The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Discover Nathaniel Branden's Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: practical steps to build genuine self-worth through conscious living and personal integrity.
Self-esteem
by Rod Ezekiel of WBN News Abbotsford & WBN News Langley
September 8 2025: Subscription to WBN and being a Writer is FREE!
In today's world, the ability to build and maintain self esteem is often challenging. Find out the 6 keys to becoming more confident and effective.
In a world filled with challenges and rapid change, having a strong sense of self is more important than ever. Nathaniel Branden, a pioneer in the field of self-esteem, argues that true self-worth is not a feel-good phrase but the "immune system of consciousness". In his seminal work, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, Branden posits that genuine self-esteem is built on a foundation of six key practices, all of which are a choice and can be cultivated.
The first pillar is the practice of living consciously. This means being present and aware of everything that affects our actions and goals and acting in accordance with what we know. It involves distinguishing between facts and emotions and being open to new knowledge. The second pillar is the practice of self-acceptance. This is the willingness to own and experience our thoughts and feelings without judgment, even the negative ones. By accepting ourselves as we are, we open the door to change.
The third pillar is the practice of self-responsibility. This is the understanding that we are the primary causal agent in our own lives, responsible for our choices and actions. The fourth pillar, the practice of self-assertiveness, is about living authentically. It means honouring your wants, needs, and values, and pursuing them in reality.
The fifth pillar is the practice of living purposefully. This involves setting goals and directing your actions toward achieving them, rather than living at the mercy of chance events.
Finally, the sixth pillar is the practice of personal integrity. Integrity is the alignment of your ideals and values with your behaviour. According to Branden, without this pillar, the others will fall apart. While these practices may seem daunting, Branden emphasizes that even small improvements in these areas can have a profound impact on one's life. The journey to healthy self-esteem is a process of small, deliberate steps toward self-awareness and integrity.
In a world that often measures worth by external achievements and social validation, Branden's six pillars offer a different path—one that places the power firmly in your own hands. Self-esteem, he reminds us, is not something we can buy, inherit, or receive from others; it is something we must build ourselves, one conscious choice at a time.
The beauty of this framework is that it doesn't demand perfection or dramatic transformation overnight. Instead, it invites us to begin where we are, with small, honest steps toward greater awareness and authenticity. Whether you start by simply noticing your thoughts without judgment or by aligning one small action with your values today, you are laying a brick in your own foundation.
As Branden understood, the journey to genuine self-esteem is not a destination but a practice—and it is one of the most worthwhile investments you will ever make in yourself.
Rod C Ezekiel | Transformational Leadership Development & Executive Coach
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