“When I was a child, I believed we were being watched. It wasn’t paranoia but more of a spiritual notion.  I woke up extra early each morning so I could catch God painting the sky blue,  hanging up the sun, and arranging the clouds. Pad and pencil in hand ready to jot down important facts. I had a few questions but I couldn’t wake early enough to catch him on the job.”

~ KC Penamon  

Defining The Difference

There is a big difference between self confidence, self awareness and having an inflated ego. Having self-esteem has little to do with putting others down or verbally abusing them as a one-upper. You can feel and look amazing, living your best life without stepping on other people. Some might ask where’s the fun in that? For many people, life’s a competition to be won by the most ruthless. Self-esteem has little to do with popularity, wearing the latest fashion trends, or being admired by a massive group of people. We all want to be liked and admired but we shouldn’t compromise to get it done. 

“Meek doesn’t mean weak or stupid. It’s having all the strength but under complete mental control.” ~ Joel Osteen

Can you maintain self-control when pushed to the test, especially when you don’t get your way? Self-esteem should be about core values and a healthy perception of ourselves. It’s the inner beliefs about ourselves morally, emotionally, and our abilities. Anyone can acquire self-confidence by fortifying personal growth, being self-aware, body-building or physical fitness, and spiritual increase. Work will be a requirement to strengthen your mindset from attacks, of self-doubt, naysayers, and procrastination excuses. You can acquire courage in the same way with baby steps, a goal plan, and discipline. Without courage, it will be impossible to achieve. Try stepping outside your comfort zone.

What core values do you place in your life? What are core values? Forbes defines it as “A company’s core values are the root values and beliefs which form the basis on which the organization and its employees operate. They ultimately serve as the “guiding light” that steers the company’s attitude and behaviour towards others.” 

• • What are your individual core values?
  • Do you spend hours in the mirror, yet rarely show up for yourself in life?
  • What are the things most important to you?
  • Are you aware that how you treat others can be a reflection of your own mental state?

Yogi Bhajan said it best:

 “If you are willing to look at another person’s behaviour toward you as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will over time cease to react.”— Yogi Bhajan

What is a superiority complex? Superiority complex is a term coined by Alfred Adler as part of his school of individual psychology. A superiority complex is a defence mechanism that develops over time to help a person cope with feelings of inferiority or insecurity. Ergo a belief that your abilities or accomplishments are somehow dramatically better than other people’s. Many people feel this way although they haven’t put in the actual work. The human ego plays a major role in puffed-up pride, delusions of grandeur and false accolades. The human ego may be great for cheering on sport teams, goal-setting affirmations, and competitions of all sorts. Hence, terrible when inflated or out of control lacking empathy for others. 

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway- Author