You’re confident, but do you have self-esteem? Or is it the other way around? Or could it be both?

Confidence and self-esteem are closely related, and they can influence one another; however, they aren’t the same. It is good to have both, and great to keep in check, but the two each develop in specific ways in different situations.

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is how you see yourself. Individuals with good self-esteem are comfortable with the things they do and usually good with people. They’re not afraid to try new things. A person with good self-esteem is willing to place themselves in challenging positions of opportunity. When you have a healthy sense of self-worth, it has become developed in challenging situations in which others are supportive. They don’t just tell you what you want to hear.

If your self-esteem is too low, you are afraid to try new things; then you lose interest in doing the things you once enjoyed. Worse, the things you were good at doing. Low self-esteem can develop from failure or a series of failures. For you to recover requires a combination of support and encouragement from family and friends, but most importantly, from getting up and trying again.

Low self-esteem can also be the result of an emotionally abusive environment. Some people can develop a positive self-image despite the abuser or abusers. However, the best way to remedy this situation is to leave it.

When your self-esteem is too high, you may begin to think you are more important or more valuable than other people. You may look for possible ways to abuse power, break the rules, or you may begin to engage in risky behaviors.

High self-esteem can develop after a significant success or a series of victories. However, what happens when checked by failure, challenge on your authority, or merely a challenge? It can develop in environments too supportive – people praise the good that you do but never point out errors or concerns. Your self-esteem gets checked when you leave that environment or experience challenges on your authority.

What is Confidence

Confidence is different. It can change in different situations and environments. A child who is sheepish and nervous at home may feel ready to take on the world when they are at school where friends and supportive teachers surround them.

A man who keeps his head down and his mouth shut at work may feel like a king when he returns home. At home, he fixes a chair for his wife, or he helps his kids with homework.

Like self-esteem can be too high or too low, an ungodly amount of confidence for a given situation can lead to problems.

A person with too much confidence may take on challenges that they are not prepared to accept. If they are not confident enough, they will not try to come up with new ideas, suggestions, or offer their help in times of need.

Self-esteem and confidence are a combination of the experiences you’ve had in the past. The overall level of support you received from similar situations in the past can determine your present outcome.

How are Self-Esteem and Confidence Related?

Confidence and self-esteem do impact one another. A person with high confidence in several situations you will feel increased self-esteem. You think you can handle several jobs, and it makes sense you are more satisfied with who you are as a person.

Confidence comes from your personal experience. The experience is necessary to build trust in your abilities. When your self-esteem is low, you are less likely to feel confident because you are less likely to build confidence by trying new things.

If you would like to learn more about confidence and self-esteem, call me at 916 246-8731, email me at lawannaspeaks.com, or schedule an interview appointment

Until next time, stay safe and keep the faith. lw