Having Confidence in Who You Are



Posted: Wednesday, July 08, 2009

by Dan Payne
Truekare Breast Forms

Most women come across days in which poor self-confidence or low self-esteem becomes awfully overpowering. These particular days are sometimes referred to, by women, as "fat days," or "blah days." Historically, poor body image and low self-esteem has been considered strictly a woman's issue. However, more recent studies have concluded that men have a propensity to experience low self-esteem as well. Men usually convey this frustration with their image in different ways than women do. Women frequently express negative attitudes about their body. Conversely, men often report a strong yearning to improve their bodies and overall appearance (Davison & McCabe, 2005). Men are more likely to focus on their motivation to tone their bodies and build more muscle. Women, in contrast, primarily mull over their flaws. There are studies that have shown that women are far more likely to consider themselves as to heavy for their height. On documents, such as driver's licenses and other forms of identification, women usually under report their true weight. It is apparent that this lack of confidence can be psychologically damaging to a person's health.

Specialists in this area of study have spent a great amount of time describing ways in which to improve one's self-esteem. It is essential to understand that self-esteem is a belief in one's own value and worth (Uncommon Knowledge, 2005). Research shows that most people have insecurities. One of the first steps to easing the stress produced by these insecurities is to recognize that they exist. The next crucial step is to willfully remember to not view ourselves as inferior to others. We should focus on, and emphasize our strengths. Strengths often include talents and achievements. In regards to body image, our strength could be a certain aspect of our body that we are happy with. It is very important for women to be able to recognize compliments from others (WikiHow, 2009). Often women "shrug off" compliments from others and make excuses for these niceties. Compliments should not be seen as just acts of kindness, but also as pieces of constructive criticism that should be taken to heart.

Women can easily be plagued by psychological stress, such as depression an anxiety, due to low self-esteem and poor body image. Though it is true that men experience many of these same stressors, the psychological and social effects have not yet been adequately researched (Davison & McCabe, 2005). It is vital for society to build itself up. Our "flaws" will become overshadowed if we can focus our attention on our strength. We need to discover how to be confident and comfortable with who we are. It is improbable that we will be able to completely get rid of our "blah days," but perhaps we can experience fewer of them.

Resources

Davison, T.E. & McCabe, M.P. (2005). Relationships between men's and women's body image and

their psychological, social, and sexual functioning. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research .

Retrieved April 8, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_

m2294/is_78_52/ai_n13815572/.

Uncommon Knowledge. (2005). Definition: Self esteem . Retrieved April 9, 2009, from

http://www.uncommonforum.com/glossary/self-esteem.html.

WikiHow. (2009). How to build self confidence . Retrieved April 9, 2009, from

http://www.wikihow.com/Build-Self-Confidence

For more self improvement information go Truekare Breast Forms at:

http://www.truekare.com

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