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The MAN Academy
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If you follow football, then the name Zlatan must be familiar to you.
In the world of sports, there's no shortage of larger-than-life personalities, but few can rival Zlatan Ibrahimović when it comes to exuding unshakable self-confidence. The Swedish football icon is renowned not only for his exceptional skills on the pitch but also for his penchant for delivering what some might consider "cheesy" quotes about himself.
Whether it be him referring to himself as a lion in his now infamous quote, "A lion does not compare himself to humans", or a teenage Zlatan turning down trials with Arsenal on the grounds that "Zlatan does not do trials", the man showed from an early age that his idea of himself was not wanting. Call it arrogance, call it bloated ego, one thing was sure: Zlatan was never going to leave the definition of himself or the story of himself to the mercy of others (I actually recommend you take a time to search Google for Zlatan's quotes, and read them from a lens of a man choosing how to define himself in a world where most leave their self-identity to everyone else).
Zlatan's swagger is undeniable, and his unabashed self-praise serves as a unique entry point to delve into the importance of understanding and embracing our own self-concept.
In today's episode, we embark on a journey that not only navigates the confidence of larger-than-life figures like Zlatan but also draws lessons on harnessing the power of a healthy self-concept and self-esteem to achieve your goals and reach your fullest potential. We'll unravel the significance of self-perception, the impact of external influences, and the profound connection between self-concept and self-esteem in shaping our identities.
Imagine self-concept as a mirror through which we perceive ourselves. It encompasses the beliefs, perceptions, and ideas we hold about who we are. Our self-concept forms a lens through which we interpret our experiences, our capabilities and relationships. Just as a mirror can reflect distortions, our self-concept can sometimes be influenced by biases or external judgments from the world around us. Think of your self-concept as the reflection in a funhouse mirror. Sometimes, this mirror can make you appear taller, shorter, wider, or narrower than you truly are. Similarly, your self-concept can be distorted by external influences, such as societal expectations or critical feedback. It's essential to regularly recalibrate this mirror and perceive yourself as you truly are.
A question I regularly ask myself in evaluating my self-concept is: WHAT STORIES AM I TELLING MYSELF ABOUT ME?
Consider the teenage Hebrew boy, David Jesse. His daily routines included taking care of his father's sheep, writing poems (some of which were compiled in the book of Psalms) and learning to play musical instruments. On occasions, he will have encounters with bears and lions trying to make 'daily bread' of his father's sheep, and he would kill them.
A war breaks out between Israel and the Philistines (a war that still rages on this day, by the way). His big brothers are in the battlefield along with other Israeli soldiers. Based on the rules of engagement, they are to produce a warrior to fight the Philistine champion. a 9-foot tall behemoth of a soldier. Even the toughest soldiers in the Israeli camp are terrified of him. Jesse sends his beloved David to go give food to his brothers in the field. David arrives, sees the dread in the camp and discovers that all Israel were terrified of this man. This is where it gets interesting!
David who up until then had never been to battle, decides he was going to take on this veteran soldier (of course there is a case to be made that the allure of the king's reward was sufficient motivation. Who in those days wouldn't want half the kingdom and the king's gorgeous daughter as a wife? Turns out it was not sufficient motivation for all the other soldiers!).
However, it is what David says in defense of his daredevil decision that speaks to my point today. He tells the king that he can take down this guy. And what was his track record? "Well, if I could slay lions and bears, who is this uncircumcised Philistine that I cannot take him down?"
David believed he had in himself what it took to defeat Goliath. He told himself that. The story he was telling himself of this situation was an empowering one and gave him the permission to challenge the giant!
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves (who we are, what we are capable of, what we deserve) often affects the value we place on ourselves.
This is called our Self-Esteem. How well we esteem ourselves. Self-esteem relates to the worth and value we assign to ourselves. It's about recognizing our strengths and abilities, and it plays a pivotal role in how we navigate life. Healthy self-esteem fuels our confidence and resilience, allowing us to tackle challenges and setbacks with determination. Imagine self-esteem as the solid foundation of a skyscraper. Just as a sturdy foundation supports the entire structure, self-esteem underpins our identity. It's the rock on which we build our self-belief and resilience. Without it, our identity might waver in the face of adversity.
Nelson Mandela, a prominent figure in history, possessed remarkable self-esteem and resilience. Despite spending 27 years in prison, he emerged with an unwavering sense of self-worth, determined to lead South Africa to reconciliation and a better future. He did not discredit himself because of his imprisonment. History abounds with men who despite overwhelming odds and even failures, believed enough in their worth and value to pursue causes that initially seemed impossible but ultimately proved possible.
Now, take a moment for introspection. How do you perceive yourself in the mirror of self-concept? Is it clear and accurate, or are there distortions to address?
How solid is the foundation of your self-esteem?
Does it empower you to tackle challenges and embrace your true potential?
Questions for Reflection:
How can you ensure that your self-concept is a true reflection of your authentic self, rather than being distorted by external influences or self-doubt?
What steps can you take to strengthen your self-esteem and boost your confidence in various aspects of your life?
Exercise:
Write down three things you appreciate about yourself, focusing on your strengths and positive qualities. Reflect on how these aspects of your identity contribute to your self-concept and self-esteem.
Till next time,
Keep unravelling your phenom.