The Psychology of High Self-Esteem
By Nathaniel Branden
Audio Outline
1. The Importance of Self-Esteem
Self-esteem, key to success. How poor self-
esteem is a root cause of every known
psychological malady. The two components of
self-esteem. What growth leads to. Nurturing
self-esteem. A victory in the evolution of
consciousness.
2. Self-Concept Is Destiny
Self-concept defined. Withdrawing your
investment in false values. Is it wise to “tap
into” the child-self that dwells within? What
happens when the child-self is integrated?
Exploring your own feelings toward the child
you once were. The story of Charles. Eva’s
story.
3. The Question of Selfishness /
Living Consciously
Social consequences of high and low self-
esteem. The vices of a person with a weak ego.
Ethics of rational self-interest. Humoring the
self. Living consciously. The core biological
fact of your existence. A commitment to
awareness. Examples of living consciously and
unconsciously.
4. Living Consciously
The different paths people take, as illustrated by
the stories five men and five women tell, taken
from actual case histories. Intellectual
independence. A pen and paper exercise. Taking
responsibility for starting.
5. Self-Acceptance
The challenge. Why self-acceptance is required
for growth. Respect for reality. The alternative
to being at war with yourself. Handling fear. A
way to explore the world of self-acceptance.
More actual case histories.
6. Self-Acceptance (Cont’d)
A powerful technique for enhancing self-
acceptance. What accepting yourself entails.
Facing what you dread. Why self-acceptance is
a truly heroic act. Experimenting each day with
new instances of self-acceptance.
7. Assessing Behavior / Liberation from Guilt
Feeling guilty because we choose to, or because we
think it’s what society expects. Valuing your judgment
over that of others. Is it really guilt, or is it undealt-
with resentment? Or fear of self-assertion? Behaviors
that undermine your sense of integrity. Why people
become attached to guilt. The internal drama.
8. Integrating Our Younger Selves
Can you embrace and “forgive” the child you once
were? How current rejection could have roots in your
past. What do you want for your child-self—
assimilation and integration into the total self … or
alienated oblivion? Ways to befriend and integrate your
child-self. Meeting and dealing with your teenage-self.
9. Living Responsibly
Why you must hold yourself responsible for matters
within your control. Self-responsibility as an
exhilarating and empowering experience. An exercise
for those serious about increasing self-esteem. What
you must grasp to enjoy an active orientation to life.
10. Living Authentically
The lies most devastating to your self-esteem. What
high self-esteem demands. The incorrect teachings and
admonishments of our elders. Basic issues to confront
for living authentically. What to do if you feel you are
presently living lies.
11. Nurturing the Self-Esteem of Others
Lessons from top psychotherapists. How effective
therapists conduct themselves. What we must do to
understand others. Inspiring the best in others. The
value of presenting them with a rational impression of
reality. By honoring the self, we help build a
community of persons with healthy self-esteem.
12. The Difference It Makes
Living up to the supreme value of your life. Protecting
your self-esteem. Serving self-esteem by living
benevolently. Six behaviors to raise your self-esteem.
Why growing in self-esteem may mean leaving your
comfort zone and striking out for the unknown. Expect
a sense of disorientation. Why some regress. The
rewards of this program.