what is self Esteam

Q/A: What is Self Esteem - Define Self Esteem

How to define self esteem, when so many
definitions exist?

Self esteem is
central to our survival. It is the basis of our well being. Entire books have
been written on the subject of self esteem and yet, there is no single one
unifying definition of self esteem.

Because of the
complexity of definition of self esteem, on this page you will find definitions
from a variety of sources. You will learn a definition from:

1. 
   A dictionary
2. 
   5 definitions from leading psychologists
3. 
   7 Definitions from lay people

Dictionary

A confidence and
satisfaction in oneself. ~Webster's dictionary

Expert's
definitions

·                          
Self esteem is a confidence in our ability to think, to cope with
the basic challenges of life and confidence in our right to be successful and
happy. ~Nathaniel Branden

·                          
Self esteem means having a positive image of self. ~Don
Simmermacher

·                          
Self esteem is an evaluation of the emotional, intellectual, and
behavioral aspects of the self-concept. ~Diane Frey & Jesse Carlock

·                          
Self esteem is a state of mind. It is the way you feel and think
about yourself and others, and is measured by the way you act. ~Connie Paladino

·                          
To trust one's mind and to know that one is worthy of happiness is
the essence of self esteem. ~Nathaniel Branden

Lay people

And how do other
people define self esteem? Here is what some people said self esteem means to
them:

·                          
Self esteem is when I feel good about myself.

·                          
I don't know what self esteem is. I just know I have low self
esteem. I am very shy.

·                          
Living by my own values, beliefs, and convictions.

·                          
Self esteem is the absence of self hate.

·                          
Being confident that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

·                          
A state of total and absolute freedom. Freedom to choose to be
myself.

·                          
When I deeply and completely love and accept myself.

It is
interesting how we define self esteem. We define it by declaring feelings. We
talk about how we feel. High self esteem is associated with positive feelings
and low self esteem with negative feelings.
To learn more
about what is self esteem, continue from Define Self Esteem to Importance
of Self Esteem.