Here’s the short answer: one feeds your self-image and the other feeds your ego. So in order to be a well balanced human being, a healthy dose of self-esteem and self-confidence can do a person good. 🙂

Let’s break down each term so you understand the difference. Yes, there is a difference. Although these 2 terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.  Knowing the difference can help you figure out what you need to do in your life to increase one or both.  Today we will visit our good old self-esteem.

Self-esteem is defined as how you feel about yourself and your self-image.  Do you love yourself? Respect yourself? Do you believe you are a good person? Your self-esteem is built from all the good and bad experiences you’ve had in your life. Those experiences shape the person you “think” you are today.

There are 2 kinds of self-esteem, low self-esteem and high self-esteem. Of course, we always want to be on the high end of this category because that’s when we feel good about who we are and what we stand for.

How do you know you if have low self-esteem? Here are some examples:

•      You don’t ask for a well deserved raise because you don’t think you’re smart enough.
•      You stay in a bad relationship because you don’t think you deserve any better.
•      You are anti-social because you don’t believe anyone will want to be your friend.

Your self-worth plays a huge role in how you conduct your life. If you don’t believe you’re worth it, then you don’t try. And when you don’t try, you solidify the fact that you’re not worth it. It is a vicious circle but the good news is, if you’re aware of this behavior, you CAN change it!

Let’s touch on high self-esteem just a tad because it definitely warrants a mention. Here are some examples:

•      You smile all the time because you feel good for no reason.
•      You know you deserve a great relationship so you don’t settle for anything less.
•      You socialize and make friends easily because you know you’re a good person.

Having high self-esteem is an amazing feeling. You feel good about your life, where it is heading and the possibilities that await you. If you’re not here yet, don’t worry, it’s not impossible.

Tips to improve your Self-Esteem:

1. Understand and be aware of the reasons why you have low self-esteem and then overcome them (seek professional help if necessary).
2. Stop the negative self-talk and insert positive statements into your everyday language (replace “don’t deserve” with “deserve”).
3. Make a list of your strengths and keep it close. Remind yourself of what you have accomplished and been successful at.

Hope that cleared up any misunderstandings about self-esteem for you.  Stay tuned for tomorrow’s explanation of self-confidence and the wrap up!

Love and Blessings,

Coach Dina Blas

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© 2013 Dina Blas. Used with permission. Dina Blas is a Confidence Coach and Motivational Speaker in Dallas, Texas. Visit http://www.DinaBlas.com to learn more about her services and to request a free 30 minute phone consultation.

Dina Blas

Dina Blas is an Inner Healing Coach, Reiki Master, and Meditation Teacher who helps her clients who have experienced childhood trauma break the toxic relationship cycle and rewrite their love story. Learn how to let go of your past and step into your power by contacting Dina today via her website www.DinaBlas.com or by email at Coach(at)DinaBlas.com.