journey, so focus on your own path instead.
Learn Without Judgment
Admire and learn from others, but don’t let their success make you feel small. Everyone’s journey is unique.
Pay Attention to Self-Talk
How do you speak to yourself? Notice the words and tone you use. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
Separate Your Thoughts from Others’ Opinions
What matters most is what you think of yourself, not what others think. Focus on your values, goals, and strengths.
Reflective Exercise: How Is Your Relationship with Yourself?
Do you treat yourself with the same care you’d give a good friend?
How do you react to mistakes—compassionately or critically?
What can you do to build trust and kindness in your relationship with yourself?
Conclusion: Self-Esteem Is the Key to Success
Knowing yourself better and being your own cheerleader can dramatically improve your learning and life. By separating your self-worth from external opinions, you’ll find a new sense of freedom and confidence.
Let’s Talk!
How do you build self-esteem in your learning journey? Share your tips or questions—I’d love to hear from you!
Sources
Bailey JA 2nd. The foundation of self-esteem. J Natl Med Assoc. 2003 May;95(5):388-93. PMID: 12793795; PMCID: PMC2594522.
Arabi-Mianrood H, Shahhosseini Z, Tabaghdehi MH. The association between body image, emotional health, relationships, and unhealthy dietary behaviors among medical sciences students: A structural equation modeling analysis. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2022 Dec;42(4):485-491. doi: 10.1002/npr2.12291. Epub 2022 Sep 7. PMID: 36071673; PMCID: PMC9773642.
Quote Investigator. (2021, February 6). “Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt? Quote Investigator. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2021/02/06/thief-of-joy/
