6 Ways to Improve Your Self Esteem (and Why it’s Important)
Self Esteem vs. Self Confidence
Self confidence is a feeling of trust in your own abilities, qualities and judgment. For example, knowing you can ace an exam or job interview. Related, but slightly different, is self esteem: a belief in your own high intrinsic value. For example, thinking you are loveable despite your human imperfections.
It’s possible to have high self confidence and success in certain areas of life, but low self esteem. In fact, many type A, high-achievers are familiar with this imbalance. This can result in feeling inadequacy and less-than-healthy coping strategies. It can mean you’re highly motivated to work (or date), but primarily to prove you are good enough, rather than to add something to other people.
I’ve personally been surprised that the most successful, beautiful and wealthy people I know often don’t love who they are deep down.
The Benefits of High Self Esteem
High self confidence and esteem can support healthy levels of assertiveness, autonomy and resilience in challenging situations. We are less likely to under-sell ourselves; to over-give to others; or to drive ourselves to burn out.
