Self-affirmation contributes to personal satisfaction.
Self-affirmation is the recognition of one's positive characteristics . The concept can be understood as an attitude directed at the self or as a defense mechanism.
Self-affirmation is associated with the protection of one's own identity and individuality . This self-respect based on a recognition of strengths contributes to empowerment and personal well-being.
Characteristics of self-affirmation
Self-affirmation involves valuing one's abilities and qualities . This is achieved through a process of introspection and personal reflection that contributes to improving self-esteem and having greater self-confidence.
Linked to self-love , self-affirmation requires an internal narrative with positive affirmations. You must work on self-acceptance and develop empathy towards yourself.
It is often said that self-affirmation contributes to resilience . Recognizing personal values is an essential step to act safely and be prepared to defend yourself against threats or attacks.
personal development
It is interesting to mention that, according to psychology , the process of self-affirmation begins around 3 years of age, being key in personal growth . It is then when people begin to realize that they are independent beings and seek to reaffirm that autonomy by confronting their parents and rejecting orders.
After this negativistic phase, the child understands that he needs to adapt to the environment. At this point the counterpoint arises between the defense of individuality and the search for external approval to fit in .
Self-affirmation, in this framework, appears as the ability to maintain the self-expression of distinctive personality traits , preserving identity . The objective is to maintain one's personal vision without causing harm to others but defending one's own.
Thanks to self-affirmation it is possible to act authentically.
Keys to self-affirmation
Self-affirmation is supported by several columns. Self-knowledge is essential since each subject must understand their abilities and weaknesses. From this knowledge, self-acceptance and good self-esteem are needed.
Self-confidence (knowing that, with effort, it is possible to meet personal objectives) and self-efficacy (understanding what the limits are and adapting to reality) are also necessary in this process.
A defense mechanism
Self-affirmation works as a defense mechanism when it allows you to stop harmful interactions, reject something, or protect yourself from another person. In this case, firm and respectful communication is called upon to bring about change.
This self-defense of rights or will is achieved by influencing others. It should be considered that self-affirmation can lead to the end of a relationship when the other is not willing to adapt or change. That is why each individual must be aware of the possible consequences of acting in a defensive manner. However, it is always relevant to maintain the right to say "no" , behaving with respect and empathy.
Self-affirmation requires standing up for personal principles and beliefs with determination and respect.
Types of self-affirmation
It should be noted that self-affirmation can be positive or negative. Positive self-affirmation is one that is based on assertiveness : that is, on a firm expression of ideas and emotions but respecting the thoughts and feelings of others.
A negative self-affirmation , on the other hand, is based on the imposition of one's own position without dwelling on the effects and even at the expense of the well-being of others. This leads to increasing personal value artificially and without accepting mistakes.
It can be said that positive self-affirmation is achieved with a combination of empowerment and respect . It is about satisfying one's own needs and desires without violating the needs and desires of others.
It is worth mentioning that the concept of negative self-affirmation is also used to refer to what a person does when they exaggerate with the appreciation of weaknesses , concentrating on their defects. If the visualization of shortcomings does not serve to improve, self-affirmation is not constructive nor does it contribute to personal transformation.
The benefits
The benefits of self-affirmation are numerous. The most obvious is the strengthening of self-esteem : those who affirm their merits also manage to have a positive image of themselves.
Self-affirmation also helps establish healthy and harmonious bonds . Whoever achieves positive self-affirmation forges relationships that are based on respect.
Another advantage that self-affirmation provides is the reduction of stress thanks to self-control and self- confidence . Likewise, self-affirmation increases resilience since it provides tools for adaptability and helps to overcome failures.
As you can see, self-affirmation protects and improves mental health . It also results in greater performance both academically and professionally.
Examples of self-affirmation
Suppose someone often receives ridicule and derogatory comments from a coworker because of their physical characteristics. The recipient of these assessments, overcoming the fear of generating discomfort in the workplace, resorts to self-affirmation, explains to his colleague that he does not like this type of accusation and informs him that, although he has no conflicts with his appearance, he does not derogatory labels apply. Thus, with self-control , he makes the decision to defend his dignity without attacking.
Let's take the case of a tennis player who aspired to win a tournament but loses the final . Despite not achieving his personal mission on this occasion, he is not frustrated; On the contrary, he values having reached the final and analyzes what he can improve in his game to win the trophy in the future. Thus, it is based on self-affirmation to progress.