8 examples of high self-esteem (and how to improve yours)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Do you have high self-esteem? Explore 8 examples of what it can look like and why it's an important part of your mental health. Plus, how you can improve your self-esteem.
We all know that one person who just seems to have it going on — their confidence is unwavering, they’re sure of themselves, and they seem to attract the most abundant opportunities. We wonder if these people have a little secret to success that we don’t know about… and it turns out that secret is often high self-esteem.
When you have high self-esteem, you feel confident in your ability to deal with problems, you don’t get too hung up on mistakes, and you respect yourself enough to set healthy boundaries. High self-esteem also helps you recognize your worth, but not in a boastful way. Instead, it allows you to live with self-respect, kindness, and a presence that people notice right away.
While we all have moments of self-doubt, people with high self-esteem bounce back from those moments rather quickly. They trust in their strengths while accepting their flaws, knowing that imperfections don’t make them any less valuable. They just make them human.
The good news is it’s totally possible to shift your mindset and boost your self-esteem over time, so you too can reap the benefits of a boost in resilience and confidence. Whether it’s saying no when you need to or accepting compliments with grace, high self-esteem shows up in everyday situations in ways that may make life easier and more fulfilling, not to mention inspiring to others who look up to you.
What is high self-esteem?
To put it simply, high self-esteem is when you have a positive view of yourself and you accept your strengths and weaknesses without feeling overly critical or ashamed. High self-esteem doesn’t mean thinking you’re perfect. Instead, it’s about accepting your flaws and feeling confident in your ability to handle them.
High self-esteem is about self-respect and is the inner belief that you’re valuable and worthy, regardless of mistakes, setbacks, or what others might say. (Which spoiler alert: is true!)
Why high self-esteem is important
Having high self-esteem can make a huge difference to your overall mental health and wellbeing. People (and even kids) with strong self-esteem tend to have a more positive outlook on life, handle stress better, and enjoy healthier relationships. They are also less likely to struggle with anxiety or depression and more likely to take on new challenges with confidence.
High self-esteem also impacts decision-making. When you believe in your abilities, you’re more likely to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and grow from them. This creates a cycle of personal growth that helps you become more resilient over time.
Better relationships: When you respect yourself, it’s easier to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and maintain healthy relationships.
Improved mental health: High self-esteem is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. You’re more likely to feel emotionally balanced.
Increased motivation: Believing in your abilities helps you stay motivated and pursue your goals with confidence.
Resilience: People with high self-esteem are more likely to bounce back from setbacks because they trust their ability to handle challenges.
8 examples of high self-esteem
High self-esteem doesn’t mean always being cheerful or confident in every moment. Instead, it’s shown through small, consistent behaviors that reflect how you feel about yourself deep down.
1. Accepting compliments without deflecting them: When someone with high self-esteem receives a compliment, they acknowledge it with gratitude instead of downplaying or rejecting it. For example, if someone says, “You did a great job on that project,” a person with high self-esteem will respond with something like, “Thank you, I’m really proud of how it turned out.”
2. Setting healthy boundaries: People with high self-esteem know their limits and aren’t afraid to say no when needed. They understand that taking care of their own needs is important, so they set boundaries without guilt. For instance, they’ll decline an extra work task if it interferes with their personal time, and they’ll do so without worrying unnecessarily about it.
3. Handling criticism constructively: High self-esteem doesn’t mean ignoring criticism. Instead, it means being able to take constructive feedback and use it for personal growth. When faced with criticism, someone with high self-esteem can reflect on it without taking it personally. They’ll ask themselves, “Is this feedback helpful?” and decide how to apply it.
4. Feeling confident in making decisions: People with high self-esteem trust their ability to make good decisions. They don’t constantly second-guess themselves or look for approval from others. If they do make a mistake, they see it as a learning opportunity rather than a reflection of their worth.
5. Celebrating successes, big and small: Whether it’s landing a new job or simply finishing a challenging task, someone with high self-esteem celebrates their achievements. They recognize their efforts and feel proud of their accomplishments without feeling like they need to minimize them.
6. Taking responsibility for actions: High self-esteem includes owning up to mistakes and taking responsibility without feeling overwhelmed by guilt. They don’t feel like they have to be perfect, so when they make an error, they acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
7. Comfortable being alone: People with high self-esteem are content with their own company. They don’t rely on others for validation or to feel good about themselves. They can enjoy alone time and use it as an opportunity for self-reflection or relaxation.
8. Asking for help when needed: Having high self-esteem means knowing that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s a healthy way to acknowledge that you don’t have to do everything on your own. People with high self-esteem feel confident enough to reach out for support when necessary.
How to improve self-esteem: 8 mindful tips to build your confidence
If you feel like your self-esteem could use a boost, you’re not alone — most of us feel that way at some point! Fortunately, self-esteem is something that can grow and change over time, especially when you make small, positive adjustments in how you think and act.
1. Practice self-compassion to become your own best friend
One of the most important steps in improving self-esteem is learning how to be kind to yourself (here are 10 ways to start that today). We often treat ourselves with much harsher words than we would ever use with someone else. Self-compassion means talking to yourself the way you would a good friend, especially when things go wrong.
When you make a mistake or fall short of a goal, instead of criticizing yourself, try saying something supportive like, “It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes, and I’m doing my best.” The more you practice being gentle with yourself, the easier it becomes to see yourself in a positive light.
💙 Check out our Radical Self-Compassion program for guided help on cultivating a regular practice of compassion and empathy for yourself and your life.
2. Focus on your strengths to diminish self-doubt
We all have areas where we shine, and taking the time to recognize your strengths is a great way to build self-esteem. Make a list of things you’re good at, whether it’s a talent, a skill, or even a personality trait like kindness or patience.
This could be something big, like excelling at your job, or something smaller, like being a great listener. When you focus on what you do well, you shift your attention away from self-doubt and start to appreciate all the good things you bring to the table.
3. Challenge negative self-talk to turn the volume down on your inner critic
Negative thoughts about yourself can be a huge barrier to high self-esteem. We all have that inner critic that whispers things like “I’m not good enough” or “I always mess things up.” The next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and question those thoughts. Are they really true?
Often, our self-criticism is exaggerated or based on fear rather than fact. Try replacing those negative thoughts with more balanced, realistic ones. For example, instead of saying, “I never do anything right,” try, “I made a mistake, but I’m learning from it, and I’ll do better next time.”
💙 Learn to Shift Your Self-Talk and transform self-loathing into self-love with help from the Daily Jay.
4. Set small, achievable goals to build confidence for bigger ones
Setting goals is a great way to build confidence, but it’s important to make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Start with small steps and something manageable that you can accomplish relatively easily. Each time you reach a goal, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable and can follow through.
This sense of accomplishment, even for small wins, boosts your self-esteem. For example, if you want to exercise more, start by setting a goal of walking for 10 minutes each day. As you meet these small goals, you’ll build momentum and confidence to take on bigger challenges.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people help you understand your value
The people you spend time with can have a big impact on how you see yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who appreciate and uplift you is important for building self-esteem. On the other hand, try to distance yourself from relationships that make you feel bad about yourself. People who are constantly negative or critical can chip away at your confidence over time.
Check out these 10 signs you’re in a toxic friendship to help you identify people you could cut loose from your life. Choose to spend time with friends, family, or colleagues who respect and encourage you and who help you see your own value.
6. Practice mindfulness to step away from judgemental thoughts
Mindfulness is a simple but powerful tool that can help improve self-esteem. It’s about being present in the moment without judgment. When you’re mindful, you’re more aware of your thoughts and feelings, but you don’t get carried away by them. This can help quiet the negative self-talk and reduce feelings of self-criticism.
Try practicing mindfulness exercises (here are 10 of our faves) like meditation, deep breathing, or just taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on the present. Over time, mindfulness can help you develop a kinder, more accepting attitude toward yourself.
💙 Give this session of The Daily Move’s guided exercise on Mindful Movement a try and see how you feel after.
7. Celebrate the smaller moments to gain a sense of progress
It’s easy to overlook the small steps you take every day toward being your best self. But celebrating your progress, no matter how small, can give you a real boost in confidence. Maybe you stuck to a habit you’ve been working on, handled a stressful situation calmly, or simply got through a tough day.
Take a moment to recognize these little wins and feel proud of yourself. Building self-esteem isn’t just about the bigger milestone moments, it’s about appreciating all the small moments that show your growth and resilience, too.
8. Try something new to discover new strengths
Sometimes, boosting your self-esteem means stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new. Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking up a hobby, or overcoming shyness, trying something different can help you discover new strengths and build confidence.
It doesn’t have to be a big leap either. Maybe it’s signing up for a class you’ve always been curious about or volunteering for a project at work. Each time you challenge yourself to grow, you reinforce the idea that you’re capable and can handle whatever comes your way.
High self esteem examples FAQs
What are the main causes of low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem can come from a variety of experiences, but for many of us it is rooted in childhood. Harsh criticism, neglect, or bullying can leave a lasting impact on how you view yourself — when you’re constantly told you’re not good enough, it’s easy to internalize those messages and believe them to be true.
Trauma, whether emotional or physical, can also damage your sense of self-worth, as can social pressures and unrealistic expectations. It’s easy to become trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk, where the more you criticize yourself, the worse you feel, and the worse you feel, the more you criticize yourself. Breaking that cycle can be challenging but is key to improving self-esteem.
How does high self-esteem affect mental health?
High self-esteem is closely linked to better mental health. When you have a positive view of yourself, you’re less likely to struggle with issues like anxiety and depression. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever feel anxious or sad, but when you have high self-esteem, you tend to handle those feelings in healthier ways.
When you have high self-esteem, you’re more likely to trust your ability to deal with challenges, which means you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by them. You’re also more comfortable with who you are, which means you’re less likely to be thrown off by criticism or rejection.
Can self-esteem fluctuate over time?
Self-esteem can definitely fluctuate over time. It’s normal for your self-esteem to go through ups and downs depending on what’s happening in your life. Big changes—like starting a new job, ending a relationship, or experiencing a personal loss—can all affect how you feel about yourself. Even smaller, everyday events, like receiving praise or facing criticism, can cause temporary shifts in your self-esteem.
It’s important to remember that self-esteem isn’t static, but instead is something you can work on and improve throughout your life. Focus on developing habits that help stabilize your self-esteem over time, so those inevitable dips don’t last too long or feel too overwhelming.
What are simple daily habits to boost self-esteem?
There are many small, simple habits you can incorporate into your daily life to help boost your self-esteem.
Positive self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with kinder, more supportive ones. Instead of saying, “I’m terrible at this,” practice thinking, “I’m learning, and I’ll get better with practice.”
Daily goals: Set small, achievable goals each day—like finishing a workout, completing a work assignment, or making time for a hobby—to give you a sense of achievement and boost your confidence.
Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on something you’re grateful for or something you did well. This shifts your focus away from what you think is wrong with you and towards what’s going well.
How does high self-esteem impact professional success?
High self-esteem can have a big impact on your professional success. When you believe in your abilities, you’re more likely to take on challenges and push yourself to achieve your goals. People with high self-esteem are often seen as trustworthy and competent, which can open up more opportunities for career advancement.
When you feel good about yourself, you’re able to express your ideas clearly, stand up for your opinions, and ask for what you need — whether it’s feedback, support, or even a promotion. Believing in yourself can have a ripple effect on how others see you and how far you go in your professional life.
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