10/31/2025
Have we been misled about self-esteem? 🤔 What if a lot of what you’ve been told about self-worth is actually holding you back?
Here’s the truth:
📌 The Self-Esteem Myth
We’ve been sold the idea that self-esteem is everything. Many books, TED Talks, and posts say it’s the key to confidence and success. But self-esteem is, by definition, our opinion of ourselves — and that’s a pretty shaky foundation.
📌 Why Self-Esteem Doesn’t Work
“If it’s an opinion… why not change it?” (Spoiler: it’s not that simple.) Our self-opinion is shaped by upbringing, comparisons, and what others tell us. Even if you could change it, self-esteem is pass/fail (IMO)—you either have it or you don’t. Often, the harder you chase it, the further it drifts away. And too much can look like arrogance. There’s no winning.
📌 Self-Acceptance: The Sustainable Alternative
Self-acceptance = embracing yourself without needing constant external validation. It allows you to face difficult feelings, be curious about why you are the way you are, experiment and view your success or failure as data not judgment, and grow.
📌 Why Self-Acceptance Works
✅ Accepting flaws with with curiosity, kindness, and space to grow
✅ Supporting mental health & recovery
✅ Processing negative emotions instead of avoiding them
✅ Maintaining internal stability; your worth isn’t defined by every success or mistake
💡 Final Thoughts
If your self-esteem feels low, don’t beat yourself up. Try putting it on pause to explore self-acceptance. True confidence and resilience come from authenticity, not defending or boosting your ego.
Read the full article on Psychology Today for more insights!
