Self-esteem cont’d.

There are two distinct but related components to self-esteem. One is a fundamental belief in one's ability to solve issues in life (self-efficacy). The second is self-respect, which is the sense that one deserves to be happy.

Self-efficacy is the belief that you have what it takes to succeed in specific tasks, situations, or arenas. It is the belief that, given the right resources and support, you can accomplish your goals.

Self-respect refers to liking yourself, respecting yourself, and treating yourself well. It is based on your value as a human being—not on what others say about you or how they treat you.

Confidence comes from feeling appropriate to the world around you. When you feel like the world is your oyster and that you're ready and able to take on anything that comes your way, you have high self-esteem. When you feel like something is out of place or wrong about your life, body, or personality, that's low self-esteem. And if you fluctuate between feeling appropriate and inappropriate—like a roller coaster of ups and downs—that's average self-esteem.