Self-esteem is important for your success, happiness and general wellbeing.
If you have high self-esteem you are more likely to be better off in every single metric.
High self-esteem should not be confused with arrogance, a sense of superiority or an inflated self worth.
A magnanimous and humble self-esteem is a wonderful trait. Here are nine reasons why it is important.
1. You Are More Likely To Accept Yourself
If you have a high self-esteem you are much more likely to embrace your unique qualities and accept yourself for who you are. You will feel more comfortable in your own skin and in your own identity.
This in turn creates a positive self-image and allows for a positive outlook on life.
2. You Will Do Better at School and Work
High self-esteem means you will believe in yourself and your abilities. You will have the confidence to take on challenges, set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve your desired outcomes.
If you believe in yourself and work hard, you are more likely to taste success which reinforces your self-esteem in a virtuous cycle.
3. You Will Have Better Relationships
High self-esteem people want to be around other high self-esteem people. They attract each other.
Likewise, low self-esteem people tend to attract other low self-esteem people.
If you have high self-esteem and are in friendships or relationships with similar people then these relationships have a higher chance of flourishing positively.
With high self-esteem you are more likely to communicate your needs effectively, set and enforce healthy boundaries and behave in a respectful and mutually fulfilling way.
4. Your Health Will Be Better
High self-esteem individuals are more likely to prioritise self-care and wellbeing and are less likely to neglect their health.
Your mental health will also be better as high self-esteem often leads to lower levels of stress and anxiety.
5. You Will Be Happier
High self-esteem leads to improved happiness and satisfaction in life.
You are more likely to reflect positively on your achievements, maintain an optimistic attitude and feel content with what you have.
6. You Are More Resilient To Life’s Challenges
A high self-esteem gives you a certain steely resolve when times get tough. Instead of crumbling under the pressure you are able to maintain your positivity and determination.
Setbacks and failures will occur. But you don’t get too down on yourself and you bounce back quickly.
You see failure as an opportunity for growth.
7. You Cope Better With Anxiety, Fears and Insecurities
High self-esteem won’t insulate you from negative thoughts and insecurities. But it will help prevent them from becoming too overwhelming.
When you have a strong belief in yourself you have a higher tolerance for the unexpected and are less likely to succumb to self doubt.
You will still have to face your inner demons but you will do so with courage.
8. You Are More Likely To Achieve Your Goals
If you have high self-esteem, you are more likely to set ambitious goals. And given your positive attitude, you are more likely to achieve them.
When you believe in yourself you are more likely to invest in personal growth and challenge yourself to take risks and be better.
9. You Are More Likely To Reach Your Potential
Most limitations are self-imposed.
When you have a high self-esteem you are able to break free from these self-imposed limitations and embrace the infinite potential in front of you.
You believe in yourself and you believe you deserve success. That belief alone will spur you on, help you strive for excellence, help you persist when times get tough and ultimately reach your potential.
Conclusion
Self-esteem is important because it is a catalyst for a virtuous cycle of success.
When you believe in yourself you are more likely to be happier and more successful, therefore reinforcing the positive outlook you have about yourself.
For some people self-esteem comes easily, for others it takes a bit more work.
Regardless, self-esteem is something that everybody should cultivate, nourish and develop.