Some people believe that they are masters of their own destiny. Other people see themselves as pawns of fate, believing that what happens to them is due to luck or chance. The first type of individuals – those who believe that they control their destinies – have been labeled “internals”, whereas the latter – who see their lives as being controlled by outside forces – have been called “externals”. Research has consistently shown that “internals” are more satisfied with their lives and have better health, since they believe that health is under their own control through proper eating habits, exercising, and the like.
What is the relationship between the “Locus of Control” and Self-Esteem? It seems that “internals” when encountering a problem do not blame but themselves. They take responsibility for their decisions and actions. The evidence indicates that accepting accountability for success or failure increases the person’s self-esteem. Therefore, “internals” will take more risks and consequently will create more occasions for success.
A great deal of research confirms that people with high self-esteem are satisfied with their life and work. In addition, when your self-esteem increases, it changes for the better your Locus of Control.
The relationship between self-esteem and emotions is of such import on life, that it cannot be ignored: having low self-esteem is a terrible thing because it can affect every part of our life.
Research on Emotional Intelligence shows that having it is a good thing. By developing our self-esteem we develop our emotional intelligence and reciprocally.
A good deal of the Emotional Intelligence is to learn about one self’s emotions.
Emotional Intelligence is “an array of emotional, personal, and social abilities and skills that influence one’s ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures”. In short, Emotional Intelligence takes into account the way emotions are used in everyday life to benefit individuals. It also encompasses the fact that emotions can also be detrimental if not managed well.
The first thing is to “become conscious of own feelings, and understand feelings of others in order to have effective relationships”.
Imagine having the strategies and tools you need to manage yourself and your emotions when you are feeling upset, angry or irritated! Learning how to improve your emotional literacy and being able to handle situations to your best advantage is a key concept which will lead to increasing self-esteem.
Emotional Intelligence theory shows people with high E.I. are more likely to be happy and productive. They are more confident and have less stress in their lives. In fact, people with good emotional intelligence generally do better at work and home because they are able to manage their feelings and be self-aware. These people are able to feel empathy for others and read others’ emotions, thus preventing conflict.
The good thing that everyone, no matter their age, has the ability to improve their Self-Esteem through exercises and persistence.
In the Emotional Intelligence, the self-esteem component is often associated with feelings of inner strength and self-confidence. Having high self-esteem has an impact on other areas of emotional and social functioning. Those who are assured of themselves generally have more energy to realize their true potential (self- actualization), have more positive outlook and optimism, are more able to express themselves with confidence, and are more satisfied with their lives.
Among the many outcomes of high Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence are positive attitude and happiness. High self-esteem leads to happy dispositions and to less stress symptoms, which in turn help derive a great deal of pleasure in life and at work.
Rapid Improvement Self-Esteem is built upon Emotional Intelligence and will indeed help boosting self-esteem and self-confidence.