Self-esteem is the value you place on yourself.
We usually evaluate ourselves by looking at others.
Self-esteem affects our thinking, our emotions, our relationships and our desires and goals.
Care and concern for others are rooted in the positive estimate of love you have toward yourself.
Self-esteem is not seeing yourself better or more important than others. It is not building your ego with fantasies about your appearance, abilities, popularity or power.
Self-esteem is a sense of innate (natural) worth.
We discover self-esteem when we take an honest, realistic and redemptive look at ourselves.
What produces self-esteem?
- Making achievements- succeeding or failing at tasks, setting goals, and accomplishing them, being productive in activities.
- Gaining influence- being rewarded, a pay raise, promotion, or recognition by others.
- Being accepted- a clear sense of being cared for, appreciated, and wanted.
- Acting on beliefs- forming and acting on values increases a sense of worth, having the opportunity and feeling free to express beliefs and living by a personal standard. Esteem is enhanced by seeing these beliefs valued by others.
Two basic kinds of self-esteem are earned and unearned. Earned esteem is the kind you create through what you do (achievements, learned skills, accomplishments). Unearned esteem is bestowed upon you by others (inherited traits, talents, social status). We cannot depend on one kind of self-esteem. Both are necessary and good. We need a balance of both to feel a realistic sense of worth.
The greatest source of worth comes from God. His grace towards us is the foundation on which true worth as an individual is built. This source of esteem is positive and lasting.
God loves us and accepts us as we are. We are unique and have a purpose and role that no other member can fulfill. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Your concept of who you are is vital. Your self image is the foundation of your relationship with others. You tend to see others as you see yourself.
Ginny I.