While often used interchangeably, self-esteem and self-confidence are actually distinct aspects of how we view, value, and believe in ourselves. Understanding the difference between self-esteem vs self-confidence can support our own personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
Let’s explore what makes each unique, how they interact, and most importantly – how you can build both.
What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem refers to your overall sense of self-worth and how much you value, appreciate, and love yourself. It’s the foundation of how you view yourself and your place in the world. Think of self-esteem as an internal measure – it’s about who you are at your core, not what you can or cannot do.
Key characteristics of high self-esteem:
- An inherent sense of worthiness
- Feeling deserving of love and respect
- Believing in your fundamental value as a person
- Acceptance of yourself, including both strengths and weaknesses
- A stable sense of self that isn’t heavily dependent on external achievements
- Feeling enough, exactly as you are
What is self-confidence?
Self-confidence, on the other hand, is your trust and belief in yourself and your abilities. It’s more situational and behavior-based than self-esteem, and can relate to your ability to perform specific tasks or handle certain situations. You might be highly confident in some areas of life while feeling less confident in others.
Key characteristics of high self-confidence:
- A strong belief in your ability to handle challenges
- Trust in your skills and decision-making
- Willingness to take calculated risks and try new things
- Understanding that mistakes are opportunities for growth
- Realistic assessment of your capabilities in different areas
- Feeling capable of learning and adapting to new situations
Self-esteem vs self-confidence: the key differences
Understanding the difference between self-confidence and self-esteem can help you identify which areas you might want to work on in your own life. Here are the main differences:
- Focus and Foundation
- Self-Esteem: Focused on your inherent worth and value as a person (“I am enough”
- Self-Confidence: Focused on external abilities and competence in certain areas (“I can do this”)
- Source
- Self-Esteem: Often forms in early childhood through relationship dynamics and life experiences
- Self-Confidence: Develops through trial and error and demonstrated abilities, learning from both successes and challenges
- Expression
- Self-Esteem: Shows up in how you feel about yourself, and how you advocate for yourself in life
- Self-Confidence: Shows up in how you approach and handle specific situations
- Areas of Impact
- Self-Esteem: Influences your overall sense of worthiness and life satisfaction
- Self-Confidence: Affects your performance and actions in particular areas
- Growth and Development
- Self-Esteem: Strengthens through self-reflection, emotional healing, addressing your inner critic, and building a positive and loving relationship with yourself
- Self-Confidence: Builds through taking action, gaining experience, learning new skills, and developing competence in specific areas
Both self-esteem and self-confidence can be developed and strengthened at any time in your life. With dedication and the right tools, you can build both qualities to create a more fulfilling and empowered life.
How self-esteem and self-confidence work together
While distinct, self-esteem and self-confidence can often influence each other and reinforce each other in powerful ways.
High self-esteem can make it easier to develop confidence in new areas, as you’re more willing to take risks and learn from mistakes when you value and love who you are (regardless of the outcome). Similarly, developing confidence in various areas can contribute to a stronger sense of self-worth as you feel more competent and capable in your life.
However, it’s possible to have:
- High self-confidence but low self-esteem (competent at various tasks while still feeling unworthy at your core)
- High self-esteem but low self-confidence (knowing your worth while still doubting specific abilities or skills)
Building both self-esteem and self-confidence
The empowering truth is that both self-esteem and self-confidence can be developed and cultivated at any stage of life. Here are proven strategies for each:
For Building Self-Esteem:
- Practice self-acceptance and self-compassion
- Challenge negative self-talk and address your inner critic
- Set healthy boundaries in relationships
- Focus on personal values rather than achievements
- Work through limiting beliefs about your worth like “I’m not enough” with techniques like EFT Tapping (try this “You Are Enough” Tapping meditation now!)
For Building Self-Confidence:
- Set and work towards small goals
- Step gradually out of our comfort zone to learn new skills
- Celebrate your successes, big and small
- Practice persistence in areas where you still feel a beginner
- Use confidence-building techniques like Tapping
One particularly effective approach is building self-esteem and self-confidence with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping. This mind-body helps release limiting beliefs and emotional blocks while building new, more empowering patterns of thinking and behavior.
Many people find EFT Tapping to help them transform their relationship with themselves, allowing them to cultivate greater self-worth and to step out of their comfort zones to build confidence in different areas of their lives.
When to seek support
If you’re struggling with low self-esteem or self-confidence, know that you’re not alone. And seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness! Consider working with a mental health professional who can provide guidance and tools tailored to your specific needs.
The Tapping Solution App also offers guided sessions specifically designed to boost both self-worth and self-confidence, allowing you to work on building both aspects of self-worth in the comfort of your own home. In fact, building confidence and self-esteem is one of the top reasons people use The Tapping Solution App!
Self-esteem vs. self-confidence: the bottom line
While self-esteem and self-confidence are different, both play crucial roles in our emotional wellbeing and fulfillment in life.
Understanding these differences can help you identify areas for growth for you, personally, and it can also help you choose the most effective strategies for your own personal development.
Remember, building healthy self-esteem and self-confidence is a journey – be patient with yourself as you grow and develop both qualities over time. With dedication and the right tools, you can develop both stronger self-esteem and greater self-confidence, creating a more fulfilling and empowered life.
And don’t forget, EFT Tapping is an extremely powerful tool to support you on this journey. Download The Tapping Solution App to try some of these sessions in the app today:
Until next time… Keep Tapping!
Nick Ortner
P.S. Have you noticed differences between your self-esteem and self-confidence in various areas of your life? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Connect With Us on Social Media