Low vs High Self Esteem

It's easy to discount the importance of having high self-esteem.

However, having positive personal regard can be the difference between feeling good about and taking care of yourself and not.

We've likely all heard the advice to believe in yourself, value yourself, be your cheerleader, and that you can't fully love others until you love yourself—and all of that is true.

But what exactly does that mean in real life? Essentially, having high self-esteem is vital to a successful, happy life.

Having high self-esteem is key to positive mental health and well-being.

High self-esteem matters because it helps you develop coping skills, handle adversity, and put the negative into perspective.

If you have a higher self-concept you also don't tend to put undue focus, blame, self-doubt, hopelessness, or weight on the parts you aren't happy about.

You're also better able to cope with stress, anxiety, and pressure, whether from school, work, home, or peers.

Instead, rather than feeling hopeless, stuck, or unworthy due to any perceived "failings," a person with high self-esteem is more likely to look for what they can change or improve upon than to feel like a "failure" or hopeless.

Conversely, someone with low self-esteem is more likely to become entrenched in negative feelings about themself.

Research shows that feeling positive and respectful about yourself, particularly as a child, goes a long way in helping you adapt and adjust to the challenges of life.

Are you a positive-minded person?