What Matters/Esteem and Recognition

Esteem and Recognition
The word esteem means: to regard favorably, or to think highly of. Healthy esteem requires:
 * 1) understanding your own strengths and limitations,
 * 2) acknowledging your strengths by holding yourself in high regard,
 * 3) recognizing and accepting your limitations simply as evidence you are finite rather than as shameful defects in your being, and
 * 4) engaging authentically with others so that people who know you best think well of you.

Earn authentic recognition and respect from the people who know you best.

Healthy self-esteem rejects the false pride of hubris and the self-aggrandizing of narcissism. It also avoids debilitating shame. Find that balance that comes from knowing your strengths and limitations.

Assignment:

 * Study this list of character strengths and virtues. Identify the 3-5 strengths on the list that best describe you.
 * consider completing the strengths survey linked from the authentic happiness site.
 * Notice how you apply each of your strengths in everyday situations, to solve problems, and to contribute to larger projects.
 * Identify additional beneficial ways to apply your strengths.

Suggestions for further reading:

 * (Find books to recommend here.)