Self-Respect and Self-Esteem - How Important ?
“Strong people have a strong sense of self-worth and self-awareness; they don’t need the approval of others.”
Self-worth is the internal sense of being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others, not to be confused with self-respect or self-esteem. While the self-respect refers to the feeling of confidence and pride in oneself and one's abilities, qualities, and accomplishments, the self-esteem relies on external factors such as successes and achievements to define worth and can often be inconsistent leading to someone struggling with feeling worthy.
Maintaining one's self-respect involves standing up for oneself
Self-respect refers to an individual's sense of dignity and self-worth, based on their adherence to their own beliefs and values. It involves a belief in one's own principles and the ability to set boundaries, refuse to compromise, and stand up for oneself. In essence, self-respect is more about holding oneself accountable to one's own standards and values.
While self-respect is more focused on one's internal sense of worth, the self-esteem can be influenced by external factors such as approval, recognition, or success. Additionally, self-respect is more closely linked to an individual's core values and belief system, while self-esteem can fluctuate based on external factors and achievements. Self-respect is more about holding oneself accountable to one's own principles and values, while self-esteem is more about one's overall sense of confidence and worthiness.
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Self-esteem, on the other hand, refers to an individual's overall sense of confidence and worthiness, based on their perceived abilities, achievements, and potential. It is often linked to external factors such as recognition, praise, and success. Individuals with high self-esteem typically believe in their own abilities and have a positive attitude toward them.
By keeping one's self-respect, a person can gain several benefits. Firstly, self-respect allows a person to be more confident and assertive in their interactions with others, leading to better relationships and increased success in personal and professional ventures. Secondly, self-respect enables a person to be more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, as they are able to draw upon their own sense of worth and inner strength. Finally, maintaining one's self-respect helps to prevent feelings of regret, shame, or guilt for sacrificing one's principles or self-care for the approval or acceptance of others.
Thinkers and philosophers throughout history have emphasized the importance of self-respect. For example, philosopher and psychologist William James argued that self-respect is fundamental to leading a fulfilling life, stating that "the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Similarly, author and activist Audre Lorde pointed out that "self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation," emphasizing the need for individuals to prioritize and care for their own well-being. Overall, thinkers have recognized the value of self-respect as a core aspect of human dignity and flourishing.
Self-esteem and self-respect are significant because they are essential for an individual's mental and emotional well-being, as well as their ability to form positive relationships and achieve personal goals.
When an individual has a healthy level of self-esteem, they feel confident in their abilities and worth as a person. This leads to greater resilience in the face of failures or setbacks, better decision-making skills, and the ability to form and maintain positive relationships. High self-esteem also helps individuals to be more assertive, better able to set boundaries, and more inclined to take care of their own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
In summary, having healthy levels of self-esteem and self-respect can greatly benefit an individual's mental and emotional well-being, decision-making skills, relationships, and ability to achieve their personal goals.