EP174F How social interaction affects self-esteem

In your solo journey, it’s natural to focus fiercely on products, services, and clients—but don’t overlook social wellness, the quality and depth of your relationships. Social wellness profoundly impacts our self-esteem, a crucial layer atop Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, where respect, achievement, and confidence reside. When your social connections are healthy and empowering, your belief in your own worth strengthens—and that’s a competitive edge in any entrepreneurial endeavor.

A robust body of research underscores the reciprocal relationship between social interactions and self-esteem. A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies shows that healthy relationships and self-esteem mutually predict each other over time: not only do positive relationships bolster how we value ourselves, but high self-esteem also strengthens our ability to build and sustain meaningful connections (PubMed). Additionally, moment-to-moment studies demonstrate that positive social interactions during the day correspond with higher evening self-esteem, providing real-time evidence of social wellness feeding into your self-worth (SAGE Journals).

Invest in your wellness. Take the challenge

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To strengthen your occupational wellness and nurture self-esteem, here are three actionable practices:

1. Show Appreciation for Colleagues
Even as a solopreneur, you likely collaborate with vendors, clients, or peers. A genuine “thank you” or acknowledgment—for effort, creativity, or reliability—fosters reciprocal respect and builds affirmation. Recognition not only uplifts your colleagues, but by giving it, you reinforce your own values and sense of agency. In turn, those warm connections reinforce your belief in your own professional worth.

2. Strengthen Communication Skills
Clear, confident communication is both a skill and a statement of self-esteem. Enhancing your ability to express ideas, assert needs, or give feedback strengthens your authority and presence. Techniques such as active listening help others feel valued and deepen connection, while clarity in your speech positions you as credible and assertive. Improved communication cultivates trust, both from yourself and from those you work with.

3. Speak Confidently in Public
Whether it’s delivering a webinar, pitching potential clients, or presenting ideas to stakeholders, public speaking amplifies your confidence. Studies show a significant positive correlation between public speaking skills and self-esteem (RSIS International). Moreover, training in public speaking—such as service-learning exercises—boosts self-efficacy and reduces anxiety (ScienceDirect). Owning your voice in public validates your competence and helps others perceive and respect your value.

Lean into these relational practices. They reinforce the foundation of your self-esteem and enrich your entrepreneurial path with confidence, connection, and purpose.

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References:

Harris MA, Orth U. The link between self-esteem and social relationships: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2020 Dec;119(6):1459-1477. doi: 10.1037/pspp0000265. Epub 2019 Sep 26. PMID: 31556680.

The Relationship of Self-Esteem and Public Speaking Skills among Humanities and Social Sciences Students, Shaina S. Linao., Mika Erin S. Sison., Geve Angel Kaye M. Garcenila., Dan Paul B. Tutor., Henry M. Garcia., Noralia A. Odin., Sittie Asia A. Odin., Kenneth A. Pondang DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.10020024