Why high self esteem matters

High self-esteem is important because it helps you develop coping skills, deal with adversity, and put the negative into context. If you have a higher self-concept, you are less likely to place undue emphasis, blame, self-doubt, hopelessness, or weight on the aspects of yourself that you are unhappy with. You're also more capable of dealing with stress, anxiety, and pressure from school, work, home, or peers.

Instead of feeling hopeless, stuck, or unworthy as a result of perceived "failings," a person with high self-esteem is more likely to look for what they can change or improve on rather than feeling like a "failure" or hopeless.
Someone with low self-esteem, on the other hand, is more likely to become entrenched in negative feelings about themselves. In fact, research shows that feeling positive and respectful of yourself, especially as a child, can help you adapt and adjust to life's challenges.

Self-esteem improves overall well-being.
Additionally, high self-esteem is considered to be protective against many mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. In fact, studies show that having high self-esteem is directly related to life satisfaction and the ability to maintain a positive attitude about yourself in difficult situations.

Stress and Self-Esteem
Your level of self-esteem is also strongly related to how you handle stress. Prosocial behavior (which, as noted above, is more likely with higher self-esteem) is known to reduce the negative impact of stressors on daily life, helping you to manage stress more effectively. Positive self-esteem has also been linked to motivation to achieve goals, self-efficacy, and self-control, according to research. Higher levels of self-esteem are also associated with higher levels of academic success.