As a performance coach, I know firsthand how important self-esteem is for overall well-being. However, today’s society is constantly bombarded with messages suggesting our worth is tied to external factors such as appearance, career, and status. As a result, it can make cultivating genuine self-esteem a challenge.
Contingent self-esteem is based on external validation and can be particularly damaging. It is the idea that our self-worth is only based on external factors, such as likes on social media or compliments from others. This type of self-esteem can be fragile and fleeting, leading to a constant need for external validation.
Contingent self-esteem
Contingent self-esteem is based on external validation and can be particularly damaging. It is the idea that our self-worth is only based on external factors, such as likes on social media or compliments from others. This type of self-esteem can be fragile and fleeting, leading to a constant need for external validation.
Genuine self-esteem
In contrast, genuine self-esteem is based on internal validation and is essential for our well-being. It allows us to be more resilient in the face of setbacks and challenges, as our sense of self-worth is not tied to external factors. Genuine self-esteem comes from recognizing our internal qualities, such as strengths, values, and beliefs.
For example, someone with genuine self-esteem takes pride in their work and is confident in their abilities, even if they don’t receive external validation. In contrast, someone with contingent self-esteem may only feel good about themselves when they receive recognition from others. As individuals, we can cultivate more genuine self-esteem by focusing on our internal qualities, such as our strengths, values, and beliefs. Doing so can build a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience. To learn more about building genuine self-esteem, check out our articles on “Traits of a high-performance sales professional” and “The importance of personal growth.” These articles provide tips and strategies for cultivating a more authentic and fulfilling sense of self-worth.
