I read an interesting article just the other day about the economic value of self esteem. Not many people would argue the point that having reasonably high self esteem correlates with doing reasonably well as an entrepreneur or as a worker for someone else. But above that, this article pointed out that our rapidly changing world economies, and the way in which people work are also putting a high monetary value on self esteem. Not only that, new models of working demand upleveled self esteem.
- Working from home independently requires more individual responsibility and self-discipline.
- Being self-employed requires more self-management and more individual creativity.
- Self-employed professionals must have a high level of self-direction to be financially successful.
These require a solid self esteem. Not only are companies who hire looking at measures of self esteem, solo professionals and small business owners must check themselves and make sure self esteem issues aren’t standing in their way. Rather than being solely an important psychological need, self esteem is also being seen as an important economic need.
Believe it or not, people with lower self esteem actually can be succesful in business. Sometimes, the drive to cover up low self esteem causes a person to work very hard to be successful to hide what is lacking inside. So, you might ask, why worry about your level of self esteem if you can be successful without it? Here’s why – the type and quality of your actions is changed by your level of self esteem. The higher yours is, the higher the success and scope of your actions. So while you can be successful with low self esteem, you will be more successful and much happier with higher self esteem. You won’t feel like someone is chasing you constantly and if you don’t keep going you will fail in the end. In other words, fear won’t be your driver. With lower self esteem you may be successful, but you will also be anxious and doubtful.
So, in the end, upleveling your self esteem means that you have a better chance of being highly successful, but also more satisfied, calmer, healthier, and freer in your life and your work. Sounds pretty good, huh?
On Wednesday night, April 14th, I’m interviewing serial entrepreneur Adell Heinemann, and we’re talking about why working on your self-esteem boosts yourself and your income. Adell has been through the journey of rebuilding self esteem after financial disaster, and she’s got some pretty interesting points to make. The call is free, to register for it and get the call-in information, go to http://confidentmarketer.com/site/upcoming-teleclasses/adell/. We’ll talk about why low self esteem can spell success but how higher self esteem is even better for your brain and your pocketbook. See you there!
This is really a challenge for many self-employed professionals, especially if they are coming from the corporate world, since there is no “official measurement” for how we are doing beyond our business/personal success.
I think this is especially true during start-up or when you start a new service/product line and why networking/masterminding with other like-minded entrepreneurs is so key.
Great post!
Phil
Hi Sue,
This really hit home for me. I am very aware that my self esteem presents a problem for me. But as you pointed out, I am reasonably successful in spite of it. Imagine what I could do with that roadblock lifted!
I missed that call, but look forward to your next article!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ellen
Thanks for your comment, Ellen. I agree, your “road block” shift will take your business even larger than you currently are.
Sue Painter
I am amazed like Heidi on how we feel inside impacts what we do on the outside. Your guidance is definitely needed for so many people especially during these harsh economic times. Great post Sue!
Thanks, Christine. I’m thinking about a new coaching program just on this topic.
Sue Painter
this problem regarding self esteem for women is really a big thing in our society and it really needs to be solved.
Hi Michelle,
Suggestions about how to go about finding the solution?
Sue Painter
Sue,
How we feel about ourselves impacts deeply everything we do.
From business, to personal relationships, to how we live and eat and so much more.
Thanks for writing on this topic.
You’re welcome, Mitch. I know you and Dr. Patti Ann help with this, too!
Sue Painter
Terry,
The idea of the “fraud police” is both hilarious and sobering. Great expression!
Sue P.
Sue, I echo all the other comments here. In my consulting I talk about women who are waiting for the ‘fraud police’ to tap them on the shoulders – and I get sheepish grins of recognition.
As Heidi says above – it is a constant and never ending journey.
Thanks for the post.
Sue — this is such an important topic. Thank you for such an articulate and thoughtful article about it. I personally find that having a healthy self-esteem is critical to being an entrepreneur, especially because I have loved ones in my life who do not get what I am doing and who second guess me regularly. If I didn’t have self-confidence and self-esteem, I would have given up long ago!
Warmly,
Jessica
Jessica,
What you do adds so much value to the world! No second-guessing for you is needed at all…..thanks for your comment.
Sue Painter
Twitter: CommsCoach
says:
Great reminder thanks Sue. I am constantly amazed by how much the inner world affects our outer world – I don’t believe anyone can ever build their self esteem enough – it is a constant and neverending journey.
Thanks
Heidi Alexandra Pollard
Chief Executive Leaders Advocate
The economic value of self esteem is something I hadnt really considered – great article. Self esteem has an impact on everything we do.
As Lynne mentions, I believe that so many self esteem issues are seeded in childhood. As adults is is up to us to try and build this for ourselves but we do need to be mindful of how we nurture self esteem in children, and others – our own littlies and friends, colleagues as well.
One tactic I find useful for children (and mothers I work with) is ‘mirriring’ – instead of ‘empty praise’ eg saying ‘what a clever boy!” or ‘What a great mom!’ give them tangible evidence of their competence – eg -’ You have read 5 pages all by yourself’ or ‘I love the way you ….. are so aware of your baby’s cues/ you are so respectful when you speak to your child etc etc
Here’s to boosting self esteem and the economy!
Pinky
Sue this was great. I think self esteem should be a mandatory class in school! If parents concentrated on building the self esteem of their children as #1 after loving them and looking after their basic needs, just think of the world we would have.
Never thought of economic value. Good point.
Lynn
Twitter: writeoncreative
says:
Sue,
This is such and important topic and one that I see holding many would be entrepreneurs back. I also loved what Katherine said in her comment about it all starting with self love.
We must be happy, healthy and whole to share our best with the world.
Write on!~
Lisa
Agree, Catherine!
Sue P.
Bob & Kiyla,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, keeping yourself “out there” sure goes more easily with a good dose of esteem!
Sue P.
Twitter: _iaLOAp_
says:
I truly believe we cannot succeed beyond the extent to which we love ourselves. I believe this love is so fundamental and important that ALL my programs this year center around helping people tap more and more into that energy. So, let’s love ourselves enough to love ourselves!! LOL!! ♥Katherine
Life Blossoming Systems
This is likely an issue for a lot of people who have been badly financially damaged recently…a great topic!
Linda
http://globalinstituteofvisionarywealth.com
Being in business for myself definitely pushes me to be out there. My normal nature would be to ‘hide out’ work in the shadows or in the background. Is that a self-esteem issue? Probably. I must constantly be aware of my ‘comfortable’ tendencies and rise above them. Good article.
Kiyla
Twitter: Chiropractic Hand & Foot Clinics Of America
says:
Self-esteem seems to be a common struggle for a lot of people. Having the understanding that we are valuable, worthy and able can make running a business a lot easier and so much fun. Thanks Sue!
Dr. Robert Fenell