10 Characteristics of High Self-Esteem, How to Improve Your Well-Being

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Here are 10 characteristics of self-esteem that you should know about.  Developing these traits can help improve your self-esteem and overall well-being.

These include valuing oneself, having confidence in one’s abilities, being self-aware, having a positive outlook, being resilient, having healthy boundaries, being able to handle criticism, having self-compassion, being able to assert oneself, and having a growth mindset.

Self-esteem is an assessment that a person has of himself. Being a personal assessment, it has no logical or rational causes, rather it is based on a set of bodily, mental and emotional features that the person takes into account before issuing the assessment.

Self-esteem is a value judgment on the person himself. This is changing over time. Thus, at a certain moment a person can have a high self-esteem (having a positive value judgment on herself) when at other times said self-esteem is low (having a perception and a negative value judgment).

Therefore, one could say that self-esteem is a construction of the individual. This changes in relation to how the same person acts and unfolds in the environment that surrounds him.

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In addition, two main types of self-esteem can be distinguished; Low self-esteem and high self-esteem. There are also those who indicate that, in turn, these two self-esteem can be divided into two (high unstable, high stable, low unstable, and stable low).

10 Characteristics Of Self-esteem - What is self-esteem?

Characteristics Of Self-esteem

1. Types of self-esteem

There are two main types of self-esteem:

  1. High self-esteem: This is when a person has a positive view of themselves and their abilities. They believe in their own worth, feel confident in their decisions, and are able to handle criticism without it affecting their self-worth. People with high self-esteem tend to have better mental health and are more resilient in the face of challenges.
  2. Low self-esteem: This is when a person has a negative view of themselves and their abilities. They may feel insecure, doubt their own worth, and be overly critical of themselves. People with low self-esteem tend to struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, and may have difficulty asserting themselves in social situations.

2. Causes

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of low self-esteem, including:

  1. Childhood experiences: Experiences such as abuse, neglect, criticism, and rejection during childhood can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem.
  2. Negative self-talk: The way we talk to ourselves can have a big impact on our self-esteem. If we constantly criticize ourselves, it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.
  3. Social comparisons: Comparing ourselves to others can also contribute to low self-esteem. When we feel that we don’t measure up to others, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth.
  4. Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic standards for ourselves and feeling like we have to be perfect can also contribute to low self-esteem.
  5. Cultural and societal influences: Cultural and societal norms can also impact our self-esteem. For example, living in a culture that places a high value on appearance or wealth can lead to feelings of inadequacy if we don’t meet those standards.

3. Trust

People with high self-esteem are not afraid to speak or talk to other people. They express their feelings and thoughts with freedom.

In the case of people with weakened or low self-esteem, they usually have a constant feeling of fear. They do not trust themselves or their own abilities.

4. Empathy

Those with high or positive self-esteem usually recognize the emotions of others, as well as being in tune with their own and others’ feelings.

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People with reduced or low self-esteem have a feeling of reduced empathy, so they have difficulty recognizing what other people feel and think. They are usually immersed in their own thoughts and feelings, although this is not done in a conscious way but they can not focus on the needs or feelings of other people.

10 Characteristics Of Self-esteem - What is self-esteem?

5. Thoughts

A person whose self-esteem is high, has positive thoughts. Even in the face of difficulties or adversity, the way in which he faces different situations always has a positive tinge, thus achieving a positive resolution. On the contrary, the person with low self-esteem usually lacks self-confidence, anticipating defeat or resolving problems in a negative way.

6. Risks and responsibilities

Those with high self-esteem are attracted to challenges, seek and enjoy them. People with high stable self-esteem often see in each difficulty, an opportunity to improve or overcome. On the other hand, low or negative self-esteem is characterized by apathy, lack of initiative, fear of risks and prefer the status quo before modifications in their daily routine.

7. Solidarity

A person with high self-esteem is predisposed to help other people without feelings of criticism towards others or towards themselves. They are usually people who highlight the positive characteristics of others and their actions.

On the contrary, people with low self-esteem, although they may have the feeling of helping others, will always highlight the negative characteristics of a given situation.

8. Personality

Personalities with high self-esteem express themselves in a firm but non-offensive way towards others. They accept their own weaknesses and like other people to show their shortcomings but always as a constructive contribution and to improve themselves, not as a criticism to undermine their own esteem. Although they like to be told their virtues, they do not like to be mentioned. They do not fear to recognize when they do not know something. They ask without fear of being judged. They are not afraid to say “I’m sorry” or “apologize”.

On the other hand, people with low self-esteem do not usually accept themselves. They highlight their defects (physical, mental or spiritual), avoiding being their own strengths and highlighting their shortcomings. They also relate in the same way to others. In other words, a person with low self-esteem can become a toxic person.

9. Degree of assertiveness

The subject with high self-esteem defends his point of view, thoughts and feelings in a calm and patient but firm way.

On the other hand, a person who has low or negative self-esteem will generally be an easily influenced person where their convictions, points of view or beliefs are easily affected by the beliefs, thoughts and / or feelings of other people.

10 Characteristics Of Self-esteem - What is self-esteem?

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10. Challenges

While trust is essential for building relationships and creating a sense of safety and security, it can also present challenges. Some common challenges related to trust include:

  1. Betrayal: When someone breaks our trust by lying, cheating, or behaving in a way that goes against our expectations, it can be difficult to rebuild that trust.
  2. Vulnerability: Trust often requires a certain level of vulnerability, as we must be willing to open ourselves up to the possibility of being hurt or let down by others.
  3. Cultural and societal influences: Cultural and societal norms can impact our ability to trust others. For example, living in a society that is highly individualistic may make it more difficult to trust others, while living in a society that values collectivism may make it easier to build trust.
  4. Personal experiences: Our past experiences can also impact our ability to trust others. If we have been hurt or betrayed in the past, it may be harder for us to trust again in the future.
  5. Communication: Communication is essential for building and maintaining trust. When there is a breakdown in communication, it can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of trust between individuals.

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