What is Self Esteem?
And Why Do You Need It?

Self esteem is more than just a word to describe how you value yourself.

Just as wisdom is knowledge put into practice. I believe that self esteem is the act of valuing yourself.

If self esteem is not demonstrated in your thoughts, words and actions, it really isn't there.

So what is self esteem, exactly?

• Its your overall experience of yourself as a human being. Positive or negative.

• Its how capable you feel and how happy you are with yourself.

• Its your trust in your ability to think for yourself and take the right actions.

• Its your confidence in your ability to learn what needs to be learnt and do what needs to be done to be effective in any situation you face.

• And most importantly, it is all these attitudes expressed through your thoughts, words and actions.

Survival Value

Self esteem helps you with the basics in life. That's why the experts say it has 'survival' value. It helps you survive and thrive in the world. Wherever you go, your sense of self worth goes too.

Whether it is getting food, shelter, income, family, friends or finding a career or work that you love - it helps you do what needs to be done to get where you want to be. Or when you don't have any, it doesn't.

How can you tell if your self esteem is ok or not?

Spend a little time thinking about these self esteem assessment questions. Or do the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale questionnaire.

Although they are not exactly the same, self esteem is closely linked to your self concept / self image , self confidence, and body image.

How do you know the self esteem you have is real self esteem and not pseudo self esteem?

What is self esteem? Still not sure? Check out these basics of self care to see whether there are any areas where you may not be supporting and caring for yourself enough.

Want more in-depth information? You may want to read Six Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathaniel Branden. This book provides a very thorough definition and will probably answer a couple of questions you didn't even know you had!

It is not for those who are shy of reading, though. It provides so much rich, in-depth information that its difficult to get a quick overview of the subject. I found it very informative, but quite conceptual and hard-going in places. Definitely worth the effort if you are willing to take your time and work through it. After you have read this, you should have no trouble answering the question: What is self esteem?

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