The need for self-esteem is a powerful driving force for human behavior. It motivates individuals to seek recognition and respect, both from themselves and from others, leading to a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. People with healthy self-esteem are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors, take on challenges, and have a higher level of resilience in the face of setbacks.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is:
- Confidence in our ability to think, confidence in our ability to cope with the basic challenges of life.
- Confidence in our right to be successful and happy, the feeling of being worthy, deserving, entitled to assert our needs and wants, achieve our values, and enjoy the fruits of our efforts.
Self-efficacy - Confidence in the functioning of my mind, in my ability to think, understand, learn, choose, and make decisions; confidence in my ability to understand the facts of reality that fall within the sphere of my interests and needs; self-trust; self-reliance.
Self-respect - Assurance of my value; an affirmative attitude toward my right to live and be happy; comfort in appropriately asserting my thoughts, wants, and needs; the feeling that joy and fulfillment are my natural birthright.