What Matters/Esteem and Recognition

Esteem and Recognition

The word esteem means: to regard favorably, or to think highly of^[1]. Healthy esteem requires:

1. understanding your own strengths and limitations,
2. acknowledging your strengths by holding yourself in high regard,
3. recognizing and accepting your limitations simply as evidence you are finite rather than as shameful defects in your being, and
4. engaging authentically with others so that people who know you best think well of you.

Earn authentic recognition and respect from the people who know you best.

Healthy self-esteem rejects the false pride of hubris and the self-aggrandizing of narcissism. It also avoids debilitating shame. Find that balance that comes from knowing your strengths and limitations.

Assignment:

• Study this list of character strengths and virtues. Identify the 3-5 strengths on the list that best describe you.
  • consider completing the strengths survey linked from the authentic happiness site.
• Notice how you apply each of your strengths in everyday situations, to solve problems, and to contribute to larger projects.
• Identify additional beneficial ways to apply your strengths.

Suggestions for further reading:

• (Find books to recommend here.)

References:

1. ↑ dictionary.com entry for esteem