The Self-Esteem Barometer
If we allow our level of self-esteem to depend on circumstances, from one moment to the next it can soar upward or zoom down toward the lowest reading on our self-esteem barometer. Johnny just scored the winning goal in a soccer game, so he may have very high self-esteem after the game. However, Johnny’s self-esteem may shoot downward if he can’t score any goals during the next game.
The objective of the larger game of life is to have high self-esteem readings all the time, regardless of our circumstances.
Some people make a distinction between self-esteem and self-worth. Self-esteem refers to the impression we have of ourselves based on performance and response to life’s challenges.
Our intrinsic value or self-worth, on the other hand, is a core value that simply is. It does not depend on behavior or any type of character demonstration. It is who we are and who we were born to be. We have value, simply because we exist on the planet in physical form. Nothing can change or take this value away from us.
It’s easy to forget or ignore the wonderful you that was created for a specific purpose on this Earth. It’s easy to overlook the fact that you’re perfect just the way you are—and that whatever you label a “scar” is actually a medal of honor.
If we are perfect creations of God, then why do we feel so bad about ourselves?