The most confident and happy people are often ones with have high self-worth.

But how did they get that way? Are some people just born with a better sense of their value? Or were they blessed with supportive, affirming parents and caregivers?

Maybe. But what about those that did not have the benefit from these experiences? Can anyone benefit from the practice of acting a certain way, which helps to keep them feeling positive about who they are?

When you talk to people with high self-worth, you find that they have a lot of things in common. Those who feel good about themselves tend to think a certain way.

Here are a few of the ideas which keep people feeling worthy - even when life might be difficult.

They Understand Where Mistakes Fit

Everyone messes up now and again. The person with self-worth recognizes this. They take responsibility for the action and understand that just because something went wrong, it doesn't change who they are as a person. They still value themselves even when they make a mistake.

They Resist Measurement by Material Trappings

Who you are has a whole lot less to do with what you have than you might think. It doesn't matter how much money is in your bank account, whether you are wearing the right clothes or if you have the "right" education. Your value has a lot more to do with who you are inside than who you are outside. You can still be worthy even if you have very little in the way of possessions or money.

They Don't Chase Happiness

Who you are has very little to do with whatever emotion you happen to be feeling in any moment. If you are not happy, it does not mean that you are not worthy. Emotions and feelings are normal parts of living. Individuals with high self-worth realize this and accept their emotions for what they are: a reflection of their emotional state and not of personal value.

They Take Responsibility for How They React

When you have positive self-worth, you do not need other people to define you. This also means you can drop any victim mentality. You cannot control all events and circumstances you face. But, you always can control how you respond. It's up to you to decide who you are. No one else has this right.

+++

Of course, there're other things people with high self-worth do. They practice empathy, especially with themselves. They love their job and set goals that make sense to them.

The common thread? They do things that honor them. They don't make compromises or get caught up in doing what they think they 'should' but instead focus on what's right for them, their values, and their life vision.

You can do this, too. Pay attention to your choices and hold fast to who you are.