Negative and Positive Self Esteem

Negative Self Esteem

Blaming others for problems

Looking suspiciously at compliments

Holding on to guilt from the past

Nagging, judging, and controlling

Letting oneself go physically

Making decisions based on external feedback

Avoiding risks, sticking with the unknown

Ridiculing others when they appear foolish

Seeing mistakes as failures, expecting perfection in others

Not dealing well with criticism, becoming angry and defensive

Positive Self Esteem

Taking responsibility for one's own feelings and actions

Giving and taking compliments graciously

Focused on the present and future while learning from the past

Listening openly to others

Taking good care of body and appearance

Making decisions from internal values

Taking risks and challenging oneself

Laughing at oneself, but never putting another person down

Accepting mistakes as a part of life, open to feedback

Listening to criticism without anger, and not necessarily agreeing with the criticism