Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope my answer can be of some help to you.
Your description evokes memories of my own experiences. I was similarly well-behaved and understanding, with excellent academic performance. However, I subsequently encountered significant challenges, leading to feelings of self-deprecation, anxiety, and depression. I endured a great deal of distress. Fortunately, I was able to make timely adjustments, gradually emerge from the shadow of my heart, and rekindle my passion for life. I would like to share my insights in the hope that they will be beneficial to you.
First and foremost, it is essential to accept oneself fully and refrain from self-denial and self-attack.
You have already demonstrated your best efforts, which is commendable. It is acceptable to begin university at the age of 22. I have a colleague who commenced studies at the age of 24 and is thriving. I myself opted for a career in psychology at the age of 30, and I am pleased with my choice. Do not be overly critical of yourself. Everyone has their own pace. As long as we are willing to keep learning and growing, it is never too late.
There is no reason why we should not deny and attack ourselves.
Given that the past is immutable, and that persistently self-critical behavior can lead to a cycle of negative emotions, it is important to shift one's mindset. Instead of self-attack, it is essential to adopt a mindset of self-acceptance. This shift in perspective can free up energy for more productive activities.
Self-acceptance is the foundation of self-confidence and self-change. A lack of self-worth and feelings of shame caused by a lack of self-acceptance are at the heart of many anxieties, depressions, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders, and many other negative experiences.
Self-acceptance is defined as an individual's positive attitude towards oneself and one's own characteristics. This includes being happy with one's current situation, not taking pride in one's strengths, and not feeling inferior about one's weaknesses. Additionally, self-acceptance is a fundamental right.
It is not necessary for an individual to possess exceptional qualifications, accomplishments, or make changes that others desire in order to be accepted.
According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, a healthy person is able to accept themselves and human nature without feeling upset or complaining about it. This is akin to accepting the fundamental characteristics of water or rocks. It is possible to live well with our shortcomings and imperfections.
To accept oneself, one must first understand one's position, needs, wants, and limitations.
Accepting oneself requires remaining calm and patient in the face of imperfections, with the belief that one can continue to improve and grow in reality.
Accepting oneself requires valuing and cherishing one's personal attributes, respecting oneself and others, and objectively assessing differences between oneself and others. It also necessitates recognizing that one's life is a unique journey. Even without external validation, one can still understand and accept oneself.
Accepting oneself means acknowledging that mistakes are an inevitable part of life and that they do not define one's character. It entails viewing mistakes as learning opportunities that can facilitate personal growth.
To accept oneself is to accept all the real phenomena in life. This requires a balance between objectivity and openness, avoiding both subjectivity and bigotry, as well as arrogance and humility.
As Romain Rolland famously observed, "There is only one kind of heroism, and that is to love life after you have understood its truth."
It is therefore essential to love oneself after seeing oneself clearly.
The difficulty in accepting oneself is often related to one's growth experience. A lack of unconditional acceptance during one's growth period often results in feelings of rejection and criticism. This pattern gradually forms within us. When faced with perceived shortcomings, a critical inner voice may emerge, leading to self-rejection and self-criticism.
It is therefore evident that self-acceptance requires practice. I myself also practised for a long time before I gradually improved my level of self-acceptance. However, it is clear that complete self-acceptance is a significant challenge. From my own experience, it is evident that the more we accept ourselves, the more confident we will become and the more motivated we will be to change.
Consequently, if self-acceptance is viewed as a skill that is continuously developed, rather than an inherent trait, it can be acquired through consistent practice.
The following five strategies, as outlined by clinical psychologists, can be employed to cultivate self-acceptance:
1. Establish the objective of self-acceptance.
"The path to self-acceptance begins with intention," says psychologist Jeffrey Samber. "It is essential that we set a goal for ourselves to transform a world of blame, doubt, and shame into a world of inclusion, acceptance, and trust." This idea acknowledges that self-loathing does not lead to a satisfying life.
Sambur stated, "If I set the objective that a life of self-acceptance is preferable to a life of self-hatred, I will initiate a chain reaction within myself to adapt to a peaceful life."
2. Record your strengths.
Record one of your strengths each day, affirm your value, and recognize your strengths. This process will help you identify your strengths and build confidence.
In today's society, shortcomings can be compensated for through cooperation, and strengths will reflect unique value.
3. Seek support from interpersonal relationships.
It is beneficial to spend time with people you feel comfortable with, who will give you unconditional acceptance, support, and love. This will help you to establish a supportive relationship that will make you feel more stable, peaceful, and joyful.
4. Engage in constructive dialogue with your inner self.
Imagine interacting with your optimal self. Envision that optimal self of yours stepping out of your body and observing your present circumstances, and providing guidance on how to proceed.
This visual separation allows you to rise above the current self or the self in distress and facilitates the use of inner wisdom—the best self—to facilitate healing.
This exercise teaches individuals how to become their own best mentors and demonstrate compassion and love for themselves. It can be completed in a few minutes and is an effective way to provide guidance and self-comfort when needed.
5. Model the desired behavior until it becomes a habit.
If you do not believe you are a valuable employee, then first give yourself value and hold onto that belief. Only when we can unconditionally accept ourselves can we finally forgive our mistakes and give up the need for others' approval.
It is indisputable that we have made mistakes, as have others. However, our identity is not contingent on our mistakes.
It is important to remember that when we lack something within, we will look for it outside. If we cannot accept ourselves, we will especially long for acceptance from others. However, everything in the outside world is unstable. Therefore, we can only gain stable acceptance by turning inward. When we have achieved self-acceptance, we will not care so much about the approval and evaluation of others, and we can gain true inner freedom.
Secondly, it is important to recognise your own merits and value, and to learn to give yourself positive feedback.
The Pygmalion effect indicates that expectations influence outcomes. Rather than focusing on desired outcomes, it is more effective to anticipate and prepare for the results you expect.
If you expect positive outcomes with confidence and truly believe that things will go smoothly, they really will. Conversely, if you believe that things are constantly being hindered, these obstacles will arise.
It is therefore important to consider the significance of positive beliefs. When individuals possess positive beliefs and attitudes, exude confidence, and maintain an optimistic outlook, it can have a significant impact on their performance and outlook.
It is a proven fact that positive beliefs lead to positive actions, which often result in positive outcomes.
If we expect ourselves to become something, we will continue to work hard in that direction, and eventually, we will really become that expected self. Conversely, if we believe we cannot do it, we will remain stagnant.
Therefore, it is important to consistently reinforce the belief that you can learn and achieve what you set out to learn and achieve. Remind yourself that things will improve and that you have the capacity to succeed.
Affirmation and self-support are key to developing confidence.
As previously stated, when something is lacking within us, we will seek it outside. However, everything outside is unstable and beyond our control. The only thing we can control is ourselves, that is, our own actions and thoughts.
When we seek external recognition, it indicates that we lack self-approval. Therefore, it is essential to practice self-approval and self-encouragement. When we are self-approved and self-supportive, we become less concerned with external recognition and evaluation.
When you accept and approve of yourself, you will also gain the approval and confidence of others.
In conclusion, you are the driving force behind all change. By changing yourself, you can effect change in your environment.
Thirdly, in order to implement actions and create a successful experience, it is essential to cultivate self-confidence and a sense of security, while continuously developing abilities and knowledge.
Taking action is the most effective method for combating anxiety.
Confidence is derived from strength and hard work. When we become the person we aspire to be through our own efforts, we will become more and more confident and feel more and more secure.
Setting appropriate goals and working towards achieving them in a systematic manner will lead to gradual improvement in abilities, knowledge accumulation, and a richer experience. This will result in increased feelings of security, a greater sense of control over one's life, and a natural boost in confidence.
The optimal goal is one that is moderately challenging, yet achievable. If the goal is too small, it may lead to feelings of unchallenged and disinterest. Conversely, if the goal is too large, it may result in feelings of overwhelming resistance and lack of confidence. A moderately challenging goal is the most motivating. When we work hard to achieve these goals, we will feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
As an example, if your current walking level is 4,000 steps per day, then set your daily goal at 4,500-5,000, rather than less than 4,000 or as high as 10,000.
When establishing goals that align with one's abilities, whether in learning, sports, or other endeavors, it is crucial to maintain consistent action. Only through action can one overcome challenges and truly recognize their value.
Please continue to encourage yourself, provide yourself with positive mental suggestions, and believe that you can achieve your goals.
Let's keep up the good work. I know you can do it, and so can everyone else on the team.
I wish you the best of luck.
Comments
I can feel how deeply you're struggling with your past experiences and current situation. It's important to remember that each chapter of our lives teaches us something valuable. Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can provide professional support and help you find strategies to cope with anxiety and depression.
It sounds like you've faced an incredibly tough journey, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. However, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Try focusing on small goals and celebrate each achievement along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your potential.
Your path may not be the one you initially envisioned, but it's still a valid and meaningful journey. Sometimes life takes unexpected turns, leading us to places we might not have chosen but where we can grow and learn. Embrace this opportunity for selfdiscovery and healing.
You've already shown immense strength by acknowledging your struggles and seeking help. Remember, it's okay to take breaks when you need them. Recovery is not linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Focus on what you can control and allow yourself grace as you navigate through this period.
Feeling behind compared to peers can be tough, but everyone's timeline is different. You're exactly where you need to be right now. Keep going, even if it feels slow. The fact that you're reaching out shows courage and a willingness to change, which is a huge step forward.