Self Worth vs Self Esteem: Understanding Key Differences for Personal Growth

Welcome to my blog!

Today, I'll explore a common yet often misunderstood distinction:

Self Worth vs Self Esteem: the difference between self-esteem and self-worth.

Many people, myself included, once believed these terms were interchangeable. Growing up, when I faced shyness or uncertainty, well-meaning adults consistently urged me to "raise my self-esteem." As I transitioned into motherhood, I found myself imparting the same advice to my children, believing self-esteem to be synonymous with confidence and ultimately linked to success.

However, as time passed and I reflected on my experiences, it became evident that chasing self-esteem often led me to feel inadequate. I felt compelled to appear confident, not only to satisfy my parents, teachers, and peers but also to meet societal expectations. Beneath that façade, I may be struggling with fear and insecurity, making the pursuit of self-esteem a burdensome endeavor.

What I was missing was an understanding of the fundamental difference between self-esteem and self-worth.

Self-esteem VS. Self-worth

To illustrate this difference, consider the Chinese story of a rice farmer called Lin:

Lin had a rice field. Anxious about the slow growth of his plants, he decides to pull them up slightly each day to encourage them to grow taller. Initially, his efforts seem successful, garnering admiration from fellow farmers. However, in his quest for outward appearances, he eventually damages the rice plants, leading them to wilt and die.

This story encapsulates the distinction between self-esteem and self-worth. Self-esteem can be likened to the visible portion of the rice plants above ground; it relates to how we perceive ourselves based on external validation and societal opinions. Conversely, self-worth represents the roots of the plant—steadfast and unwavering—inherent to each individual. It encompasses the understanding and acceptance of one’s intrinsic value, which can never be diminished by external circumstances.

By recognizing this difference, I began to see why solely boosting self-esteem without fostering an understanding of self-worth can be detrimental to personal growth and well-being. It is akin to presenting an empty glass marked "confidence" as if it were full.

Once I grasped the distinction between self-esteem and self-worth, I embarked on a journey inward to embrace my inherent value. This enlightening realization helped me focus less on external validation and more on cultivating a resilient sense of self-worth.

If you found this discussion beneficial and wish to explore topics surrounding self-esteem, self-worth, and self-love further, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter.

Additionally, I encourage you to check out my children's book, "Little Me," designed to help your little one understand and embrace their self-worth.

Little Me: A Story That Teaches 4-8 Year-Olds How to Embrace Their Self-Worth

There is no magic switch to turn on your self-worth that will make you confident forever. Embracing one's self-worth requires daily practice, the elimination of unhealthy thought patterns, and overcoming self-sabotaging self-talk. My poetry collection may help you on this journey. Each poem serves as a tool to dismantle specific thought patterns, creating space for healthier, more positive beliefs to flourish, all presented in easily understandable and beautifully crafted verses.

Get your copy of "Rain and Rainbow" by clicking on the book below.

Rain and Rainbow: Healing Poems for Embracing Self-Love, Self-Worth, and Daily Resilience

Thank you for visiting, and happy reading!