Self-Esteem : Characteristics of People with high Self-Esteem

The word ‘Self Esteem’ refers to one’s evaluation of one’s own self. Self Esteem is different from Self Concept. Self Concept is what we think about our own self and Self Esteem is how to ‘estimate’ or ‘judge’ ourselves - good or bad, positive or negative. Self Esteem can be taken as an estimation or evaluation of our own self by us. Self Esteem is an important factor as it directly influences person’s overall behaviour, relationships, academic performance and professional success. Self-worth, Self-regard, Self-respect and Self-integrity are all related concepts of Self-esteem.

Psychologist Branden conceptualized ‘Self Esteem’ as a combination of Self-confidence and Self-respect. According to him, Self-confidence stands for ‘a feeling of personal capacity’ and Self-respect stands for ‘a feeling of personal worth’. “The experience of being competent to cope with the basic challenges and being worth of happiness” is what Branden had to say about Self-esteem.

Our Self Esteem is a result of our upbringing, society, circumstances and experiences of life. Self Esteem can be high or low depending one a person’s way of thinking and understanding of life’s circumstances.

Characteristics of people with high Self Esteem:
1. They understand, believe, like, love, value and trust themselves.
2. They trust their own judgment and act according to it.
3. They defend their own values, principles and opinions whenever faced with opposition.
4. They feel secure of themselves and the choices they make ad never feel guilty for a decision once made.
5. They focus on the present time and don’t waste time pondering over past mistakes and worrying about future challenges.
6. They live in the present but they do plan for the future.
7. They accept differences with others with dignity be it difference of power, position or financial status.
8. They never consider themselves as superior or inferior to others.
9. They are sensitive to others’ feelings and emotions.
10. They never take advantage of others or try to flourish at the expense of others.
11. They believe in collaboration and synergy. They are against unhealthy competition. They believe in creating a win-win situation.
12. They never manipulate others or try to take undue advantage of others.

Every human being craves for social acceptance. Love, respect and security are basic desires of all. A positive or high Self Esteem equips people with confidence and optimism. These qualities enable a person to reach his/her goal and achieve great heights in life. People with high Self Esteem understand that it is the core necessity of a person to be happy. They create several avenues of happiness for them and for those around them. Enhanced Self Esteem leads to positive social relationships which will lead to a harmonious society.