The Story We Tell Ourselves: Self Esteem vs Self Image

Our biggest Critic is the one we encounter in the Mirror

Self-esteem refers to the value individuals attribute to themselves and includes the recognition of one’s capabilities, worthiness of love, and uniqueness. It reflects a person’s overall positive or negative attitude toward themselves and constitutes a subjective evaluation of personal worth. Motivation, by contrast, can be understood as the internal force that directs behaviour, influencing the choices individuals make based on what they perceive as most likely to satisfy their needs at their current level of awareness.

Both constructs play a fundamental role in well-being, personal development, and life progression. Self-esteem is considered essential for psychological functioning, as a lack of self-worth can make life deeply distressing and may discourage individuals from pursuing necessary social, academic, or professional challenges.

High self-esteem serves as a protective factor against stress, enhances resilience, and contributes to improved psychological well-being. In contrast, low self-esteem increases vulnerability to psychological distress and adverse physical health outcomes. It is widely regarded as a risk factor for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. I will also take you along on the journey of my highs and lows, which entails some anxiety, but luckily, no disorder diagnosis. Before concluding, we will look at some mental tools and strategies to strengthen and reinforce the stronger self-esteem I have built.

Event Description

Have you ever noticed how the way you see yourself can change depending on the situation?
One moment you feel confident and capable — the next you start doubting yourself after a small mistake or comparison.

How do you see yourself on LinkedIn or social media — is it that persona or the quiet inner picture you carry, about who you are?

Sometimes that picture feels strong and confident.
Other times it becomes surprisingly fragile after criticism, comparison, or a simple mistake.
In this meetup we’ll explore two closely related ideas that shape how we experience life:
Self-image — the picture we hold of who we are
Self-esteem — how we feel about that picture
Through conversation and simple reflection exercises, we’ll look at questions like:

• Where does our self-image actually come from?

• Why can our confidence rise and fall so quickly?

• What role do comparison, expectations, and inner criticism play?

• And how can we build a healthier relationship with ourselves?

Expect an open and thoughtful discussion — not a lecture.
You’re welcome to share your thoughts and experiences, but there’s never any pressure. Listening is just as valuable.
If you're curious about how our inner narratives shape our lives, come join the conversation.

Who is this for?
Anyone interested in personal growth, psychology, and understanding how our inner narratives influence our lives.

What to expect

• Guided discussion prompts

• Reflection exercises

• Practical insights you can apply in everyday life

Tone
Supportive, curious, and judgment-free.

Disclaimer
This is not therapy — It's a thoughtful conversation about being human.

Join our journey

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