Some interesting new research is showing that self-esteem and the pursuit of self-esteem is a zero-sum game.

Self-esteem is based an ongoing struggle of comparison, judgement, evaluation, and need for external validation. It’s a constant barrage of slings and arrows that your mind throws at you, “Am I successful?”, “How do I compare to others?”, “I will feel good about myself if…”

It’s a game you won’t be able to win.

Check this out instead: http://www.self-compassion.org/