Rate your self-esteem and self-confidence

Note: This information was provided by Anthem for its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Learn more about Anthem EAP for state of Indiana employees here.

Self-esteem and self-confidence

Self-esteem is, basically, your opinion of yourself. If you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself and are proud of what you can do. Having healthy self-esteem can help you feel positive overall.

There are a lot of factors that can influence your self-esteem such as how others treat you, your background and culture, and your life experiences –like school, home, or work

Self-confidence is a little different from self-esteem. Self-confidence has to do with what you think about your skills and abilities. It often comes from trying new things, like speaking up more at work or in class, or trying a new activity.

Try this quick quiz to rate your self-esteem and self-confidence.
If you have healthy self-esteem and self-confidence, you’ll probably agree with some or most of these statements:

• I feel good about who I am.
• I am proud of what I can do but don’t need to show off.
• I know there are some things that I’m good at and some things I need to improve.
• I feel it is okay if I win or if I lose.
• I usually think, “I can do this,” before I do something.
• I am eager to learn new things.
• I can handle criticism.
• I like to try to do things without help, but I don’t mind asking for help if I need it.
• I like myself.

If some of the items on that list are true for you, congrats — you’re on the right track!

If you have low self-esteem and self-confidence, you’ll probably agree with some or most of these statements:

• I can’t do anything well.
• I have no friends.
• I do not like to try new things.
• I get really upset about making mistakes.
• I’m not as nice, attractive, or smart as my friends.
• I don’t like it when people say nice things about me.
• I get very upset when people criticize me.
• I feel better if I put other people down.
• I don’t know what I’m good at.
• I usually think, “I can’t do this,” before I do something.
• I don’t like myself.

If the items on the second list summarize how you feel about yourself, try some ways to raise your self-esteem. Visit the Anthem EAP website to learn some tips on how to build self-esteem, or reach out to the program’s team of experts. They can guide you, too, with counseling resources and online tools for personal growth. Contact them today to help boost your esteem! Just enter state of Indiana to log in.

Remember: everyone brings something unique to the world — and you do, too!

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, “Self-esteem and Self-confidence”
(accessed October 2017): girlshealth.gov.