Bernardo Stamateas: “Excessive self-demand ends up leading us to low self-esteem”
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Bernardo Stamateas argues that excessive self-demand leads to low self-esteem.
- He advises against constant self-evaluation, comparison, and seeking external validation.
- Stamateas emphasizes self-tolerance and accepting oneself as a work in progress for a healthy sense of self.
In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to constantly achieve and excel can be overwhelming. Bernardo Stamateas, in his insightful commentary for La Nación, delves into the detrimental effects of hyper-exigency on our sense of self-worth. He posits that the relentless pursuit of perfection is not only unattainable but actively undermines our self-esteem.
La autoestima consiste en “cómo me pienso” y “cómo me siento”. Es el concepto que tengo de mí mismo, basado en mis fortalezas y debilidades.
Stamateas challenges the conventional wisdom that pushing ourselves harder is always beneficial. Instead, he advocates for a more compassionate approach to self-perception. By ceasing constant self-evaluation and refraining from comparing ourselves to others, we can begin to build a more stable and authentic identity. The key, he suggests, lies in accepting our strengths and weaknesses without judgment.
Soltemos la autoobservación porque, cuanto más nos analicemos, más inestables se volverá nuestra identidad.
Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of detaching our self-worth from external validation. While a degree of approval is natural, an over-reliance on the opinions of others can lead to a fragile sense of self. Stamateas encourages readers to cultivate an internal locus of control, focusing on how they perceive themselves rather than seeking constant affirmation from the outside world.
La comparación es veneno. Vos sos vos y no tenés que ganarle a nadie. No te compares con los demás ni permits que otros te comparen.
Ultimately, Stamateas's message is one of self-acceptance and balance. He reminds us that we are all works in progress, constantly learning and evolving. By embracing imperfection and practicing self-tolerance, we can foster a healthy self-esteem that is resilient and enduring. This perspective resonates deeply within the Argentine cultural context, where personal growth and emotional well-being are increasingly valued.
Si bien todos necesitamos cierto grado de aprobación, no deberíamos depender de la mirada de los demás.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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