As a basic definition, self-esteem exists when you know and believe that you deserve to be happy.
Self esteem refers to having confidence in your ability to adapt to the challenges you face in life. People with healthy self-esteem are proud of their accomplishments and can take risks knowing that they will not be crushed if they do not succeed. They feel worthy of the good things that happen to them, can express their needs and wants, and feel worthy of the kindness, praise, and love of others.
Healthy self-esteem is associated with...
Persisting in the face of difficulty
Requiring that others treat you with respect (and doing the same for them)
Rationality
Creativity
Independence
Flexibility
Willingness to admit mistakes
Cooperativeness
Seeking challenging but attainable goals
Confidently expressing values and beliefs
Honesty
Forming nourishing relationships
Personal happiness
Can you have too much self-esteem?
I have been asked this question many times - almost always from individuals who have very low self-esteem. My answer is always the same - "No". Having high self-esteem and confidence is very different from being arrogant or egotistical. These traits result from having too little self-esteem, not too much. People with high self-esteem have no need to brag about their accomplishments, their intelligence, their jobs, etc. They do not feel the need to prove their worth by comparing themselves to someone else. They are happy to be who they are - not trying to be "better" than someone else.
If you or someone you know would like to receive help for dealing with low self-esteem (and live in the Halifax area) please feel free to contact me to set up an initial consultation.
