This document discusses self-esteem, what it is, how it is formed, and its effects. Self-esteem refers to how one sees and thinks about themselves, and is shaped by life experiences and relationships. People with high self-esteem generally like meeting new people, are not worried about judgment, and express themselves freely. In contrast, low self-esteem can cause people to doubt themselves, dwell on mistakes, and be afraid to show creativity. The document provides 11 steps to improve self-esteem, such as forgiving mistakes, focusing on strengths, and improving relationships.