Self-concept is a psychological construct that is often confused with self-esteem . However, it has specific characteristics which we will detail below.
Understanding what self-concept consists of also helps us improve it, as current psychology indicates. That is why we encourage you to pay attention to the following text, as it will help you get to know yourself better.
What is self-concept?
As the word itself indicates, it is the concept we have about ourselves , but what does this really mean? We often create an image about ourselves, but have you ever stopped to think what image you have created about yourself?
It is mostly about the set of ideas and thoughts about what we think defines us , this can be in a conscious or unconscious way. It would be important to make it aware. This image is quite complex, since it includes our experiences and countless concepts that we have internalized about how we see ourselves.
Having a good concept of yourself is of vital importance , since it will help us face life with greater security, seeing ourselves more capable of achieving what we propose through effort. A negative self-concept can demotivate us and make it difficult for us to achieve our goals and objectives.
In short, we can say of the self-concept that it encompasses all the characteristics: physical, affective, aesthetic, mental, etc. That help us to define our image of “I” . This affects how we value ourselves and how we feel about ourselves and, consequently, how we relate to the world around us.
Can our self-concept be modified and improved?
Although the self-concept is stable and remains in time, it is not entirely rigid and can be modified over time. This is especially convenient for us if we have been creating a rather negative self-concept.
It is not something static, it changes as we ourselves change, through the acquisition of experiences, what we are learning and the values that we are incorporating. Obviously, many factors that intervene in our emotional and affective system influence , in relation to how we see and consider ourselves; like the culture in which we find ourselves, the education we have received, and our way of thinking and relating ideas to each other.
Fortunately, we can become aware of all this , of all that revolves around how we see ourselves. To determine what we choose and what we discard. Only through reflection and maturity are we able to take advantage of each of the experiences we go through for our benefit. To gradually generate a positive self-concept that allows us to feel capable and valid.
It can be seen that among the keys that help us to improve our self-concept are our own consciousness, maturity and use of experience, the regulation of our thoughts and emotional management.
Pay attention to what you believe about yourself, take care what you think and how you treat yourself, since it will be the basis for you to really define yourself by who you are , and not by what you achieve or do.