Self-Esteem vs. Self-Worth
Read Time: 3 minutes
Life is all about feeling and becoming the best that you can be. Both self-esteem and self-worth are great catalysts to reaching that very best. The two are quite similar but have their differences.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is more of an opinion, often formed by outside sources, of your appreciation and value of yourself. Life experiences, relationships, and judgments help shape this. Self-esteem presents itself in many shapes and forms. Feeling down when you make mistakes, search for external validation, or compare yourself to others? Your self-esteem is most likely negative. Such internal evaluations that affect your self-esteem include:
Ability to reach goals
Comparing yourself to others
How you react to situations
Personal weaknesses compared to strengths
Along with many more, these contemplations can then lead to an “inner critic” that slowly minimizes your self-esteem, causing:
Social anxiety
Pessimism
Harping on the negatives and self-hatred
Avoidance of challenges
Self-Worth
Self-worth, on the other hand, is rather deep-rooted and internal. It is the idea that even without focusing on accomplishments or abilities, you deserve respect. Self-worth surrounds core beliefs, which is why self-worth is less susceptible to change from external judgment than self-esteem is. Self-worth is often viewed as a more stable positive than self-esteem is, since it is simply internal. Here are some things that affect self-worth:
Childhood traumas
Romantic neglection
Toxic relationships
Expecting love as a reward, rather than it being unconditional
Low self-worth can cause your outlook to include:
Harping on flaws and mistakes
Acceptance–only–under certain conditions
Feeling undeserving of love
Have no hope in progression
But, what can self-esteem and self-worth, when positive, do for you? Self-esteem is often a temporary adjustment. It can provide relief from negative feedback or judgment at the moment. It can allow you to be less fragile when under pressure or threatened, and also improve motivation. It is also a win-win, discovering value in the external world amidst its often negative perception.
Here are some ways to increase your self-esteem:
Create and maintain long-lasting, stable relationships
Discover fulfilling hobbies for your abilities
Lean into your strengths at your job, school, or position
A stable self-worth provides more long-term security. You build resilience to external threats and find value in the internal. It erases standards that loom over individuals and ultimately create stress. It allows for self-control and is an abundant resource that self-renews and is a constant provider.
Here are some ways to increase your self-worth:
Set boundaries and enforce them with loved ones, friends, and colleagues
Compliment yourself for even the smallest wins
Do not minimize your needs or wants in relationships or activities
What’s your biggest struggle: self-esteem or self-worth?
If you feel like your self-esteem or self-worth has been a real struggle, first things first - you are not alone. Download a copy of the self-love affirmations worksheet I created + fill out with your favorite affirmations to use when you are feeling down. Hang up in your bedroom, office, or anywhere you can look at it quickly to boost your mood. 💕
