What’s the difference between self esteem and self confidence?
We often hear the terms self-esteem and self-confidence used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two—and learning how to strengthen them—can have a powerful impact on your wellbeing, relationships, and ability to thrive.
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is the way you feel about yourself at your core. It’s your overall sense of self-worth—how much you believe you are valuable, lovable, and deserving, simply for being who you are.
When you have healthy self-esteem, you:
Accept yourself without harsh judgment.
Know your worth isn’t tied to perfection or achievement.
Treat yourself with compassion, even when you make mistakes.
Low self-esteem, on the other hand, can show up as:
Negative self-talk.
Constant comparison to others.
Feeling unworthy of love, success, or happiness.
What Is Self-Confidence?
Self-confidence is more about your belief in your abilities—your trust in yourself to handle challenges, learn new skills, or achieve goals.
When you’re confident, you:
Take action despite fear.
Believe in your ability to figure things out.
Feel capable of navigating uncertainty.
Low confidence may look like:
Avoiding new opportunities out of fear of failure.
Doubting your skills, even when others believe in you.
Overthinking and second-guessing every decision.
Why Both Matter
You can be confident but still struggle with low self-esteem—for example, a talented performer who shines on stage but secretly feels unworthy of love offstage.
You can also have decent self-esteem but lack confidence—valuing yourself deeply, but struggling to believe you can succeed in a new career path.
How to Build Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
To Grow Self-Esteem:
Challenge your inner critic – Replace harsh self-talk with kinder, more supportive words.
Practice self-acceptance – Recognize that flaws and mistakes don’t make you less valuable.
Celebrate your worth beyond achievements – Your value isn’t tied only to what you do, but who you are.
To Boost Self-Confidence:
Take small, consistent risks – Confidence grows through action, not waiting until you feel ready.
Track your wins – Keep a record of challenges you’ve overcome and skills you’ve developed.
Learn and practice new skills – The more competent you become, the more your confidence grows.
Why the Subconscious Mind Matters
So much of our self-talk and behaviour is driven by the subconscious mind. It stores all of our experiences, beliefs, and emotional responses. If, for example, you grew up being criticised or compared to others, those messages can get locked into your subconscious and continue to shape how you see yourself—even long into adulthood.
Hypnotherapy works at this deeper level, helping you change the “scripts” your mind has been running for years.
How Hypnotherapy Helps Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
In a relaxed, focused state of hypnosis, your mind becomes more open and receptive to positive change. With the guidance of a hypnotherapist, you can:
✨ Replace limiting beliefs – Shift from “I can’t” or “I’m not good enough” to “I am capable and worthy.”
✨ Quiet the inner critic – Turn down the volume on negative self-talk and nurture a kinder inner voice.
✨ Rehearse success – Imagine yourself confidently speaking, socialising, or stepping into new opportunities, so your mind builds new, empowering patterns.
✨ Release old baggage – Let go of past memories or experiences that may still be holding you back.
✨ Strengthen inner resilience – Build a steady foundation of self-worth that doesn’t depend on outside approval.
What You May Notice After Hypnotherapy
A calmer, more confident presence in daily life.
A stronger belief in your abilities.
Reduced anxiety in social or work settings.
Greater comfort being your authentic self.