What is the difference between confidence and self esteem?
Confidence and self-esteem are related concepts, but they have some key differences.
Confidence is a feeling of assurance or trust in one's abilities, qualities, or judgment. It's a belief in oneself and one's capacity to handle challenges and succeed in different situations. Confidence is typically situational and can fluctuate depending on the context. For example, someone may feel confident in their ability to give a presentation at work but feel less confident in their social skills in a social gathering.
Self-esteem, on the other hand, is a more general and long-term sense of self-worth and value. It's the overall perception and evaluation of oneself, including one's qualities, abilities, and characteristics. Self-esteem is not tied to specific situations or circumstances but rather reflects a deep-seated belief in one's intrinsic worth as a person.
In short, confidence is more focused on one's abilities in specific situations, while self-esteem is a broader and more stable sense of one's worth and value as a person.
Building confidence and self-esteem can go hand in hand. In fact, working on one can often lead to improvements in the other. Confidence and self-esteem are related but distinct concepts, with confidence being more situational and self-esteem being a broader, more stable sense of self-worth. However, building confidence can help improve one's overall self-esteem by providing evidence of one's abilities and accomplishments. Similarly, building self-esteem can help increase confidence by fostering a more positive and accepting attitude towards oneself. Both confidence and self-esteem are important for overall well-being and success in life, and working on both together can be a powerful way to build a more positive and fulfilling life.
Building confidence and self esteem can take time and effort, but there are many strategies that can be helpful. Here are some steps you can take.
Building confidence:
This is a process that requires you to be kind with yourself as you work towards developing greater confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Identify your strengths: Make a list of your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Reflect on what you do well and what you enjoy doing. Focusing on your strengths can help you feel more confident in your abilities.
Challenge negative self-talk: Notice negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself and challenge them. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support these beliefs and whether they are helpful or accurate. Practice reframing negative thoughts into more positive and empowering ones.
Set small goals: Setting achievable goals and working towards them can help build confidence. Start with small, manageable goals and celebrate your progress along the way.
Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally can help boost confidence. This includes getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition, as well as engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Learn new skills: Learning new skills or taking on new challenges can help build confidence by demonstrating your ability to grow and adapt. Take classes or workshops in areas that interest you or challenge you.
Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your abilities. Seek out a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and encouragement as you work towards your goals.
Building self-esteem:
This is a process that involves developing a positive and accepting attitude towards oneself.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would to a friend who is struggling.
Identify negative beliefs: Notice negative self-talk and identify beliefs that may be contributing to low self-esteem. Challenge these beliefs by looking for evidence that supports or contradicts them.
Cultivate gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. Cultivate gratitude by making a list of things you are thankful for each day.
Engage in self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This includes getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition, as well as engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals for yourself and work towards them. Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way.
Develop a positive self-image: Practice seeing yourself in a positive light. This may involve using positive affirmations, practicing gratitude, and focusing on your strengths and achievements.
Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your abilities. Seek out a therapist or counselor if you are struggling with self-esteem issues.
Remember, building self-esteem is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient and kind with yourself as you work towards developing a more positive and accepting attitude towards yourself. Working with a qualified therapist can help support you and guide you through this process. Book a free 30-min consultation today to learn more about SAMA.