Self-esteem is a curious thing. You may not think you’ve got it in spades, but your actions often speak louder than your self-perception.

It’s fascinating how certain behaviors can quietly reveal a high level of self-esteem. You may not even realize it, but you’re demonstrating your self-worth every day.

In this piece, I’m going to highlight 10 things that you’re doing which subtly indicate that you have high self-esteem.

Let’s get started. 

1) Embracing criticism

We’ve all been there. That moment when someone throws a critique your way and it feels like a punch in the gut. However, how you react to criticism can be a tell-tale sign of your self-esteem level.

If you have high self-esteem, you view criticism differently. Rather than seeing it as a personal attack, you see it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

It’s not about being a masochist, enjoying harsh words thrown your way. It’s about understanding that nobody is perfect, and feedback – whether positive or negative – can be an invaluable resource for improvement.

When you find yourself in the face of criticism, pay attention to your reaction. If you’re accepting it with grace and gratitude, chances are you’ve got a healthy dose of self-esteem. 

2) Saying “No”

I’ll tell you a little story. Not too long ago, I was asked to take on an extra project at work. It was a high-profile task, and while it was tempting to seize the opportunity for visibility, I knew I was already stretched to my limits.

In the past, I might have said “yes” right away, driven by a fear of missing out or a desire to please others. But this time around, something different happened. I paused, considered my current workload and well-being, and politely declined the offer.

Taking on too much would have compromised the quality of my work on all fronts. More than that, it was a matter of respecting my time and energy – two things that are incredibly important to me.

This ability to say “no” when necessary is a powerful indicator of high self-esteem. It shows that you value your own needs and boundaries. Moreover, it demonstrates that you’re not afraid to make choices that prioritize your well-being, even if they might disappoint others.

3) Celebrating others’ success

Did you know that how you react to others’ success can be a strong indicator of your self-esteem?

When someone you know achieves something great, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. You might be happy for them, but there could also be a twinge of envy or resentment.

However, those with high self-esteem tend to genuinely celebrate others’ victories. They see the success of others not as a threat or a cause for comparison but as an inspiring event. They’re secure enough in their own abilities and achievements that the accomplishments of others don’t diminish their self-worth.

This doesn’t mean they never feel envy or comparison, but they don’t let these feelings consume them or sour their relationships. Instead, they use these emotions as motivation to strive for their own goals and dreams.

4) Accepting compliments gracefully

Accepting compliments can be surprisingly tricky for many of us. It’s not uncommon to downplay, brush off, or outright reject the kind words others throw our way.

But those with high self-esteem handle compliments differently. They accept them graciously and express genuine gratitude. This is because they believe in their own worth and aren’t uncomfortable when others acknowledge it.

When someone compliments you, it’s a recognition of your qualities or achievements. If you have high self-esteem, you’re able to accept that recognition without feeling embarrassed or the need to downplay your accomplishments.

5) Being comfortable with making mistakes

Nobody enjoys messing up. However, how you handle mistakes can say a lot about your self-esteem.

Those with high self-esteem understand that making mistakes is a crucial part of life and learning. They’re not afraid of them because they know that they don’t define their worth or capability.

Instead of beating themselves up over a misstep, they focus on what they can learn from the experience and how they can improve in the future.

If you’re someone who treats mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than as failures, you’re likely displaying a sign of high self-esteem. It’s all about knowing your self-worth isn’t tied to perfection but to your ability to grow and improve.

6) Practicing self-care

Self-care tends to be a buzzword these days, but it’s a vital component of high self-esteem.

When you love yourself, taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being becomes a priority. You understand that your needs are important and deserve attention.

This could include anything from eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, seeking professional help when needed, to setting aside time for hobbies and relaxation.

Practicing self-care isn’t about being self-obsessed or selfish. It’s about recognizing your own worth and understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

If you’re consistently making time to take care of yourself in various ways, you are indeed showing a sign of high self-esteem. Because at the end of the day, loving and caring for yourself is the greatest testament to your self-worth.

7) Standing up for what you believe in

I’ve always been passionate about animal rights. But there was a time when I would keep my views to myself, especially around friends or colleagues who didn’t share the same viewpoint.

Over time, I realized that by doing so, I was not being true to myself. So, I started speaking up. It was uncomfortable at first, but it also felt empowering.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you need to start a debate at every social gathering. But standing up for what you believe in, whether it’s a social issue or a personal value, is a strong indicator of high self-esteem.

It means you value your beliefs and opinions enough to voice them, even if they might be unpopular or met with disagreement. It also shows that you have the confidence to stay true to your values, regardless of external pressures or influences.

If you find yourself consistently standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, it’s a good sign that you have high self-esteem.

8) Asking for help

One might think that asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. But in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Those with high self-esteem recognize that they can’t do everything alone – and that’s perfectly okay. They understand that seeking help when needed isn’t a sign of inadequacy but a recognition of their own limitations.

Asking for help shows that you value the outcome more than your ego. It shows that you’re secure enough to admit you don’t have all the answers and are willing to learn from others.

If you’re someone who isn’t afraid to reach out when you’re in over your head, consider it a sign of high self-esteem. After all, it takes courage to admit you need assistance and even more to accept it.

9) Setting healthy boundaries

Setting boundaries is an important aspect of maintaining healthy relationships and a balanced life.

High self-esteem individuals understand the importance of this and are not afraid to express their needs and limits to others. They know that setting boundaries isn’t about being unkind or selfish, but about respecting their own time, energy, and emotional space.

Whether it’s declining an invitation to an event you don’t wish to attend, or telling someone that a certain topic is off-limits for discussion, setting boundaries shows that you value your own well-being.

You have the right to protect your mental and emotional space. It’s not only okay to set boundaries – it’s necessary.

10) Loving yourself, flaws and all

At the end of the day, high self-esteem boils down to one essential thing: loving yourself, just as you are.

It’s about acknowledging your strengths and celebrating your achievements, but also accepting your flaws and mistakes. It’s about understanding that you’re a work in progress, and that’s okay.

Those with high self-esteem don’t strive for perfection. Instead, they strive for growth and self-improvement, while loving and accepting themselves throughout the journey.

If you can look at yourself in the mirror, acknowledge your imperfections, but still love the person staring back at you – congratulations. That’s the ultimate sign of high self-esteem.