Self-esteem is derived from the self. Duh...
Self-esteem is not something that should be outsourced to others.
- People have enough trouble dealing with their own self-esteem issues, their own drama, their own everything... heaping yours on top is too much to deal with.
- Blaming is a manifestation of this: you are outsourcing to a boss, the economy, a relationship, past work.
- Understand that everything can be thought of independently. This wisdom helps one get crystal clear about the self.
The dictionary definition for self-esteem is,
"confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect."
Think about this. Build on this.
Get better at something. Anything.
Stop comparing to others. Do it for yourself.
The only benchmark is your self of yesterday.