Self-esteem is akin to confidence. This is a component of our personality that essentially deals with how we view our self-worth. We first define our image of ourselves when we were children. This is the period of our lives when we form opinions about ourselves. Today, many people who suffer from psychological disorders are found to also exhibit low self-esteem. In fact, a fourth of all individuals going through mental disorders are found to have a poor image of themselves.
Low self-esteem develops over a long period of time. We go through many experiences in life that can either build our confidence or completely make us feel like a failure. And when we fail, we become afraid and look lowly at ourselves. Those who have high self-esteem also tend to live better and more fulfilling lives than those who have low self-esteem.
Self-Esteem Basics
- Self-Esteem Defined – this is a resource where you can get a comprehensive definition of self-esteem. It covers topics like where it comes from, how poor and healthy self-esteem are defined, and the consequences of low self-esteem.
- elf-Esteem Organization – this is the site of a group that helps develop self-esteem. It offers self-assessment exercises about self-esteem and lessons how you can improve it.
- Instilling Self-Esteem in Children – this site provides support and guidance on how you can help children develop a positive image of themselves.
- The Benefits of Confidence – this is a PDF resource that connects confidence and personal motivation.
- Self-Esteem and Its Different Forms – this resource enumerates the different faces of self-esteem. It tells us what these voices do to our self-confidence.
- How Self-Esteem Affects You – read this article to understand how low self-esteem can lead to your feeling insignificant.
- Of Advertisements and Self-Esteem – media plays a role in our self-esteem. This site shares the results of a study about the influence of beauty products with our confidence.
- Self-Esteem and Careers – this article answers the chicken-and-egg question: do people with high self-esteem succeed or do the successful ones develop self-esteem? Which one comes first?
- Your Self-Worth and Your Relationships – read this and take a look at how your self-esteem affects your relationships.
- Self-Esteem's Importance Challenged – this article challenges the common notion that self-esteem is integral to success.
Self Esteem Building Strategies
Evaluating Your Self-Esteem
Our self-esteem can have positive and negative impact to our lives. How we deal with problems, people, and different situations can be attributed to how we view ourselves. Those who have heathy self-esteem can communicate better because they are not afraid of what people have to say. As a result, we can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.