Self-esteem reflects a person's evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth or value. Self-esteem is built through the process of valuing ourselves. Seeking our value from others or from material possessions is a common trap that leads to very unsatisfactory results because, by its very nature, self-esteem can never be achieved by seeking the approval of others or by acquiring things Many unproductive and self-defeating behaviors emanate from low self-esteem, such as not speaking up or seeking constant validation. Building healthy and unconditional self esteem is the foundation of self-leadership.