Understanding the Difference Between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Understanding the Difference Between Self-Confidence and Self-EsteemUnderstanding the Difference Between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Key Takeaways

Self-confidence and self-esteem are two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually have different meanings. It is essential to understand the distinction between these two concepts to develop a strong sense of self-worth and live a fulfilling life. In this article, we will delve into the definitions of self-confidence and self-esteem, explore how they interact with each other, examine key differences, discuss the importance of striking a balance, and provide strategies to boost both self-confidence and self-esteem.

How are you feeling?
Search below to see if we have a meditation or wellness track for whatever you’re feeling. Just enter your mood and take our short quiz.
Topics
Angry
Fearful
Abundance
Grateful
Tired
Restless
Motivated
Great
Okay
Acceptance and Commitment
Affirmations
Anger
Astrology
Attachments
Balance Emotions
Bedtime
Bible Story
Bible Talks
Binaural
Body Acceptance
Body Scan
Burnout
Calm
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Couples Sex Issues
Courage
Depression
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Discipline
Diversity
Divorce
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
Energy Healing
Equity and Inclusion
Fear
Food Freedom
Gratitude
Grief
Grounding
Positivity & Happiness
Recovery & Healing
Health
Health Coaching
Hope
Hypnosis
Infidelity
Insomnia
Intimacy
Kids
Law Of Attraction
Leadership
Letting Go
Lgbtq
Life Advice
Life Coaching
Anxiety
Confidence & Self-esteem
Motivation & Passion
Relationships
Life Coaching Sleep
Stress
Personal Growth & Success
Transition
Life Lessons
Loss
Love
Loving Kindness
Manifesting
Marriage
Meaning
Meditation Story
Meditative
Learn Mindfulness
Mindset
Moticational
Motivation
Delightful
Dreamy
Energetic
Focus
Epic
Ethereal
Fun
Gloomy
Happy
Heart Warming
Hopeful
Inspiring
Joyful
Melancholic
Mellow
Optimistic
Playful
Powerful
Reflective
Relaxation
Relaxing
Sad
Serene
Sleep
Soaring
Somber
Soothing
Tranquil
Upbeat
Uplifting
Nature Sounds
Nutrition
Pain
Parenting
Peace
Performance
Personal Growth
Pleasure
Positive Emotions
Positive Psychology
Positivity
Prayer
Pregnancy
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reiki
Relax
Release Negativity
Remote Work
Resilience
Self Acceptance
Self Awareness
Self Care
Self Esteem
Self Regulation
Confidence & Self-Love
Sexuality
Restful Sleep
Smoking
Sobriety
Social Skills
Solfeggio
Somatics
Sound Bath
Spirit Guides
Spirituality
Story
Strengths
Reduce Stress
Substance Use
Success
Tapping
Throat Chakra
Tough Conversations
Transformational
Uncertainty
Visualization
Weight Loss
Work
Work Languages
Work Values
Workplace Wellness
Yoga & Movement
Yoga Nidra
Zen
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Patient
Peaceful
Present
Relaxed
Trusting
Agitated
Aggravated
Bitter
Contempt
Cynical
Disdain
Disgruntled
Disturbed
Edgy
Exasperated
Frustrated
Furious
Grouchy
Hostile
Impatient
Irritated
Irate
Moody
On edge
Outraged
Pissed
Resentful
Upset
Vindictive
Amazed
Awe
Bliss
Delighted
Eager
Ecstatic
Enchanted
Energized
Engaged
Enthusiastic
Excited
Free
Inspired
Invigorated
Lively
Passionate
Radiant
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Renewed
Satisfied
Thrilled
Vibrant
Adventurous
Brave
Capable
Confident
Daring
Determined
Grounded
Proud
Strong
Worthy
Valiant
Accepting
Affectionate
Caring
Safe
Warm
Curious
Exploring
Fascinated
Interested
Intrigued
Involved
Stimulated
Anguish
Depressed
Despondent
Disappointed
Discouraged
Forlorn
Heartbroken
Hopeless
Lonely
Longing
Melancholy
Sorrow
Teary
Unhappy
Weary
Yearning
Aloof
Bored
Confused
Distant
Empty
Indifferent
Isolated
Lethargic
Listless
Removed
Resistant
Shut Down
Uneasy
Withdrawn
Ashamed
Humiliated
Inhibited
Mortified
Self - conscious
Useless
Weak
Worthless
Afraid
Anxious
Apprehensive
Frightened
Hesitant
Nervous
Panic
Paralyzed
Scared
Terrified
Worried
Helpless
Sensitive
Appreciative
Blessed
Fortunate
Grace
Humbled
Lucky
Moved
Thankful
Touched
Regret
Remorseful
Sorry
Encouraged
Expectant
Impotent
Incapable
Resigned
Trapped
Victim
Loving
Self - loving
Vulnerable
Burned out
Cranky
Depleted
Exhausted
Frazzled
Overwhelm
Rattled
Rejecting
Shaken
Tight
Worn out
Concerned
Dissatisfied
Perplexed
Questioning
Reluctant
Shocked
Skeptical
Suspicious
Ungrounded
Unsure
Achy
Airy
Blocked
Breathless
Bruised
Burning
Buzzy
Clammy
Clenched
Cold
Constricted
Contained
Contracted
Dizzy
Drained
Dull
Electric
Expanded
Flowing
Fluid
Fluttery
Frozen
Full
Gentle
Hard
Heavy
Hollow
Hot
Icy
Itchy
Jumpy
Knotted
Light
Loose
Nauseous
Numb
Pounding
Prickly
Pulsing
Queasy
Radiating
Releasing
Rigid
Settled
Shaky
Shivery
Slow
Smooth
Soft
Sore
Spacey
Spacious
Sparkly
Stiff
Still
Suffocated
Sweaty
Tender
Tense
Throbbing
Tingling
Trembly
Twitchy
Vibrating
Wobbly
Wooden
Topics
Sleep
Topics
Anxiety
Content type
Affirmations
ASMR
Breathwork
Diversity and Inclusion
Emotional Intelligence
Energy Healing
Health Coaching
Hypnosis
Life Coaching
Masterclass
Mindfulness
Motivation
Music
Personal Story
Podcast
Poem
Positive Psychology
Prayer
Intimacy & Relationships
Healing Sound
Soundscape
Spirituality
Story
CBT
Work Wellness
Track length
< 5 min
5-10 min
10-20 min
20-45 min
45+ min
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1000+
Tracks for you based on your preferences
Get unlimited access to 20,000+ meditations, sleep, and wellness tracks on Aura
Whats included
Fall asleep faster, reduce stress and anxiety, and find peace every day
Exclusive content from top mindfulness experts, psychologists, and therapists
Join live sessions & connect with the community
New content added every week
Lets personalize your experience

Defining Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Let's begin by defining what self-confidence and self-esteem are.

Self-confidence is a belief in your abilities, skills, and talents. It is the inner strength that allows you to take risks, face challenges, and persist in the face of obstacles. Self-confidence means having faith in your judgment and trusting yourself to make good decisions. It is about feeling assured in your abilities to succeed in various aspects of life, whether it be in your career, relationships, or personal endeavors.

When you possess self-confidence, you exude a sense of assurance and poise. It enables you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. With self-confidence, you are more likely to set ambitious goals and work towards achieving them. It provides you with the motivation and determination to overcome setbacks and setbacks, knowing that you have the skills and resilience to overcome any challenges that come your way.

Self-confidence also plays a crucial role in interpersonal relationships. When you are confident in yourself, others are naturally drawn to your positive energy and self-assuredness. It allows you to communicate effectively, assert your needs and boundaries, and build meaningful connections with others. Self-confidence is not about arrogance or superiority; it is about having a healthy belief in yourself and your abilities.

What is Self-Esteem?

On the other hand, self-esteem is about how you perceive and value yourself as a person. It goes beyond your skills and abilities and pertains to your overall sense of self-worth. Self-esteem is rooted in self-acceptance, self-love, and recognizing your inherent value as a human being, regardless of external achievements or validation. It is the foundation upon which self-confidence is built.

When you have healthy self-esteem, you have a positive view of yourself and your capabilities. You acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses without judgment or comparison to others. Self-esteem allows you to embrace your uniqueness and appreciate the qualities that make you who you are.

Having a strong sense of self-esteem is essential for mental and emotional well-being. It helps you navigate through life's challenges with resilience and a belief in your ability to overcome obstacles. With high self-esteem, you are less likely to be affected by external criticism or judgment. You are more inclined to make choices that align with your values and aspirations, rather than seeking validation from others.

Self-esteem also influences your relationships with others. When you have a healthy sense of self-worth, you are more likely to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. You are less likely to settle for relationships that do not serve you or bring you joy. Instead, you seek connections that uplift and support you, fostering a positive and nurturing environment.

In conclusion, self-confidence and self-esteem are interconnected aspects of our self-perception. While self-confidence is about believing in our abilities and skills, self-esteem is about valuing ourselves as unique individuals. Both are essential for personal growth, happiness, and success in various areas of life.

The Interplay Between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Self-confidence and self-esteem are intricately connected, with each influencing the other in profound ways.

How Self-Confidence Influences Self-Esteem

When you have a healthy level of self-confidence, it positively impacts your self-esteem. Believing in your abilities and trusting yourself allows you to experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It empowers you to set and achieve ambitious goals, which, in turn, boosts your self-esteem. Self-confidence acts as a catalyst for personal growth, enhancing your overall sense of self-worth.

How Self-Esteem Influences Self-Confidence

Conversely, self-esteem plays a vital role in shaping your self-confidence. When you have a strong sense of self-worth, it provides a solid foundation for self-confidence to flourish. When you truly believe in your inherent value and accept yourself unconditionally, you are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and bounce back from failures. Self-esteem acts as a nurturing force, nurturing your self-confidence and enabling you to strive for greatness.

Key Differences Between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

While self-confidence and self-esteem are intertwined, there are key differences between the two.

The Role of External Validation

Self-confidence often relies on external validation, such as praise, recognition, or applause from others. It can be influenced by feedback and opinions of others. On the other hand, self-esteem is internal and primarily driven by your own perception of self. It is not dependent on external factors but rather originates from a deep-rooted belief in your inherent worth.

aura_ring
Is Aura right for you?Take our quiz to find out.

The Impact of Personal Achievements

Another difference lies in the impact of personal achievements. Self-confidence tends to be more context-specific, rising or falling with the success or failure of specific tasks or goals. In contrast, self-esteem is more stable and resilient, as it is based on your overall self-perception and not solely on achievements or failures in specific areas of life.

The Importance of Balancing Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

While both self-confidence and self-esteem are invaluable qualities, it is crucial to strike a balance between the two.

The Risks of Overconfidence

While a healthy dose of self-confidence is necessary for personal growth, too much of it can lead to overconfidence. Overconfidence can blind us to our weaknesses and prevent us from acknowledging and learning from our mistakes. It is essential to remain open to self-reflection and constantly strive for self-improvement.

The Dangers of Low Self-Esteem

On the other hand, low self-esteem can undermine our potential. When we constantly doubt and criticize ourselves, it can hold us back from pursuing our dreams and taking risks. Developing a strong sense of self-worth is crucial for nurturing our self-confidence and unlocking our full potential.

Strategies to Boost Both Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can incorporate into your life to enhance both self-confidence and self-esteem.

Positive Affirmations and Their Effects

One powerful technique is to practice positive affirmations. By repeating positive statements about yourself and your abilities, you can rewire your subconscious mind to believe in your potential. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and focus on cultivating a positive mindset. Over time, these affirmations can strengthen both your self-confidence and self-esteem.

The Role of Self-Care in Building Confidence and Esteem

Self-care plays a vital role in nurturing both self-confidence and self-esteem. Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy, prioritize self-care routines, and surround yourself with supportive and uplifting individuals. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being boosts your sense of self-worth and empowers you to face challenges with resilience and confidence.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between self-confidence and self-esteem is essential for personal growth and well-being. While self-confidence pertains to believing in your abilities, self-esteem is about recognizing your inherent worth. These two qualities are interconnected, and striking a balance between them is essential. By utilizing strategies like positive affirmations and prioritizing self-care, you can enhance both self-confidence and self-esteem, unlocking your full potential and living a more fulfilling life.

At Aura Health, we believe in the transformative power of self-confidence and self-esteem. Our app offers a wide range of guided meditations, affirmations, and self-improvement practices to help you develop a strong sense of self-worth. Download the Aura Health App today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Aura is Your All In One App for Meditation, Mindfulness Wellbeing

 Find peace every day with one app for your whole well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental well-being. Aura is the first all-in-one wellness app that learns how to best help you. Discover an endless library of expert-created tracks for your well-being, all taught by the world’s best coaches, therapists, and storytellers. With Aura's personalized recommendations, you can find peace every morning, day and night.

No items found.

Aura Health Team

Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.

July 1, 2023
Subliminals

The best sleep of your life is just the start

From meditations to stories to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), find everything you need for your wellbeing in one app.

Most popular in Meditation
Most popular in Story
Most popular in Hypnosis
Most popular in Coaching
Most popular in Therapy
Most popular in Prayer
Most popular in ASMR
Most popular in Health coaching
Most popular in Breathwork
Most popular in Work Wellness
Most popular in Music
Most popular in Sounds
Preview
0:00
0:00
No items found.
The Scorpio Moon Sign
July 1, 2023

The Scorpio Moon Sign

Discover the hidden depths of your Scorpio Moon with our comprehensive guide.

Read More
The Benefits of Using a Meditation Cushion
July 1, 2023

The Benefits of Using a Meditation Cushion

Discover the numerous benefits of incorporating a meditation cushion into your practice.

Read More
Experience Deep Sleep with Michael Sealey's Sleep Hypnosis
July 1, 2023

Experience Deep Sleep with Michael Sealey's Sleep Hypnosis

Discover the power of deep sleep with Michael Sealey's sleep hypnosis.

Read More
Solitary Meditation: Benefits and Techniques
November 24, 2023

Solitary Meditation: Benefits and Techniques

Discover the transformative power of solitary meditation with our in-depth exploration of its benefits and techniques.

Read More
Using Prozac to Treat Anxiety: What You Need to Know
July 1, 2023

Using Prozac to Treat Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Discover the essential information about using Prozac as a treatment for anxiety.

Read More
How to Sit With Uncomfortable Feelings and Process Emotions
August 20, 2024

How to Sit With Uncomfortable Feelings and Process Emotions

Embrace discomfort to find peace. Learn how mindfulness can help you sit with difficult emotions and grow.

Read More
Abundance Meditation: Cultivating Prosperity and Well-Being
December 14, 2023

Abundance Meditation: Cultivating Prosperity and Well-Being

Uncover the transformative power of abundance meditation as you embark on a journey to cultivate prosperity and well-being.

Read More
Scripture on Protection: How to Find Comfort and Security in God's Word
July 1, 2023

Scripture on Protection: How to Find Comfort and Security in God's Word

Discover the power of Scripture on protection and learn how to find comfort and security in God's Word.

Read More
Trust in God: 10 Bible Verses to Inspire Faith
July 1, 2023

Trust in God: 10 Bible Verses to Inspire Faith

Discover 10 powerful Bible verses that will inspire and strengthen your faith in God.

Read More

Stay Updated: Get the latest from Aura's Mindfulness Blog

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.