Self-esteem is used to describe a person’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value. In other words, how much you appreciate and like yourself. It involves a variety of beliefs about yourself, such as what you think about your own appearance, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours. 

Self-esteem can play a significant role in your motivation and success throughout your life. Low self-esteem may hold you back from succeeding because you do not believe yourself to be capable of success. By contrast, having a healthy self-esteem can help you achieve because you navigate life with a positive, assertive attitude and believe you can accomplish your goals. 

Consider how to recognise the extremes of your self-esteem: 

When you have low or negative self-esteem, you put little value on your opinions and ideas. You focus on your perceived weaknesses and faults and give scant credit to your skills and assets. You believe that others are more capable or successful. You might have difficulty accepting positive feedback. You might also fear failure, which can hold you back from succeeding. 

On the other hand, when you have a healthy self-esteem, you tend to possess a balanced, accurate view of yourself;  for instance, you have a good opinion of your abilities while at the same time being able to recognise your flaws. 

When self-esteem is healthy and grounded in reality, it is hard to have too much of it. Boasting and feeling superior to others around you is not a sign of too much self-esteem- it is more likely evidence of insecurity and low self-esteem. 

Self Esteem, Identity, and Self Belief are topics that are addressed in our Systems of Support (SoS) program. Each module and accompanied elective (if taken) include detailed and applicable strategies, recommended further reading, and a series of activities to consolidate learning and equip participants with practical applications to build resilience and manage stressors in their daily lives.

To find out more about how Systems of Support can help you, your team, and your organisation, contact us on 1300 857 363.