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Difference Between Self Esteem and Self Confidence You Need to Know

When was the last time you wondered if you truly believed in yourself? Many people confuse the difference between self esteem and self confidence, yet understanding both can transform how you see yourself and how you take action in the world.

In this article, we’ll explore how esteem and confidence are different but connected, the signs of low self esteem to watch out for, and how you can build both together for lasting growth, with real-life insights drawn from The Mental Health Janitors podcast episodes. We’ll also share practical tools—like self improvement podcasts such as The Mental Health Janitors—that can keep you motivated on your journey.

What Self-Esteem Really Means

At its core, self-esteem is about how much you value yourself. It’s the deep sense of worth you carry, regardless of what you accomplish or what others think of you. When self-esteem is strong, you feel grounded and deserving of respect.

But the signs of low self esteem are often subtle: harsh self-criticism, dismissing compliments, or always comparing yourself to others. These patterns can eat away at your inner stability even if your outer life looks successful.

These internal patterns are often unpacked in depth during episodes focused on self-worth and identity, where emotional habits are examined beyond surface-level confidence.

What Self-Confidence Really Means

Self-confidence is more action-oriented. It’s your belief in your ability to handle challenges, take risks, and achieve goals. You might be confident giving a presentation or solving problems at work, even if your deeper self-esteem wavers.

That’s the crux of the difference between self esteem and self confidence: one is about your identity, the other is about your ability. Both matter—and one without the other can leave you feeling unbalanced.

Why You Need Both

Picture someone who nails every job interview but secretly feels unworthy of success. That’s confidence without esteem. Or consider someone who feels worthy inside but avoids opportunities because they don’t trust their skills—that’s esteem without confidence.

Recognizing the signs of low self esteem helps you avoid these pitfalls. True growth comes when you strengthen both your inner worth and your outer belief in what you can do.

Stories like these mirror real conversations shared in Mental Health Janitors episodes, where confidence and self-esteem are addressed as two separate but connected pillars.

Spotting the Signs of Low Self Esteem

You can’t improve what you don’t notice. Here are some key signs of low self esteem to look out for:

Overthinking mistakes long after they’re over
Saying “sorry” too often, even when unnecessary
Constantly needing reassurance or approval
Avoiding challenges because you fear failure
Believing others are “better” or “more deserving” than you
Struggling to accept praise without deflecting

If these sound familiar, know this: they’re not permanent traits, but habits you can change.

How to Build Stronger Self-Esteem

Boosting self-esteem requires nurturing how you see yourself. A few effective approaches:

1. Reframe your self-talk. Instead of “I always mess up,” try, “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.”

2. Celebrate small wins. Progress—no matter how small—deserves recognition.

3. Protect your boundaries. Saying “no” when needed builds respect for yourself.

4. Surround yourself with encouragement. Choose people who remind you of your worth.

Pairing these steps with daily inspiration, such as listening to self improvement podcasts, keeps positive reinforcement flowing.

How to Strengthen Your Confidence

Confidence grows with action. Here’s how to nurture it:

Take small risks daily. Confidence stacks like bricks—one small win at a time.
Learn and practice. Mastery leads to trust in yourself.
Visualize success. Seeing yourself succeed primes your mind to follow through.
Track growth. Journaling can highlight progress you’d otherwise miss.

When you put these steps into practice, you’ll see firsthand the difference between self esteem and self confidence—and how they can work together to fuel your growth.

Everyday Examples of Esteem vs. Confidence

Let’s apply this to real life.

At work: Confidence helps you present ideas; self-esteem helps you handle criticism without crumbling.
In relationships: Confidence lets you pursue connections; self-esteem ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
In personal goals: Confidence pushes you to start; self-esteem keeps you from quitting when things get tough.

Without one, the other often falters. By noticing the signs of low self esteem, you can begin strengthening both in everyday situations.

Resources to Support Your Growth

Personal development is a marathon, not a sprint. Luckily, there are countless tools to help you along the way:

Therapy or coaching to uncover deeper patterns.
Workshops and courses for structured growth.
Daily journaling to build awareness and resilience.
Self improvement podcasts to keep motivation alive while on the go.

Many people turn to Mental Health Janitors podcast episodes as an ongoing resource for motivation, perspective, and practical mental health strategies.

Bringing It All Together

The difference between self esteem and self confidence is simple yet powerful: self-esteem is believing in your worth, while self-confidence is believing in your ability. Both matter, and both can be developed with intention.

Keep an eye out for the signs of low self esteem, as they’re often the first clues that something needs attention. Pair that awareness with consistent action—reading, practicing, and yes, even listening to self improvement podcasts—and you’ll build a stronger, more balanced version of yourself.

Ready to Grow?

You don’t have to choose between self-esteem and confidence. With the right tools, you can cultivate both.

If you’re ready to dive deeper and find resources designed to help you reclaim your best self, visit The Mental Health Janitors podcast episodes as one of the best self improvement podcasts to listen to. Explore expert insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies to strengthen your mental health every day.

The Mental Health Janitors