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Self-esteem: What Does It Really Mean?

Self-esteem: What Does It Really Mean?

Friday 16th September 2016

elf-esteem, self-confidence self-worth, self-efficacy,....so many terms can feel confusing and are all too often used in a similar way in day-to-day language. The most important of these terms that this article will discuss are self-esteem and self-confidence.
Self-esteem refers to how we see or rate ourselves internally, whereas self-confidence is considerably different and more diverse encompassing, not only how much self-belief and trust we have in our own ability, but also how we project our confidence externally. For example, you may have heard of the saying "it is not just talking the talk but also being able to walk the walk." Confidence comes from a self-belief (internally) but also follows through with action (externally). If someone possess high self-esteem it makes sense that they will then view themselves as being adequate, good enough, attractive and intelligent, which in turn would then make them feel confident in what they choose to do
Clinically, I see many people experiencing a lack of self-esteem but there is a less noticeable link between how someone feels and what they project to the outside world. For example, someone can feel rubbish about themselves and as such they may put on a bravado, or an armour (e.g. the way they dress) to show the opposite, masking the real person. Thus, you can have low self-esteem but others perceive you has having high self-confidence. Feeling this way can trigger all sorts of anxiety traps and lead to feelings of frustration which may ultimately results in feeling low.
If you feel on the lower end of either self-esteem or self-confidence you can choose therapy. By starting therapy you will learn the steps you can take to lead to long-lasting change and you will ultimately feel empowered.

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