High Self-Esteem: List of Advantages and Disadvantages

Everyone has different levels of self-esteem, and it can change over time. Having high self-esteem means having a positive view of ourselves, and research has shown that it can bring many benefits.

However, is it also possible that having overly high self-esteem can lead to adverse outcomes?

In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of having a healthy self-esteem. We’ll also explore whether unfavorable personality traits like narcissism and arrogance are really linked to an excessively high level or are, in fact, actually a sign of low self-esteem.

If you’re unsure what level of self-esteem you have, you can use this free tool provided by Calmerry.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem, or global self-esteem, refers to your overall sense of worthiness.

In other words, how much you like and love being you. Self-esteem develops from your self-perceptions about your abilities and attitudes toward yourself. Healthy, positive self-esteem possesses a realistic appreciation of your assets and limitations.

Self-esteem may influence your confidence, interpersonal relations, and capacity to manage life’s issues.

What it means to have high self-esteem

Healthy self-esteem is essentially a quiet self-confidence. It is being aware of your worth without needing constant affirmation from others. You recognize what you are competent at and know where you need improvement. It allows you to face challenges resiliently and assertively.

Signs of high self-esteem

Here are some common signs of high self-esteem to consider:

Speaking up: Those with high self-confidence feel at ease expressing their thoughts and needs openly and respectfully. Such people do not shy away from expressing what they believe.

Setting boundaries: It is simple to set and maintain clear boundaries, know them, and guard overall well-being. These individuals feel comfortable saying “no” when required.

Realistic self-perception: They tend to focus on knowing their strengths and areas that require improvement. These individuals do not berate themselves over flaws.

Bouncing back from setbacks with resilience: People with high self-esteem regard setbacks as a temporary issue and learn from them, showing unflappable determination to get started. They don’t let failures define them.

Why is high self-esteem important

Positive self-esteem helps one to feel confident and capable. People with healthy self-esteem can establish stronger relationships, enjoy better mental health, and approach opportunities positively. Such confidence begets healthier relationships and a more joyful life. High self-esteem basically gives one the inner strength to thrive and prosper.

Self-esteem and prosocial behavior

Interestingly, our feelings about ourselves somehow connect to how we treat others. Although people with good self-esteem lean towards kind actions, here’s something interesting: all human beings possess the potential for kindness, no matter their perception of themselves. Perhaps positive actions might lean towards subtly fostering a healthier idea of ourselves.

Self-esteem and stress

It’s a common question: does daily stress impact high self-esteem? Yes, it does. While feeling good about oneself helps, constant stress can wear anyone down.  Daily worries, like work problems or arguments, can slowly make you doubt yourself. Even with a strong sense of self, ongoing stress can become too much to handle.

High self-esteem boosts overall well-being

High self-esteem has many good effects, one being better mental health. People who feel good about themselves tend to handle tough situations better. They believe they can manage problems and lower their stress, worry, or sadness risk.

For example, consider the case of an employee receiving constructive criticism. No one with high self-esteem will ever consider it a failure. Instead, they will always consider it an opportunity for improvement, subjectively interpret the feedback, and attempt to figure out how to improve.

Risks of lower self-esteem

It is necessary to note that low self-esteem can create barriers. One may experience difficulty with anxiety, relationships, or not wanting to do something new. These issues, such as negative self-talk or decreased confidence, are widespread.

Feeling down vs. poor self-esteem

Is being down the same as low self-esteem? It is worth differentiating between them, for while they’re both different experiences, they’re more or less similar.

Being down is more or less a similar emotional state. Specific circumstances, such as having a bad day or failing, can trigger it. This is part of the human experience; such feelings will usually vanish with time.

Low self-esteem, conversely, is a more long-term and general sensation of not being good enough. It’s a negative judgment of oneself, which makes a person feel worthless or incompetent. It’s a longer-term perception of oneself.

High self-esteem vs. arrogance and narcissism

An individual who always boasts and puts others down will seem confident, but is it confidence? Real self-esteem is being pleased with yourself without having to prove it. Arrogance and narcissism are two different things.

They need perpetual compliments and belittling people as a component of them. Respect and courtesy come after true self-esteem, but the others are driven by a desire to be seen as superior.

A dependence on external validation can leave an individual vulnerable to the manipulation of self-esteem. Those who need constant approval can be easily swayed by those who provide or withhold such validation.

Factors contributing to low or high self-esteem

We know that self-esteem strongly impacts well-being. For instance, high levels correlate with resilience, and low levels with vulnerability. But about the causal role of self-esteem? The following are considered: early experiences, for instance, parental support or criticism.

Social comparison and compliments or criticism also come into play. Personal style, such as optimism or perfectionism, also contributes. After all, self-esteem is an advanced interaction between external and internal variables.

Pros of high self-esteem

Why is self-esteem important? Here are seven high self-esteem benefits and ways it can help you in life:

1. Better mental health and well-being

High self-esteem contributes to good mental health because it means you see yourself in a positive light.

When you have a favorable opinion of yourself, you’re more likely to feel good about your accomplishments, have a healthy body image, be confident in your abilities, and make positive choices in life. This can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

High self-esteem also protects against anxiety and depression. This is because people with healthy self-worth are kind to themselves and show self-compassion, meaning they can better cope with stress and setbacks.

They’re also more likely to seek out help when they need it.

2. Assertiveness and being true to yourself

People with low self-esteem tend to have a harder time being assertive than those with high self-esteem for a few reasons. People who don’t feel good about themselves may not feel like they deserve to be listened to or respected. They might also be afraid to say no out of fear of rejection or conflict or appearing weak.

On the other hand, people who have high self-esteem are more likely to act assertively. This means they’re more likely to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.

They’re also less likely to give in to peer pressure. As a result, people with healthy self-image have greater authenticity, can be their true selves, and are less easily influenced by others.

3. Greater resilience

High self-esteem is important not just for feeling good about oneself but also for weathering the storms of life.

People with high self-esteem tend to see challenges as something to overcome instead of something that will defeat them. This inner strength allows them to persevere even when things are tough. And they show less sensitivity and defensiveness when receiving criticism from others.

People with high self-esteem know they deserve to be treated with compassion, kindness, and respect, not only by others but also by themselves. So they don’t put themselves down for making mistakes or falling short.

As a result, they’re more likely to take risks and try new things, knowing they have the strength to pick themselves up if they fail.

4. Improved social skills and healthier relationships

People with high self-esteem are more likely to be sociable and have better relationships than those with low self-esteem. This is because they tend to see the good in people and be less judgmental. They’re also more likely to communicate assertively and set boundaries in their relationships.

In addition, they are less likely to be critical of their partner in a romantic relationship and less insecure about themselves. All of these factors lead to healthier relationships, which in turn lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

5. Greater motivation and productivity

A person’s level of self-esteem can have a profound impact on their motivation and productivity. People with a high level tend to be more motivated because they believe in their ability to achieve their goals.

They’re also more likely to take risks and bounce back from setbacks. This is because they support and encourage themselves, even in the face of failure. Besides, they have an established view of who they are and where they want to go, so they pursue the life they want rather than being controlled by others.

On the other hand, people with poor self-esteem may be overly self-critical and held back by a fear of failure and self-doubt, which can drain motivation and self-confidence.

6. More likely to succeed

Having high self-esteem doesn’t guarantee success, but it can give you a better chance at achieving whatever you want out of life. This is because people with high self-esteem are more likely to put themselves in situations where they have the opportunity to succeed.

They have self-belief and are less afraid of failure, which means they’re more likely to keep trying until they find success. They also confidently pursue their own dreams rather than doing things to win the approval of others.

7. Better physical health

People with high self-esteem tend to have better physical health because they make more positive life choices.

They usually strive for living a long, healthy life as they respect and value themselves. They know that their lifestyle choices can lead to better physical health, so they are more likely to choose what will benefit them in the long run.

They are less likely to engage in risky or harmful behaviors, like smoking or drinking, and more likely to take care of their needs with things like a good diet and exercise.

People with high self-esteem also have lower stress levels because their positive outlook helps them cope better. It’s well-known that stress is linked to numerous health issues like heart disease and a weaker immune system. And chronic stress can seriously impact physical health.

Are there any cons of high self-esteem?

Sometimes people with high self-esteem are accused of being arrogant, cocky, or narcissistic, but is this really the case? In this section, we will debunk some of the supposed “cons” of high self-esteem.

1. Arrogance and self-esteem

Arrogance is often mistaken for high self-esteem, but the two are actually quite different.

People with a healthy self-image usually don’t tend to show off because they have strong self-belief and feel they have nothing to prove. They also like themselves and feel comfortable around others instead of being competitive or threatened.

On the other hand, arrogance is based on an unproductive sense of superiority. Arrogant people act as though they are better than others and may put them down in order to feel good about themselves.
However, this behavior is usually a coping mechanism that masks insecurity and low self-esteem.

2. Narcissism and self-esteem

Narcissism is often misunderstood. Although narcissists can come across as very confident and charismatic, this is often actually a mask for low self-esteem, fear of disclosing vulnerabilities, feelings of shame and guilt, constant need for validation, and underlying anger.

Narcissists may try to impress others with their appearance and self-assured behaviors, but this is often surface-level traits. Once people get to know a narcissist better, they usually also begin to see their need for excessive attention, fear of rejection, controlling behavior, perfectionism, lack of empathy, and grandiose sense of self-importance.

Narcissistic people are also more at risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety, impostor syndrome, and depression. In fact, a therapist can help them take better care of their well-being and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

3. Other “cons” of high self-esteem

Overly high self-esteem may also be associated with other unhelpful traits and behaviors, such as being over-confident, pompous, impatient, insensitive, or materialistic.

However, having high self-esteem does not necessarily lead to an inflated ego, poor self-awareness, or warped sense of self. But if you struggle with these issues, a mental health professional can guide you on discovering yourself and building a healthy sense of self.

Cultivating high self-esteem

Self-esteem is a learned skill, not innate. Practice enhances your self-esteem like any new language or musical instrument you acquire. You can learn, develop, and watch it nurture. Healthy self-esteem is not arrogance or thinking you are perfect. It is developing a positive base of confidence and self-respect that helps you persistently conquer difficulties in life.

Ways to improve self-esteem

Building sound self-esteem is essential to one’s general well-being. This section explores reasonable methods for developing a positive self-concept and enhancing self-worth.

Recognize the importance of high self-esteem

Understanding the worth of self-esteem is step one. Self-esteem allows us to deal with adversity and have healthy relationships. Though too much self-esteem or high self-esteem and narcissism are destructive, rightfully, high self-esteem is essential.

Accept compliments

Many whose self-esteem may be low struggle to accept positive feedback. Acknowledging compliments is a simple yet powerful way to boost our self-esteem.

Love yourself fully

True self-love involves accepting imperfections. Remember that even those with higher self-esteem have flaws. Focusing on self-acceptance, rather than perfection, is key.

Value the person you are

Self-esteem predicts how we value ourselves. Recognizing your inherent worth, regardless of external validation, is essential for maintaining self-esteem.

Seek support

Building the least moderate self-esteem is easier with a support group. Talking to trusted therapists, family members, or friends can provide validation and some perspective. Enhancing self-esteem can assist people by creating a room where they can manage negative thinking in a safe space.

Interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem usually involve constructive relationship building. Self-esteem predicts better social relationships when individuals feel supported.

Start a gratitude journal

A gratitude journal shifts focus to positive aspects of life. This practice aimed at boosting self-esteem might benefit individuals who tend to dwell on negative experiences.

Take note of your thoughts

It is necessary to become attuned to your self-talk to maintain self-worth. Self-talk can ruin your self-image. You can create a more positive concept of yourself by becoming aware of and restructuring these negative statements.

Believes that positive self-talk is associated with high self-esteem. Self-esteem allows you to cope with negative emotions when you become aware of and restructure self-defeating thoughts.

Think of yourself as a friend

Be gentle and kind to yourself as you would to a best friend. This is conducive to a more favorable self-concept. This helps to build a more favorable self-concept. Some experiments in which words of self and positive or negative words were blended illustrate the potency of language concerning self-concept.

Work on yourself

Self-esteem would necessarily rise if we invest in self-improvement. This is done by fulfilling realistic goals, acquiring new skills, and discovering one’s interests. It should be kept in mind that self-esteem might be quantified on many scales.
Remember that culture and self-esteem can affect how individuals view themselves in a big way.

Final thoughts

So what is high self-esteem? It is about being able to love, accept, and value yourself, but that does not mean above or at the expense of others. Instead, it is simply having a healthy respect for yourself and your abilities.

There are many benefits of high self-esteem. People with a high level tend to be happier and more successful in life. They are also more likely to have healthier relationships and be more resilient in the face of adversity. Additionally, they are more likely to take care of their physical health and make positive life choices.

While high self-esteem is often mistakenly associated with some unfavorable traits, this is far from the case. Overall, studies show that high self-esteem is associated with numerous positive outcomes. Seeking self-esteem counseling from a therapist on Calmerry can help you develop a healthy sense of self-worth to enjoy these benefits and find your perfect balance to lead a happy life.

FAQ

What are the main advantages of having high self-esteem?

High self-esteem is linked with numerous positive outcomes. People work more effectively in various aspects of life, for example, at work and in relationships with other people. Self-esteem is an overall sense of worth.

Can high self-esteem have any negative effects?

Yes, very high self-esteem individuals may have narcissistic personality traits. This is sometimes manifested in terms of entitlement and disrespect for others’ feelings. The narcissistic personality inventory is employed to quantify such traits. Social relationships and self-esteem may be impaired when individuals display excessive arrogance. A distinction should be made between positive self-esteem and negative overconfidence.

How does high self-esteem influence relationships and social interactions?

Self-esteem significantly affects how individuals interact. Those with healthier differences in self-esteem tend to have more positive and stable relationships with others. They are more likely to be assertive, empathetic, and able to accept feedback. Self-esteem and social dynamics are closely linked.

What is the difference between healthy self-esteem and overconfidence?

Healthy self-esteem is founded on realistic self-perception and acceptance. Excessive self-esteem is founded on an overblown sense of superiority. People with overly high self-esteem are arrogant and lack empathy. High self-esteem can be measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which measures realistic self-perception, not inflated ego. Implicit measures of self-esteem can also reveal underlying ones. Healthy self-esteem is realistic, and overconfidence is not.

How can someone develop and maintain a balanced level of self-esteem?

Individuals can focus on cultivating self-compassion and setting realistic goals to improve their self-esteem. Paying attention to strengths and addressing weaknesses constructively is beneficial. It is influenced by numerous factors, determined by many, and self-esteem across the life span demonstrates that it is a dynamic process. Implicit self-esteem can be influenced by positive self-talk. The self-esteem movement emphasizes building a realistic sense of worth.