How do you tell if what you observe in your friends or acquaintances is self-esteem vs. narcissism? First, ask yourself this question: “Is what I observe normal?” The truth of the matter is that many individuals confuse self-esteem with narcissism. However, this isn’t entirely the case. When an individual has low self-esteem they often exhibit narcissistic behaviors.
How does having a healthy sense of self-esteem different from narcissism? Well, for starters an individual who lacks a healthy sense of self-esteem is typically a high-strung individual who is very driven by their own goals and opinions. They value themselves highly and have little interest in others. On the other hand, an individual who has a healthy sense of self-esteem is normally a very well-rounded individual who values other people’s feelings as much as their own.
One crucial difference between narcissism and self-esteem vs. building healthy attitudes is that the individual who exhibits high self-esteem is extremely motivated. They are highly driven to please themselves and are not concerned with pleasing others. Those who exhibit high self-esteem usually lack a certain sense of responsibility and self-importance. Those who have healthy self-esteem are great partners and friends. They know how to take care of themselves both mentally and physically, and are not driven by the need to impress others.
A healthy self-esteem is built on an individuals own perception and not on what others think. It is also built on an individuals own belief about themselves and what they can do. So if an individual were to say that they had a healthy self-esteem because they are an excellent worker then it would be true, but also they probably do not have a high opinion of themselves. Because they are not the greatest workers in the world, they do not believe they are capable of being the best. A more realistic view of oneself is one that is positive about oneself and built on a belief in oneself as an individual with endless potential.
Another difference between narcissism and self-esteem is that those who are narcissistic lack a healthy respect for themselves and frequently lie about their accomplishments and life goals. Those who are self-aware and have healthy self-esteem set high standards for themselves that are unattainable to others and set forth a plan to achieve them. They know that what they have to offer is worth striving for, and they are committed to continually working toward these things. Narcissistic individuals have a void that must fill, and they fill that void by finding someone else who will fulfill their life goals. This void is filled by the use of the media, which provides everything they need to advertise their self emptiness and provide them with validation that they are great people. Narcissistic individuals do not focus on their life goals because they lie about them and use the media to convince others they are something they are not.
One of the biggest differences between narcissism and self-esteem is that those who are self-employed or are leaders in their social networks often lie about their abilities and their achievements. These folks are living a charmed existence and their social networks are filled with others who are convinced they are great. When it comes to narcissists, the illusion they are creating is that they are superior to everyone else, and they can take any opportunity they get to show others just how superior they are. In contrast, self-workers and right-wing authoritarianism do not see themselves as superior and therefore are not motivated to try to convince others they are better.
What it boils down to is that narcissists are more in tune with their personality traits and their own inflated sense of importance. Whereas self-workers and right-wingers are more interested in the job at hand, or perhaps even a sense of personal accomplishment, narcissists are more concerned with social norms and being seen as a “leader” than building their career and their skills. If you notice this in yourself and others, it might be a good idea to re-evaluate your own personality traits, as well as your own social networking strategies – narcissists and self-workers will not be happy with you if you don’t understand why they are doing what they are doing.
narcissism and self-doubt can effect every aspect of life. The level of difficulty others face when dealing with you is significant and the impact it has on their lives can be truly devastating. The best way to counter narcissistic personality traits in today’s generation is to avoid rewarding narcissism and self-doubt. Instead, focus on building yourself and your abilities so you can attract those who are capable of following your lead.