Honoring the Self

Book excerpt: Self-concept is destiny What is the most important judgement you will ever make? The judgement you pass on yourself. Self-esteem is the key to success or failure. "Tell me how a person judges his or her self-esteem," says pioneering psychologist Nathaniel Branden, "and I will tell you how that person operates at work, in love, in sex, in parenting, in every important aspect of existence—and how high he or she is likely to rise. The reputation you have with yourself—your self-esteem—is the single most important factor for a fulfilling life." • How to grow in self-confidence and self-respect. • How to nurture self-esteem in children. • How to break free of guilt and fear of others' disapproval. • How to honor the self—the ethics of rational self-interest.