The True Value of High Self-Esteem in Life

It is often debated whether having high self-esteem is as significant as having self-love. While self-love allows you to control and filter the external influences and perceptions that shape your life, high self-esteem is more about how you perceive and value oneself. This article will explore the true significance of high self-esteem and its impact on our lives.

Understanding High and Self-Esteem

High self-esteem is a measure of the value and worth you assign to yourself. It is not solely based on external validation from others but rather a deep internal sense of self-worth. Unlike self-love, which is about self-acceptance and authenticity, high self-esteem can be seen as a comparison-based construct where one seeks to be better than others.

It is important to note that high self-esteem is an intrinsic attribute, not something you need to constantly strive for. It is more than merely liking yourself; it involves confidence in your abilities and a belief in your value. This can be challenging because many times, achieving high self-esteem is portrayed as a contest, where one must constantly outdo others to win the approval and validation.

The 'Better Than' Game

The concept of high self-esteem in today's society often revolves around the 'better than' game. For instance, individuals seek better jobs, higher degrees, and more successful partners in an attempt to validate their self-worth. This mindset can be detrimental to one's mental health, leading to anxiety and a constant need for validation.

For example, gaining a degree might seem like the way to prove one's self-worth, but ultimately, it is just another means to conform to societal expectations. Similarly, finding a partner or joining a religion are external markers that can influence one's self-esteem. In essence, the pursuit of high self-esteem becomes an endless cycle of achieving more, often at the cost of personal fulfillment and well-being.

Living Authentically

Instead of chasing the elusive 'high self-esteem,' it is crucial to focus on living authentically. If your goals and actions are driven by finding joy and fulfillment in your life rather than striving for external validation, you can achieve a more meaningful and sustainable sense of self-worth. Here are a few points to consider:

Gaining an education because it fuels your passions, not because it will make you look good. Choosing a partner based on mutual interest and compatibility, not just to enhance your status. Practicing your religious or spiritual beliefs for personal growth and inner peace, not to impress others.

By focusing on these intrinsic values, you can experience genuine happiness and peace, rather than the temporary highs and lows that come with the pursuit of high self-esteem.

Reconnecting with Authenticity

Recognizing the futility of the 'better than' game can be liberating. When you stop playing this game, you are freed from the anxiety and stress that come with constantly seeking validation. You can now focus on genuinely cherishing yourself and living in a way that aligns with your true values and desires.

Living authentically means embracing your true self, flaws and all, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Conclusion: High self-esteem is certainly significant, but its importance does not lie in the comparison game but in the authenticity of your self-worth. By seeking joy and personal fulfillment, you can achieve a more genuine and enduring sense of self-esteem that does not rely on external validation.