The Key Difference Between Your Self-Worth and Your Self-Esteem
The Two-Minute Mindset Shift That Can Change Everything
We all know self-esteem is important. We’re told to build it up, keep it strong, and make sure it’s high. But what if I told you that self-esteem isn’t the foundation of your self-worth? That a simple shift in perspective could change the way you see yourself - and transform how you navigate life?
I’m Laila-Elizabeth Risdon, a coach and facilitator at Indigo Brave. Since 1996, my team and I have worked with countless clients, distilling years of wisdom into practical insights. And today, I want to share one of the most powerful mindset shifts I’ve ever encountered: a two-minute reframe that could change everything.
The Crucial Difference Between Self-Worth and Self-Esteem
We often hear “self-esteem” and “self-worth” used interchangeably. Look them up in the dictionary, and you’ll find that each is defined by the other. But in reality, they are very different.
I recently spoke about the difference, and you can watch this video below where I speak about this, because I believe that knowing this difference is so important.
Exploring the crucial difference between self-esteem and self-worth
Self-worth is your foundation. It’s the core of your being, the simple fact that you exist. Right now, take a deep breath and feel into your presence. You are here. You are a unique human being. That alone is your worth. It is unshakable, unquestionable, and doesn’t need to be proven.
Take a look at your thumbprint - there will never be another one quite like it. That’s your worth. It doesn’t change. It isn’t dependent on your actions, successes, or failures. It just is.
On the other hand, self-esteem is about doing. It comes from our actions, our achievements, and how we interact with the world. It fluctuates based on how well we think we’re performing. Some days, we feel on top of the world. Other days, we stumble. That’s normal, and it’s actually healthy for our self-esteem to rise and fall.
The Danger of Linking Self-Worth to Self-Esteem
Problems arise when we let our self-esteem dictate our self-worth. When things go wrong—when we make mistakes, fail, or struggle—we don’t just think, I didn’t do well today. Instead, we internalize it: There’s something wrong with me. I am a failure. I am not worthy.
This is where the shift needs to happen. Your self-worth is not up for debate. It’s not tied to your performance or productivity. Your self-esteem may ebb and flow, but your worth remains constant. The moment you separate the two, you gain an incredible sense of stability and confidence.
Building a Healthy Mindset
Imagine a triangle:
At the base is self-worth—your unwavering, intrinsic value.
Above that is self-esteem—the fluctuating layer of your abilities and achievements.
At the top is confidence—the natural outcome of standing on a strong foundation.
Indigo Brave’s Self-Worth, Self-Esteem and Confidence Model
When you recognize that self-worth is non-negotiable, you stop striving to “earn” it. Instead, you focus on growth, learning, and taking action without the fear that failure makes you less of a person.
So let go of the idea that your self-esteem needs to be high all the time. It won’t be, and it shouldn’t be. Embrace the natural ebb and flow of confidence and ability - without ever questioning your inherent worth.
This simple shift in perspective has transformed the way my clients see themselves, and I hope it helps you too.
You are already worthy. You always have been. You always will be.