Self-Esteem = (Success ÷ Pretentions)
What kind of success are we talking about?
William James invented the equation for self-esteem:
self-esteem = success ÷ pretentions
By pretentions, James meant one’s aspirations (expectations). So, self-esteem is higher if one has fulfilled most of their aspirations.
According to this formula there are two ways to increase self-esteem. Increase the amount of success (achieve more). The other way is to reduce aspirations (expect less).
And Jame’s equation can be applied to almost anything as well.
Take happiness for example, it could be stated as:
happiness = success ÷ aspirations
We can increase our happiness by increasing success (personal, interpersonal, or societal) or reducing aspirations.
Most people only focus on the top half by emphasizing working harder or chasing more. We forget that’s only half the equation. Why not learn to adjust expectations?
Perhaps the key is to strive for our personal best while having a realistic awareness of reality. If we balance our expectations, we can balance the equation.
The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude. ― William James
Sometimes if people lower their aspirations, they could feel worse about themselves. It might induce a sense of failure— having to strive for less than initially hoped for. But, sometimes people have unrealistic self expectations, and might need help scaling back.
Just a thought…