I loved this MOOC, which covers a lot of the research on happiness:
Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
31–40 of 138 posts
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#32As someone who is also suffering from low self-esteem issues for long time please see a therapist (not CBT therapy, I'd argue a lot of self-therapy books philosophically are some variations of CBT techniques). My self-esteem issues are the products of childhood abuse and trauma. I was in denial about my trauma, but therapy helped me accept the reality and work on treating the root cause, not the the symptomps. Your s…
The problem with "professionals" is that they are not incentivized to help you fix root causes either.
> The problem with "professionals" is that they are not incentivized to help you fix root causes either.
That's a big accusation against a community of people without any corroborating evidence. Do you have anything to support your claim?
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#33Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not a physician but have heard from others that Vitamin D supplements are not really helpful and just a routine insurance cash grab. In my experience, bright lighting indoors had more of an effect but YMMV.
The supplements are pretty cheap in grocery stores. If it doesn't work, you're not out much. You can always change the lighting or try other things if it doesn't work -- the key is to keep trying until something works for you. It seems to work for me as we can have 5-7 days straight of cloudy skies where I'm at. I spent the first two days without it and the next three with it and there was a difference.
The Rx concentrations are higher and generally cholecalciferol instead of ergocalciferol which is less absorbable and not as long-lasting.
It’s fine to try it out. What I’m casting doubt upon is the blood test of Vitamin D levels and whether low levels are even an indicator of a problem. In my case I had very very low blood levels of D and was prescribed supplements and sun exposure. Years later, I found out I actually have a form of sun allergy. As mentioned, YMMV.
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#34This is going to sound like circular reasoning, but bear with me: In order to raise self esteem, one must do esteemable things. Volunteer, be kind, let people in in traffic, work out, do these things consciously. You have to spend energy every day. Choose to spend it in positive ways. Note: the results are not instantaneous. Nor are they overpowering. It's subtle, and you often only notice after things have been bett…
Yeah, but wouldn't you end up as the stereotypical "mr. Nice Guy"?
Also, you have to be a little more specific. For example writing open source software could be considered "volunteer work", but is probably not what you meant.
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#35This is going to sound like circular reasoning, but bear with me: In order to raise self esteem, one must do esteemable things. Volunteer, be kind, let people in in traffic, work out, do these things consciously. You have to spend energy every day. Choose to spend it in positive ways. Note: the results are not instantaneous. Nor are they overpowering. It's subtle, and you often only notice after things have been bett…
Yeah, but wouldn't you end up as the stereotypical "mr. Nice Guy"? Also, you have to be a little more specific. For example writing open source software could be considered "volunteer work", but is probably not what you meant.
The stereotypical "nice guy" is a term for someone who thinks they're a nice guy, but then turns into an asshole when they don't get what they want. Not related.
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#36The book “6 Pillars of Self Esteem” is excellent. It’s research based and actionable.
I've read this a few times. Agree it's good. But....its from 1994 and it really doesnt feel research based. Its also highly counterintuitive in its approach. And at least for me it took a few weeks to work through the first time due to the required work.
His work is a great resource but glancing at this thread theres a few other things that might have higher ROI. At the same time, if you're not substituting with something else, this book is world better than not reading anything.
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#37An excellent therapist is always a good thing to identify, but excersize can definitely also have a massive impact on self esteem, energy levels, and mood in general. I found that strength training has radically changed my life, and I've certainly plumbed the depths of profound depression and anxiety in my own life. So far, nothing has come close to helping me as much as strength training. Working out regularly gives…
Same, don't know where I'd be without powerlifting/BB.
Can you advise how to gently gain exposure with this world?
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#38Hi! Tell us a bit more about yourself, I bet there's loads of stuff that you already _should_ feel great about but might be struggling to see. Given that you were brave enough to post this under your real username I took the liberty of browsing some of your comments and I don't know if this helps at all, but you've got lots of things to be proud of. You're smart and well educated, you're paid well in an interesting sounding job. You also have by far the most interesting side hustle of anyone I've come across on here. On top of that you have a nice way of interacting with people, you're generous with praise, inquisitive, even handed and empathic. Kudos!
But, given all that and where you find yourself emotionally, I wonder if you've perhaps made a bunch of choices you're not happy with, and now you're a bit burnt out. Might I ask, what options do you have in your life right now? How locked in do you feel to your current path?
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#39Life lessons from clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZmtHjTgPB-NMBr1QmN0... Edit: Why the downvotes? His lessons surrounding common issues in life that he's seen in therapy sessions are authentic and incredibly helpful.
Hmm... I like Jordan Peterson, but not regarding self-esteem. I simply like the advice of "make something of your life". In my opinion, he's too conservative and Christian to relate to me on how to get more self-esteem.
I also think Jordan Peterson is a tough person to understand. The reason for that is: (1) sometimes he has a science-based psychological discussion (e.g. Big 5) and (2) sometimes he talks about Freud and is a lot more into metaphore/language stuff that isn't science-based and IMO philosophical at best.
Re: Ask HN: Courses/resources to improve my self-esteem and believe in myself more?
#40Earlier quoted context omitted.
Same, don't know where I'd be without powerlifting/BB.
Can you advise how to gently gain exposure with this world?
Yes. Begin with a novice linear progression program such as Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5 (https://stronglifts.com/5x5/#gref even has a nice Android/iOS app which will tell you everything to do).
These programs can be boring in the beginning because you are starting with such light weights, but because you progress linearly (adding weight each workout), the weight adds up quickly and the light weights in the beginning gives you a chance to get comfortable with the movements. Watch videos on YouTube of good techniques for squat, bench and deadlift (this is a neverending pursuit though in my experience - I'm still working on perfecting form 4 years in).
Do the linear progression program as long as you can to get the most out of it...obviously you cannot keep increasing the weights each workout forever, but run it as long as you can. In the beginning, since you are untrained, you will make what they call "noobie gains" and get stronger every single workout. When that stops working, you can run a program that is still linear, but where progression is weekly rather than each workout. Then after that, you'll need to do more research into the proper "periodization" you'll need in order to continue to progress.