Do You Have High Self-Esteem? You Might Display These Subtle Behaviors

Understanding self-esteem can be tricky, but recognizing the subtle behaviors of those with high self-esteem can provide valuable insights. These individuals often exhibit certain traits that reflect their confidence and self-worth. In this article, we will explore ten behaviors that might indicate someone has high self-esteem, along with key takeaways to help you identify and cultivate these traits in yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • People with high self-esteem don’t rely on others for approval.
  • They accept their flaws and see them as part of being human.
  • They know how to say no and protect their personal space.
  • They take criticism well and learn from it instead of feeling defeated.
  • They are happy for others’ achievements and don’t feel threatened.

1. They Don’t Need External Validation

When I think about self-esteem, I realize it’s really about how much I value myself, not what others think of me. People with high self-esteem don’t wait for others to tell them they’re worthy. They are confident in their abilities and decisions.

I remember a time when I was unsure about my choices. I would often seek approval from friends or family before making even small decisions. But over time, I learned that my worth isn’t tied to their opinions. I started making choices based on what felt right for me, and it was liberating!

Here are some signs that show someone doesn’t need external validation:

  • They make decisions independently.
  • They don’t constantly seek approval from others.
  • They value their own opinions over others’ feedback.

True self-esteem comes from within. When I stopped comparing myself to others, I began to appreciate my own journey, flaws and all.

So, if you notice someone who seems secure in themselves and doesn’t seek constant validation, they likely have a strong sense of self-esteem. It’s a powerful trait that can lead to a more fulfilling life!

2. They Embrace Their Imperfections

People with high self-esteem know that nobody is perfect. They not only accept but also embrace their own imperfections.

Let me share a personal experience. I used to be really self-conscious about my public speaking skills. Every little mistake would make me cringe. But over time, I realized that everyone makes mistakes while speaking, and that’s perfectly okay. Embracing this imperfection gave me the confidence to take on more speaking opportunities. Now, I see each stumble as a chance to improve, not as a failure. This change in how I view my flaws showed me my growing self-esteem.

So, if you notice someone who isn’t afraid to show their flaws, they likely have a higher level of self-esteem. Here are some ways to embrace your own imperfections:

  1. Acknowledge your flaws: Recognize that everyone has them.
  2. Learn from mistakes: Use them as stepping stones for growth.
  3. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself when you stumble.

Embracing imperfections can lead to greater confidence and self-acceptance.

In summary, when you see someone who openly accepts their flaws, it’s a sign of high self-esteem. They understand that being imperfect is part of being human.

3. They Set Healthy Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is a crucial part of having high self-esteem. It’s about valuing your own time and energy. I remember a time when I struggled to say no to friends who wanted to hang out, even when I needed some time to recharge. I felt guilty for wanting to prioritize my own needs. But once I started to set clear boundaries, I noticed a significant change in my well-being.

Here are some steps I took to establish my boundaries:

  1. Identify Your Needs: Take a moment to think about what you need in your life. This could be time for yourself, space in a relationship, or even a break from work.
  2. Communicate Clearly: When you decide to set a boundary, express it clearly and kindly. For example, saying, “I need some time to myself this weekend” is straightforward and respectful.
  3. Stick to Your Boundaries: It can be tough, but once you set a boundary, try to stick to it. This shows others that you respect yourself and your needs.

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s a way to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself. When I started doing this, I felt more confident and less overwhelmed.

Remember, you are worthy of respect, and setting boundaries is a clear way of communicating that.

By valuing your own needs, you not only improve your self-esteem but also encourage others to respect you too. So, if you find yourself struggling to say no, take a step back and think about what you truly need. It’s a powerful way to show that you value yourself!

4. They Handle Criticism Gracefully

Handling criticism can be tough, but those with high self-esteem manage it with ease. They see feedback as a chance to grow rather than a personal attack. I remember a time when I received some constructive criticism on a project I was passionate about. Instead of feeling hurt, I took a step back and asked myself what I could learn from it. This shift in perspective helped me improve my work and boosted my confidence.

Here are some ways to handle criticism gracefully:

  1. Listen Actively: Pay attention to what is being said without interrupting.
  2. Ask Questions: Clarify any points that are unclear to understand better.
  3. Reflect: Take time to think about the feedback before reacting.

Handling criticism well is a sign of self-respect and confidence. It shows you value your growth over your ego.

When you see someone accepting feedback with a smile and using it to better themselves, it’s a clear indicator of their high self-esteem. They don’t let others’ opinions define them; instead, they use those opinions as tools for improvement. This ability to separate self-worth from criticism is a powerful trait that can lead to personal growth and resilience.

5. They Aren’t Afraid to Fail

When it comes to failure, I’ve learned that it’s not the end of the world; it’s just a part of the journey. People with high self-esteem see failure as a stepping stone to success. A few years ago, I took a big leap and started my own business. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned, and I faced failure. Instead of letting it defeat me, I chose to learn from it.

Here’s what I discovered:

  1. Failure teaches valuable lessons. Each setback provided insights that helped me grow.
  2. Resilience is built through challenges. I became more determined to succeed after each failure.
  3. Taking risks is essential for growth. I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where real progress happens.

Embracing failure can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

So, if you notice someone who isn’t afraid to take risks and views failure as part of their journey, they likely have a strong sense of self-esteem. They understand that every failure is just another chance to learn and improve, making them more resilient and adaptable in the long run. Remember, it’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about how we respond to it that truly matters.

6. They Celebrate Others’ Success

People with high self-esteem genuinely celebrate the achievements of others. They understand that someone else’s success does not take away from their own worth. I remember a time when a close friend of mine received a promotion at work. Instead of feeling jealous, I felt a wave of happiness for her. I realized that her success was a reminder that good things happen to good people, and it inspired me to keep pushing toward my own goals.

Here are a few ways to embrace this mindset:

  1. Congratulate others: Make it a habit to acknowledge the successes of your friends and colleagues. A simple “Congratulations!” can go a long way.
  2. Share their achievements: If someone you know has done something great, share it on social media or with mutual friends. This not only boosts their confidence but also shows that you care.
  3. Reflect on your own journey: When you see someone succeed, take a moment to think about your own progress. Celebrate your own wins, no matter how small.

Celebrating others’ success is not just about being happy for them; it’s about recognizing that we are all on our own paths and that success is possible for everyone.

When you notice someone who is always the first to cheer for others, take note. This is a subtle yet powerful behavior that often indicates high self-esteem. It’s a reminder that we can all grow together, and that supporting one another is key to our own happiness.

7. They Practice Self-Care

People with high self-esteem know that taking care of themselves is essential. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with work and forgot to prioritize my own needs. I felt drained and unmotivated. It was only when I started setting aside time for myself—like enjoying a warm bath or going for a walk in nature—that I began to feel better. Here are some ways to practice self-care:

  1. Set aside time for relaxation: Whether it’s reading a book or meditating, find what helps you unwind.
  2. Eat nutritious meals: Fuel your body with healthy foods that make you feel good.
  3. Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels.

Taking care of yourself is the foundation of a healthy self-esteem. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re showing yourself that you matter.

By making self-care a priority, you’re not just improving your mood; you’re also reinforcing your self-worth. So, if you notice someone who consistently makes time for themselves, it’s a clear sign of their high self-esteem. They understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup, and they take action to fill it up.

8. They Make Decisions Confidently

When I think about people with high self-esteem, one thing stands out: they make decisions confidently. This doesn’t mean they never doubt themselves; rather, they trust their judgment and are willing to take risks.

For instance, I remember a time when I had to choose between two job offers. One was safe and familiar, while the other was a leap into the unknown. I took a moment to weigh my options, but ultimately, I went with the one that excited me the most. That decision changed my life for the better.

Here are some signs that show someone is making decisions with confidence:

  • They gather information but don’t overthink.
  • They trust their instincts and feelings.
  • They accept that mistakes are part of the process.

In my experience, making decisions confidently often leads to personal growth. It’s about believing in yourself and your choices.

Remember, every decision is a chance to learn and grow. Don’t let fear hold you back!

So, if you notice someone who seems sure of their choices, it’s likely they have a healthy level of self-esteem. They understand that making decisions is a part of life, and they embrace it with open arms.

When you can make decisions confidently, you’re not just moving forward; you’re also showing that you value your own opinion and judgment. This is a key behavior of those with high self-esteem.

9. They Maintain Positive Body Language

People with high self-esteem often communicate through their body language without saying a word. They stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use open gestures. This positive body language not only reflects their confidence but also influences how others perceive them.

I remember a time when I was nervous about giving a presentation. I noticed that when I slouched and avoided eye contact, I felt even more anxious. But when I straightened up and looked at my audience, I felt a surge of confidence. It was a game changer!

Here are some key behaviors to adopt for positive body language:

  1. Stand tall: Good posture can instantly boost your confidence.
  2. Make eye contact: It shows you are engaged and self-assured.
  3. Use open gestures: Avoid crossing your arms; it makes you appear more approachable.

Positive body language can create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage better interactions.

By practicing these behaviors, you can not only improve your self-esteem but also enhance your relationships with others. Remember, your body language speaks volumes about how you feel about yourself!

10. They Exhibit Resilience and Adaptability

People with high self-esteem show a remarkable ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new situations. This resilience is a key trait that sets them apart.

I remember a time when I faced a significant challenge at work. A project I had poured my heart into didn’t go as planned, and I felt disheartened. Instead of dwelling on the failure, I took a step back and analyzed what went wrong. This experience taught me valuable lessons that I applied to future projects.

Here are some ways to cultivate resilience and adaptability in your own life:

  1. Embrace Change: Instead of resisting change, try to see it as an opportunity for growth.
  2. Learn from Mistakes: Reflect on what didn’t work and use those insights to improve.
  3. Stay Positive: Focus on the silver lining in challenging situations.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing stronger through adversity.

When you notice someone who can adapt to new challenges without losing their confidence, it’s a clear sign of high self-esteem. They understand that life is full of ups and downs, and they navigate these changes with grace and determination. This ability to remain flexible and resilient is a hallmark of a strong self-image, and it’s something we can all strive to develop in ourselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does high self-esteem mean?

High self-esteem means you have a good opinion of yourself. You feel confident and believe you are worthy.

How can I tell if I have high self-esteem?

You might have high self-esteem if you feel comfortable being yourself and don’t need others to tell you you’re good enough.

Can self-esteem change over time?

Yes, self-esteem can change. It can get better or worse based on your experiences and how you see yourself.

What are some ways to improve self-esteem?

You can improve self-esteem by practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and celebrating your achievements.

Is it normal to have low self-esteem sometimes?

Yes, everyone has moments of low self-esteem. It’s a normal part of life, but it’s important to work on feeling better.

How can I support someone with low self-esteem?

You can support them by being kind, encouraging them, and reminding them of their strengths.

About The Author

Allysa Potts
Allysa Potts is a retired corporate recruiter. Armed with her 10+ years of experience, she creates valuable career advice as a staff writer. Her work focuses on personal development

About CareerNetwork.org

In 2000, CareerNetwork was founded by career development expert, Richard Knowdell, MS, NCC, NCCC, CCMF. For over 45 years, the expert trained career counselors and coaches. After being acquired in 2024, the website continues on his mission of helping people globally develop in their careers. Read about us.

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