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 worthinessFeeling deserving of love and respectBelieving in your fundamental value as a personAcceptance of yourself, including both strengths and weaknessesA stable sense of self that isn’t heavily dependent on external achievementsFeeling enough, exactly as you areWhat 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 challengesTrust in your skills and decision-makingWillingness to take calculated risks and try new thingsUnderstanding that mistakes are opportunities for growthRealistic assessment of your capabilities in different areasFeeling capable of learning and adapting to new situationsSelf-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 FoundationSelf-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 ExpressionSelf-Esteem: Shows up in how you feel about yourself, and how you advocate for yourself in lifeSelf-Confidence: Shows up in how you approach and  handle specific situations Areas of ImpactSelf-Esteem: Influences your overall sense of worthiness and life satisfactionSelf-Confidence: Affects your performance and actions in particular areas Growth and DevelopmentSelf-Esteem: Strengthens through self-reflection, emotional healing, addressing your inner critic, and building a positive and loving relationship with yourselfSelf-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-compassionChallenge negative self-talk and address your inner criticSet healthy boundaries in relationshipsFocus on personal values rather than achievementsWork 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 goalsStep gradually out of our comfort zone to learn new skillsCelebrate your successes, big and smallPractice persistence in areas where you still feel a beginnerUse 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!

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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.

The post Self-Esteem vs Self-Confidence: Understanding the Key Differences and How to Cultivate Both appeared first on The Tapping Solution.

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