How to boost emotional immunity

Low self-esteem can be viewed as a reflection of diminished emotional immunity. Our self-image is intricately linked with our mental resilience, and as neuroscience suggests, our immune system responds to the nature of our thoughts. When self-esteem is low, it becomes difficult to cultivate positive, empowering thoughts. In this blog, I will explore the deeper impact of low self-esteem on our emotional and mental well-being. As a certified Zen Counselor and NLP Life Coach, I aim to shed light on effective ways to overcome this challenge and foster a healthier self-perception.

Here are some common signs of low self-esteem:

• Indecisiveness: Struggling to make decisions, feeling confused.

• Self-Comparison: Constantly comparing yourself to others, believing "I'm not good enough."

• Rejecting Criticism: Difficulty accepting or learning from feedback.

• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding participation in social activities.

• Hostility: Harboring resentment or revengeful thoughts.

• Emotional Sensitivity: Feeling easily hurt or offended.

• Defensive to Complaints: Unable to handle others' complaints positively.

• Fear of Expression: Afraid to voice opinions, affecting maximum number of people with low self-esteem.

In the corporate or organizational setting, low self-esteem can have significant repercussions. Individuals with low self-esteem often perceive the achievements or profiles of others as threats, leading to insecurity. If such individuals hold leadership positions, their inability to foster teamwork becomes evident. Rather than building a collaborative environment, they may engage in workplace politics by recruiting subordinates who reinforce their position, creating a toxic culture. This not only hampers organizational growth but also undermines morale and productivity.

The impact of low self-esteem extends beyond the professional realm, affecting personal relationships and self-worth. It diminishes the capacity for healthy interaction, erodes confidence and leads to poor decision-making, ultimately hindering both personal and professional success. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering a positive, productive work environment and a more fulfilling personal life.

Low self-esteem often stems from deep-rooted experiences, shaping one’s identity over time:

A. Childhood Influence: Negative remarks from friends, teachers, or parents, such as being labeled a "slow learner" or "stupid," can lead a child to internalize feelings of inadequacy. These early messages form a neural network that fosters a belief of “I am not ok.”

B. Past Trauma: Incidents such as family dysfunction, abuse, harassment, or accidents can deeply scar an individual, creating long-lasting emotional wounds.

C. Body Image Issues: Dissatisfaction with physical appearance, whether related to weight, shape, or overall physique, can contribute to feelings of low self-worth.

D. Failure: Experiencing failure in personal, professional, or business life can severely damage self-confidence.

E. Wrong Decisions: Making poor choices can lead to guilt and regret, reinforcing negative self-perception.

F. Negative Self-Talk: When one feels empty or insecure, they may overcompensate through materialism or by projecting an exaggerated self-image, masking their inner struggles.

Each of these factors contributes to the development of low self-esteem, influencing both personal and professional aspects of life.

To elevate your self-esteem, it’s essential to understand that your self-image is deeply connected to your identity. Strengthening your inner image is key to reshaping how you perceive yourself, rather than relying on external factors. Here are some transformative steps:

• Record Your Achievements: No matter how small or big, document your accomplishments—especially from childhood. Just as small doses of medicine heal, reviewing your minor victories can boost your self-worth. Your identity is the 7th sense; nurture it.

• Challenge Your Beliefs: One negative experience or criticism doesn’t define you. A particular person’s perspective in a specific moment doesn’t reflect your entire worth. Question these limiting beliefs—they are neither absolute nor permanent.

• Become a Mentor: This is the essence of the WGM (Wapa Gurawoo Mantra). You possess unique knowledge or experiences that others can benefit from. Sharing what you know fosters confidence and reinforces your value.

• Accept Criticism with Grace: Don't overanalyze or assume malintent from others' complaints. People are not difficult—they’re simply different. Treat others as assets in your life, rather than obstacles.

• Practice Mental Rehearsal: Internalize feedback constructively and maintain a positive, calm mindset. Smile and stay composed in the face of criticism.

• Reward Yourself: Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your successes—treat yourself to small rewards, whether it’s a book, a new outfit, or a good cup of coffee. These simple acts can reinforce self-appreciation.

• Find a Role Model: Having a role model, whether it’s a parent, guru, athlete, or historical figure, provides a blueprint for self-growth. Study how they overcame challenges and emulate their patterns of resilience.

Remember, building a strong self-image is essential for achieving significant goals. When you elevate your self-esteem, you open the doors to limitless possibilities in life. Your self-image shapes your reality—it truly matters.

Sensei Dambar Bahadur Somai

Certified Zen Counselor, NLP Life Coach
EI and Certified Behavioral Skill Trainer