Self-esteem

Our self-esteem is not constant; it fluctuates on a continuum. Instead of being something we either have or don’t have, self-esteem varies in degrees. The lower our self-esteem, the less confidence we have in ourselves and the less worthy we feel. The higher our self-esteem, the more confident, competent, and worthy we feel. Self-esteem is also not something that we can earn and store away for later - like a retirement account. It is something we must earn daily - like a paycheck. And, although not all primary sources of self-esteem are under our control (such as early childhood experiences and genetic make-up) it is primarily our thoughts, choices and actions which determine our level of self-esteem. Behavior and self-esteem are reciprocal. They are both a cause and consequence of each other.

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