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What is the difference between self-awareness and self-esteem?

Published in Psychology 2 mins read

Self-awareness and self-esteem are distinct but interconnected concepts.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness refers to your ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. It involves being conscious of your strengths, weaknesses, values, and how you impact others.

  • Example: You are self-aware if you recognize that you tend to get stressed under pressure and that you need to take breaks to manage your anxiety.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem, on the other hand, is the evaluation you make about yourself. It's your overall feeling of self-worth and how much you value yourself.

  • Example: If you have high self-esteem, you believe in your abilities and worth, even when facing challenges.

Key Differences

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature Self-Awareness Self-Esteem
Definition Understanding yourself Feeling good about yourself
Focus Inner thoughts and feelings Overall self-worth
Action Observing and reflecting Accepting and valuing yourself
Outcome Increased understanding Improved confidence and resilience

Relationship Between Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem

Self-awareness is a prerequisite for building self-esteem. By understanding yourself better, you can identify your strengths and areas for improvement, leading to greater acceptance and appreciation of who you are.

Practical Insights

  • Improve self-awareness: Practice mindfulness, journaling, and seeking feedback from others.
  • Boost self-esteem: Focus on your positive qualities, set realistic goals, and celebrate your achievements.

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