7 Self-esteem Quotes to Help You Value Yourself

7 Self-esteem Quotes to Help You Value Yourself
Gema Sánchez Cuevas

Written and verified by the psychologist Gema Sánchez Cuevas.

Last update: 21 December, 2022

Valuing yourself is a task a lot of us still have to work on. Learning to identify all of the good that we have, what our strengths are, and which skills we are talented in is important if we want to have a fulfilled life. Thus, quotes of self-esteem act like a compass. They can point us in the right direction to strengthen our self-love.

We know this is not an easy task. Many people decide to surrender and stop attending to their own needs. Many, in a failed attempt, abandon themselves because self-love implies putting in the effort. It means facing your demons. However, it’s worth it. There’s nothing like embracing yourself and picking yourself right back up. Being your own best friend and main lover gives you the opportunity to feel alive and happy.

We know that a phrase by itself will not suddenly ignite the flame of self-love. However, it will invite you to reflect upon it. And from this exercise, you can obtain deep and useful lessons. For this reason, we could say, without fear of being wrong, that self-esteem phrases are worth having at hand to remind us of the value of treating ourselves with affection. They remind us to nourish our self-love from time to time.

A small pink felt heart.

You deserve your own love

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.”
-Buddha-

This is one of the self-esteem quotes that we should all keep in our day-to-day vocabulary. We are worthy and deserving of affection. Likewise, we have a healthy obligation not to beg for or receive crumbs and incomplete forms of love and affection.

Love nourishes us, above all, our own. It gives us strength, security, and pushes us to love others. It’s the fundamental pillar upon which we erect our lives and our relationships. Whoever builds their life from love, creates foundations that are difficult to break. The most important thing of all is to be aware that we have the right to receive love, both from others as well as from ourselves.

Treat yourself well

“You have criticized yourself for years, and it has not worked. Try flattering yourself and see what happens.”
-Louise L. Hay-

We have a bad habit of criticizing and hurting ourselves with our words and assessments. Judging oneself cruelly is easy. It’s a habit for many people, but restoring the damage that this causes is not so simple. In fact, doing it continuously generates a spiral of pain and suffering which only gets bigger and heavier. And we do this almost every day and worst of all, without even being aware of it.

It’s impossible to have good self-esteem if we continuously launch attacks on ourselves and if we cheat and despise ourselves. Louise Hay offers us an alternative with her phrase. This writer and American speaker relies on flattery and positive language towards oneself. Why not give it a try?

We deserve to treat ourselves well, we deserve our own recognition. What’s wrong with telling ourselves we do  everything  well? Maybe we aren’t used to it, but there is a first time for everything. And showing yourself love deserves top priority.

Respect yourself in order to make better choices

“Our self-respect marks our choices. Every time we act in harmony with our authentic self and our heart, we earn our own respect. It’s that simple. Every choice matters.”
-Dan Coppersmith-

This is another phrase about self-esteem that’s closely linked to the others in this article. We should always keep it in mind. Respect marks our future decisions. Staying loyal and being true to ourselves determines every act and every choice in our lives. Moreover, the way we respect ourselves will mark the way we relate to the people around us.

If we value and support ourselves, the likelihood of others also dispensing this treatment will increase. If we despise ourselves, don’t take ourselves into account, and treat ourselves badly, others will probably also do the same. It’s a matter of prioritizing and loving oneself.

A woman is looking at herself in a mirror.

Don’t depend on others to make you happy

“Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself – no one else will be able to make that happen.”
-Stacey Charter-

Happiness doesn’t depend on others, nobody gives it away or offers it. True happiness is an attitude and it arises from within. Therefore, we are the only ones responsible for how we feelno matter how much the circumstances are conducive to a particular emotional state.

Handing the key of your well-being to others is a mistake. We have the power to transform situations, even if we are hardly aware of it. Everything begins with accepting and loving ourselves. If we don’t do this, nobody will do it for us. Never forget it.

Desire to be yourself

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.”
-Marilyn Monroe-

Thousands of people dream of being someone else. They fantasize about these ideas, compare themselves with friends, and think about “if I had this” or “if I were that”Dreaming is not a bad thing, but wasting time on it is. These people forget that being themselves is something wonderful with thousands of possibilities. They turn away from themselves and become unhappy.

We are limited edition versions. Unique and imperfect, but valuable to ourselves. There is no one like you nor anyone else like me, and that is precisely what makes us special and different. It’s not about comparing yourself with others, but about discovering yourself. To direct your gaze inwards in order to awaken all of your potential and to enjoy yourself on the basis of authenticity.

Value yourself in order to take action

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you won’t do anything with it.”
-M. Scott Peck-

This is another phrase about self-esteem that holds a deep message. Valuing yourself is the beginning of everything, the springboard to a full, happy, and successful life. If we don’t value ourselves, we can hardly do everything we want, and ultimately won’t continue to grow.

When we value ourselves, we get to know each other, prioritize ourselves, and give ourselves part of our own time. We stop living on autopilot. Instead, we begin to live consciously and regain control of our own existence. Time is a valuable gift that we should not leave aside or take for granted.

a woman is in a field, thinking.

Others’ opinions are not your reality

“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.”
-Les Brown-

We are social beings and the opinion of others influences us to a large extent. We have to learn to differentiate between what we are and what others consider us to be. We must be clear on what we want and what others want for us.

Whether with good or bad intentions, the people around us will express their opinions about us. But they are just that, merely opinions. Subjective realities that we don’t have to share or agree with. We only have to respect them, without entering into personal attacks. The important thing to remember in order to not put yourself in a risky situation and lose control is what you want and how you value yourself. Above all, it’s important to treat yourself well.

As you can see, loving yourself is complicated because it involves not only knowing yourself but accepting and respecting yourself. These quotes about self-esteem can help you take into account the most important aspects of believing in yourself, but it is you who has the power to start doing it. Treat yourself with love, value your successes and recognize that there are many things you can do well. Take care of yourself and please, do not forget to always take yourself into account.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.