Years ago, I used to think appreciating myself was self-glorifying and selfish. As time went on, I realised that self-appreciation is actually key to developing a great relationship with oneself and also in a way showing others how to treat you. Appreciating yourself is a fundamental aspect of well-being and personal development. Here are several reasons why self-appreciation is important:
- Boosts Self-Esteem – Appreciating yourself enhances self-esteem. When you acknowledge your achievements, strengths, and positive qualities, you build a positive self-image and confidence in your abilities.
- Promotes Self-Love – Self-appreciation is an expression of self-love. By recognizing and valuing who you are, you cultivate a healthy and compassionate relationship with yourself.
- Enhances Mental Health – Positive self-regard contributes to mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by fostering a more optimistic and resilient mindset.
- Motivates Personal Growth – Acknowledging your progress and achievements motivates you to set and pursue new goals. It fuels a positive feedback loop that encourages continuous personal growth.
- Strengthens Resilience – When facing challenges or setbacks, self-appreciation provides a foundation of resilience. It reminds you of your capacity to overcome obstacles and bounce back from adversity. During challenging times, I remind myself that I have done hard things before and succeeded.
- Improves Relationships – A healthy self-image positively influences your interactions with others. When you appreciate yourself, you are more likely to engage in positive, fulfilling relationships.
- Encourages Self-Care – Appreciating yourself involves recognising your needs and taking care of your well-being. It encourages the practice of self-care, which is crucial for maintaining physical and emotional health.
- Fosters a Positive Mindset – Self-appreciation contributes to a positive mindset. By focusing on your strengths and achievements, you approach life with optimism, seeing opportunities rather than obstacles.
- Increases Productivity – Recognising your capabilities and successes can boost your motivation and productivity. It provides the confidence to tackle challenges and pursue tasks with enthusiasm.
- Cultivates a Growth Mindset, my favourite – Appreciating yourself aligns with a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, being patient and learning. This mindset encourages continuous learning and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Promotes Self-Compassion – Self-appreciation goes hand in hand with self-compassion. It allows you to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during times of difficulty or mistakes.
- Enhances Decision-Making – When you appreciate yourself, you are more likely to make decisions that align with your values and aspirations. It fosters a sense of self-trust and confidence in your choices.
- Contributes to Overall Happiness – A positive self-image and self-appreciation are integral to overall happiness. When you appreciate who you are and what you bring to the world, you are more likely to experience a deep and lasting sense of fulfilment.
Appreciating yourself is not about arrogance but about recognising your worth, embracing your uniqueness, and fostering a positive relationship with the person you spend the most time with—yourself. It is a cornerstone of mental and emotional well-being.
Till next week, I am Dr. Tewa Onasanya and I am living the words I speak.
Dr Tewa Onasanya is a Mindset Stylist and Founder of Exquisite Magazine, ELOY Awards Foundation and EMAC Foundation. She is a speaker and an author of several books. Tea with Dr Tewa Onasanya is a weekly editorial on how business owners can rule their minds to build thriving businesses. #teawithTewa
