What is Self-Esteem?

Possessing little self-regard can lead people to become depressed, to fall short of their potential, or to tolerate abusive situations and relationships. Too much self-love, on the other hand, results in an off-putting sense of entitlement and an inability to learn from failures. (It can also be a sign of clinical narcissism.) Perhaps no other self-help topic has spawned so much advice and so many (often conflicting) theories. Here are our best insights on how to strike a balance between accurate self-knowledge and respect for who you are.

Recent posts on Self-Esteem

Narcissistic or Not?

By Loren Soeiro, Ph.D. ABPP on February 13, 2017 in I Hear You
The entire millennial generation has been criticized as narcissistic and entitled. Can this really be true?

We Can Often See the Reflection of Our Narcissistic Side

Do external affirmations seem not to exist? Do you want to brag about yourself but you know you ought not? How do you build self-confidence without being narcissistic?

How to Befriend Yourself

By Robert Firestone Ph.D. on February 10, 2017 in The Human Experience
People can utilize their personal power and actively contribute to their own growth and development, in essence becoming their own ally.

7 Ways to Own Your Success Without Sounding Narcissistic

It's OK to tell other people about your achievement. Here's how to do it without bragging.
austinadams/Shutterstock

Is Self-Love Healthy or Narcissistic?

By Tara Well Ph.D. on February 10, 2017 in The Clarity
Can you love yourself without being a narcissist? Research shows you how.

You Control No One but Influence Everyone: the I-M Approach

By Joseph A. Shrand M.D. on February 09, 2017 in The I-M Approach
We could all use a road map to understand our own lives and the lives of others. The I-M Approach is a simple tool that unifies us all as doing the best we can.

Leaving the Abusive Relationship

Happiness is an inside job which starts with a positive self-image.

Forgiveness

By Ana Nogales, Ph.D. on February 07, 2017 in Family Secrets
Forgiveness is difficult.

Why You Need to Fire Your Inner Monday Morning Quarterback

By Kristen Lee Ed.D., LICSW on February 06, 2017 in Reset 24/7
Does your inner critic get the best of you? Your best move might be to fire your obnoxious voice of unreason, and rehire a more rational, compassionate guide.
Maintien et Actualisation des Compétences de SST (MAC)

Do You Feel Victimized?

What to do when you're feeling a victim.

3 Secrets for Silencing Your Inner Critic

By Andy Molinsky Ph.D. on February 05, 2017 in Adaptation
3 secrets for silencing your inner critic.

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall. Mirror, Mirror, Neurons All

By Joseph A. Shrand M.D. on February 04, 2017 in The I-M Approach
We mirror the emotions of other people. What happens when that emotion is fear?

Where Does It Hurt?

By Tara Brach Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in Finding True Refuge
The wounds in our life are so often related to severed belonging. Healing is possible, and begins with the question: Where does it hurt?

Donald Trump: Is He as Unpredictable as He Seems?

By Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in Evolution of the Self
Writers have struggled to figure out just what is guiding our new President’s decision-making. This post should illuminate a subject that may have made you wonder, too.

Is Self-Confidence Inherited? A Renewed Debate

By Ray Williams on February 02, 2017 in Wired for Success
New research suggests that self-confidence may have a significant genetic component.

Terror, Love, and Brainwashing

By The Book Brigade on February 02, 2017 in The Author Speaks
Cults and brainwashing are more common than you might think. The best defense is educating children about the dangers of manipulative people and the techniques they use.

Jonathan Friesen: The Power of Unconditional Positive Regard

By Michael Friedman Ph.D. on February 01, 2017 in Brick by Brick
Jonathan Friesen knows the power of unconditional positive regard. Throughout his life, Friesen has suffered from both Tourette’s syndrome and epilepsy...

Finding Purpose or Chasing Rainbows?

Chasing rainbows is not necessarily a bad thing nor is contemplating the meaning of your life a waste of time.

Self-Compassion, Growth Mindset, and the Benefits of Failure

By Christopher Bergland on January 30, 2017 in The Athlete's Way
A groundswell of new research reaffirms the importance of believing that intelligence is never fixed, practicing self-compassion, and embracing the hidden benefits of failure.

You're So Vain

By Adrian Furnham Ph.D. on January 30, 2017 in A Sideways View
There is a great deal of interest in narcissism and many claims about who and why certain groups are clinically and sub-clinically narcissistic

The Beautiful Cart of Burdens

Do you act for others not out of genuine concern, but out of a need to act a certain way in order to maintain relationships?

Childhood Roots of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Can you tell if a child is a budding narcissist? Warning signs that self-worth is getting dangerous.

Trumping Fear

By Joseph A. Shrand M.D. on January 28, 2017 in The I-M Approach
Did the 2016 Presidential Election make you sad, angry, afraid, and stressed? We can use our knowledge about brain science to help each other through this. It's all about respect.

4 Ways to Stop Fearing the Judgments of Others

Let’s face it: Humans are always judging each other. Here are four ways to stop living in fear of judgment.

How You Can Be More Confident

How can you have more confidence? Do this one exercise and feel the difference!

Is Self-compassion Self-indulgent?

When you’re struggling to stay motivated, feeling paralyzed by fear or looking straight into the face of failure, how do you push yourself through these moments?

Women and War

Even the Marines are recruiting women. What does this tell us about being war-like? Or about gender equality? And is it to be welcomed?

Self-Stigmatizing About Your Weight Increases Health Risks

By Christopher Bergland on January 26, 2017 in The Athlete's Way
Fat shaming is bullying. And it takes a heavy toll. According to a new study, internalizing negative stereotypes caused by fat shaming is linked to a variety of health risks.
Photo by Kristin Meekhof

10 Ways To Get Your New Year's Resolution Back On Track

Are You Struggling With Your New Year's Resolutions? Here's 10 Ways To Get Them Back On Track

Has Medicine Gone Soft?

By Haider Warraich M.D. on January 20, 2017 in On Modern Medicine
Medical training has become more humane but no one knows if that is actually good for patient care or not.