What is Self-Respect?
Defined: proper esteem or regard for the
dignity of one's character.
Do you respect yourself?
Answer a few simple questions and see if
you could improve from a little focus on gaining some self-esteem.
1. Do you over eat? Or eat because you
are trying to escape feelings or worthlessness?
2. Do you neglect your health or
appearance because you feel depressed or that you aren't good enough?
3. Do you often focus on your failures?
4. Are you very angry with yourself or
considered suicide?
5. Do you ever wish you were better or
someone else?
If you answered yes to any of these, you
may be in need for a healthy dose of "treating yourself better".
Studies have linked low self-esteem to a range of problems.
These include poor school achievement,
criminal and violent behaviour; being the victim of bullying; teenage
pregnancy; smoking and the use of alcohol and other drugs; dropping out of
school; depression; and thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide.
The way an individual sees themselves
and how they view their accomplishments and failures is important to them. Many
are very self critical and see poor performance as a reflection of who they are
as a person. As people begin to see themselves negatively, they can sink into
depression, overeating, or worse.
So where does martial arts fit in?
Martial arts have been around for
centuries and although their original creation was to provide a means of self-defence,
other benefits have been recognized and proven.
One method of re-gaining self respect is
through accomplishment and allowing yourself to acknowledge your
accomplishments. Martial arts are taught in a systematic fashion. While styles
and methods may vary from school to school, one thing is always constant.
Everyone was a beginner at some point.
Sound obvious? Well, you are right, it
is obvious. But it is something you need to remind yourself at times. Every
martial artist begins their training by learning the most basic of moves. As
they become proficient and are able to put these new abilities to use, they are
then taught more and more techniques as they travel a road to promotion through
the ranks.
You will be amazed.
As you progress and learn more skills,
techniques, and abilities you will be astonished at what you are now able to
do. It really is an invigorating feeling when you master your new abilities and
are able to perform them in live situations.
It's then, at that moment, that you will
believe. You will see that your work has paid off, and that you are capable of
more and better things. You begin to see yourself differently; you begin to
walk a bit taller with more of a strut in your step.
Belief in one's self is important.
Having confidence and knowing you can simply changes your perception on life.
You approach tasks differently, find success, and suddenly you are no longer
afraid of failure.
How else can martial arts help?
Well, one of the biggest contributors to
low self-esteem is being overweight, or a lack of physical fitness.
Fortunately, martial arts conditioning is one of the best benefits of martial arts
there is. You will become more flexible, stronger, faster, and leaner. You will
increase your stamina, balance, and focus. All martial arts styles focus
heavily on physical conditioning because without the conditioning, performance
is hindered. Your instructors will push you, mentor you, critique you, help
you, motivate you, and do what is necessary to provide you the tools to become
healthier, happier, and successful. That's their job.
