Building resilience and self-esteem is crucial for girls and women of all ages, empowering them to navigate challenges with confidence and fostering mental and emotional well-being. According to positive psychologist Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, high self-esteem enables women to advocate for themselves and break down barriers, while resilience helps them bounce back from adversity and pursue their goals.
In a recent article on her site, Dr. Holstein offered seven ways to develop these traits. She emphasizes intuition, suggesting that when your gut feels uncomfortable, you should check the circumstances, as only you know what is right for you. She also recommends staying alert to your talents and potential, even if you are the only one recognizing them, and advises taking time to acknowledge both developed and untapped abilities.
Overcoming fears is another key strategy. Dr. Holstein notes that being scared of new things is human, but it is best to try to be less afraid to avoid spoiling chances. She points to resources on the web and mental health professionals who can help build courage. Taking advantage of help is important, as she illustrates with the example of Kleenex, which might never have been invented if the inventor had not patented it despite handkerchiefs being sufficient for centuries.
Being generous and sharing is highlighted as a way to feel better, with most people admitting that doing a good deed improves their mood even when in a bad state. Believing in what you have to offer the world is a tough concept for many women, who often put themselves down. Dr. Holstein stresses that women bring as much to the table of success as men do and encourages practicing self-positivity. Finally, she advises realizing there is enough success to go around for all, noting that every time one person opens a door to success, more doors need opening for others' dreams.
Dr. Holstein's work extends beyond advice to practical media interventions. She wraps positive psychology concepts in engaging forms, including bestselling books, self-esteem workbooks for girls aged 8 and up, award-winning films, podcasts, and stage plays. Her latest workbook, 'Secrets,' achieved bestseller status in the 'Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression' category. More information about her resources is available at https://www.enchantedself.com/.
Her initiatives address growing mental health issues among youth. Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents, and media together to change the lives of young people suffering from anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. She recently created The Selfie Showcase, a project allowing young people aged 13 to 18 to express concerns and solutions through selfie videos on important subjects. This platform aims to help them engage meaningfully about anxiety and stress. Details on this project can be found at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com.
As a school psychologist and in private practice, Dr. Holstein has helped children and parents develop life skills in decision-making, talent recognition, courage, and inter-generational skills. Her last book, 'Conflict and a Bit of Magic,' helps kids build self-esteem by reading a girl's journal and identifying with her experiences. Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, based on pandemic issues, are available on YouTube, Vimeo, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV under 'The Enchanted Self Presents.'
