Self-Esteem - It's Not The Same As Self-Confidence!

A lot of people think that self-esteem is the same as self-confidence; however it is much more than just self-confidence.

'Self-Confidence' could be described as being an ingredient in the 'Self-Esteem' recipe.

The word 'esteem' shares it's roots with the word 'estimate' meaning 'to put a value on'.

We can conclude from this that 'self-esteem', really means 'the value we put on ourselves'. Hence, someone who has low self-esteem does not value themself very highly.

On the other hand, someone with high self-esteem has a deep rooted sense of self; they like (and sometimes love) themselves; they are in control of their internal state and they act with purpose.

The good news is that anyone can learn to have high self-esteem. It is not something that only the select few are born with.

How To Build Self Esteem

Accepting yourself as you are 'warts and all' is an excellent place to start to build your self-esteem. Although this may seem easier said than done, it is a vital ingredient in your step forward.

Take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror, that's you!, that's the way you are, and accepting yourself for what you are will start you on the path to higher self-esteem.

The image you see in the mirror can bring to the fore feelings of frustration, as we look at ourself with an overly critical eye. Sometimes all we can see are the flaws and the things we would like to change. We don't see all the great things about ourselves as we have hidden them away, even convincing ourselves they don't exist.

Well, they do exist, so keep looking, take a deep breath and look at yourself as you are and not as you would like to be. Learn to love yourself as you are before you try to change anything.

I know the last sentence seems contradictory, why would we want to change something we just fell in love with? But, the fact of the matter is that too much energy can be wasted wishing you were something you are not and accepting yourself for what you are is the first step to take towards higher self-esteem.

Have you any idea the energy you must use to hide yourself away from the world. What if this energy were channelled toward more positive areas in your life.

The most crucial part of this exercise, is that you must acknowledge first that you are

fine the way you are.

Once you have discovered this self acceptance, you will find the courage and

incentive to delve deeper into personal relationships and a whole new journey will

begin.

The Author has recently developed a keen interest in self-improvement. He has undergone some quite fascinating changes in his life and does'nt feel the need to stop developing yet. He has started a Self-Improvement Blog at http://www.self-help-group.com and also posted more self-esteem articles at http://www.davewhitworth.com/self-esteem/