Understanding the difference between self-esteem and self-worth is essential for personal growth and emotional well-being. Both concepts play a vital role in how we perceive ourselves and navigate life.
Defining self-esteem involves understanding how we evaluate our abilities and achievements and how and what we think of ourselves; defining self-worth means recognizing our inherent value regardless of any external factors.
Knowing how to improve self-esteem and how to improve self-worth can lead to greater confidence, resilience, and happiness. By focusing on building self-esteem and building self-worth, you can create a strong foundation for a more fulfilling life.
Let’s take a look at the key differences between these concepts and some actionable steps to nurture both.
Self-Esteem vs. Self-Worth: What’s the Difference?
Self-esteem and self-worth are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct concepts with different applications.
Self-esteem refers to the confidence we have about ourselves based on our abilities and worth. It can fluctuate depending on circumstances—for example, receiving praise might give a much-needed boost to self-esteem, while criticism could diminish it. But if you are self-aware, you’ll understand this vacillation and realize that it may be subject to external influence.
In contrast, self-worth is the deep-seated belief in your intrinsic value as a person. It’s not influenced by external factors like success or failure. Self-worth remains constant, rooted in the understanding that your value as a human being is inherent and unchanging.
While self-esteem can be conditional and variable, self-worth is typically unconditional and stable. The key difference lies in where they derive their strength.
Stone by Stone, Brick by Brick
Building self-worth and self-esteem requires intentional effort, but the rewards are priceless.
Here’s how to strengthen each:
How to Improve Self-Worth
- Practice self-acceptance: Recognize that your value isn’t tied to accomplishments or failures. Embrace yourself as you are, imperfections included. When someone says something negative, you can counter with, “Thank you for sharing your observations. I know this about myself.”
- Set personal boundaries: Protect your emotional energy by both knowing and saying no to things that don’t align with your values or priorities.
- Challenge negative beliefs: Be willing to do the hard internal work of identifying your limiting and negative beliefs and replace those that undermine your worth with affirmations of your intrinsic value.
- Focus on intrinsic qualities: Reflect on traits that define you, such as kindness, creativity, or resilience, rather than external achievements.
- Engage in meaningful activities: Pursue activities that reinforce your sense of purpose and connection.
How to Improve Self-Esteem
- Celebrate achievements: Take time to acknowledge your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
- Set realistic goals: Break larger objectives into manageable steps, building confidence with each accomplishment.
- Seek constructive feedback: Use feedback as an opportunity for growth, not a reflection of failure.
- Step out of your comfort zone: Trying new things can boost your confidence and reveal untapped potential.
- Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who uplift and support you, encouraging your personal growth.
While self-worth is about accepting yourself unconditionally, self-esteem focuses on recognizing and celebrating your achievements. Together, they form a powerful combination that builds resilience and confidence.
Iyanla challenges us: What if it’s not them—what if it’s you? What if you need to “get over it”—and get over yourself?
Because no matter how much we would like to blame people and circumstances beyond our control, the truth is staggeringly simple: anything and everything we experience is a function of what and how we think.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between self-esteem and self-worth is a vital step toward self-improvement and emotional well-being.
Self-esteem is tied to how you evaluate your abilities and achievements, while self-worth is the unwavering belief in your inherent value. By defining self-esteem and self-worth clearly, you can begin to nurture in a way that validates you.
Building self-esteem may involve celebrating achievements, setting realistic goals, and embracing challenges, while building self-worth focuses on self-acceptance, setting boundaries, and valuing intrinsic qualities.
Learning how to improve self-esteem and how to improve self-worth equips you with tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and confidence.
By investing in both self-esteem and self-worth, you empower yourself to live authentically and maintain a positive outlook, regardless of external circumstances.