Listen "Episode 18: Beyond Self-Esteem"
Episode Synopsis
Values, Mindfulness, and CompassionWelcome, listeners, to another insightful episode! Today, we're tackling a concept that's often at the heart of our well-being discussions, yet one we might be looking at all wrong: self-esteem.What if we told you that self-esteem is not a useful concept? That's the powerful perspective we'll be exploring, drawing on the wisdom of Dr. David Burns, a well-known cognitive therapist. Many of us strive to "feel better about ourselves" or to "prove that we're okay," but Dr. Burns suggests this might be tying us into a dysfunctional way of thinking.He describes three distinct ways of approaching this subject:Conditional self-esteem, where we're only "okay" if we're smart, attractive, or liked – a view still held by many therapists.Unconditional self-esteem, a slightly more advanced idea where we believe we have worth simply "because we're human".And finally, the most advanced, but perhaps most liberating perspective: no self-esteem at all. As Dr. Burns suggests, constantly worrying or questioning whether we're "okay" or "good enough" is a significant cause of human suffering and a waste of our precious time and energy.Chasing "Self-Esteem" is a waste of time and energy. It is the cause of much human suffering. The self-doubt and questioning is painful.Instead of chasing self-esteem, we can focus on our values and priorities, making us less vulnerable to others who might blame or persecute. For example, one value might be "I'm no better than, nor less than, anyone else." By practicing compassion (for ourself and others) and mindfulness, we can neutralize our self-doubts, our defensiveness, and our anxiety. This approach encourages us to live up to our values, improve ourselves daily, make the most of our lives, and contribute something good to the world.So, if you're ready to see self-esteem in a completely different light and discover a path to less suffering and more meaningful action, stay tuned! This episode will challenge your assumptions and offer a powerful new framework for living.How to train your brain. [email protected]✨ Thanks for listening to The Potent Mind.🎧 Subscribe for weekly insights on mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and conscious living.🌐 Learn more and access free resources at www.thepotentmind.com🧠 Created by Dr. Jerry Gelbart | © 2025 All rights reserved
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