From the teachings of Buddha and the Dalai Lama to Dolly Parton herself, these inspirational quotes will change the way you look at life.

Loving yourself and feeling worthy are two of the most important gifts you can give yourself. We all have much to offer the world and to feel good about. Even if times are tough or we have things to work on, we’re important and have worth as human beings. Everyone deserves to be respected and valued by others and ourselves. 

Positive self-esteem can be challenging for many people and even those who are generally happy can hit potholes that throw self-confidence and self-love to the curb. However, rebuilding positive self-perception is always within reach and always worth the effort. 

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Research shows that positive self-worth and confidence make a huge difference when it comes to a person’s mental and physical health. Having a good sense of self-esteem and self-love is vital to your well-being and life satisfaction. An effective way to cultivate positive self-esteem, personal inspiration, self-acceptance, and motivation is to read self-love quotes and confidence-building quotes.

Here’s our list of 8 of the best self-worth quotes to help you on your way to fostering your confidence and self-esteem.

These celebrities may be known for writing, acting, and advocacy but it doesn’t stop there. These encouraging confidence quotes can help you improve your self-esteem and realize the beauty, love, and value that’s in every one of us.

Let the words wash over you and comfort you like a blanket. Push down the barriers that keep you from accepting and loving yourself and feel the power of self-worth build you up.

“Know who you are…” -Maya Angelou

Writer Maya Angelou facing the camera

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. It may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”Maya Angelou

This magical self-esteem quote from iconic writer Maya Angelou can help you see how setbacks can become positives. Angelou lets us know that our defeats don’t have to take us down. Instead, we can learn from them, grow from them, and even take pride in overcoming them.

We can let go of our shame or disappointment at what we might see as our failures or problems in life. Then, flip the script and wear our mistakes and defeats like battle scars, taking pride in all we’ve survived. Use the wisdom and strength gained from these experiences to feed self-love, self-confidence, and motivation.

“You are the only one who can be you.” -Mr. Rogers

Mr. Rogers smiling at the camera in a red sweater

“In a way, you’ve already won in this world because you are the only one who can be you.” -Mr. Rogers

The simple beauty of these words is that we are all amazing just as we are. Mr. Rogers had a way of making everyone feel special, welcomed, and accepted. You are enough just being you. Moreover, being you is a triumph in and of itself.

Each person is a gift to the world. Each person can and should feel proud of who they are and the unique gifts, history, talents, quirks, and personality they have. Believe that you are worthy simply by being who you are. 

“One can build a better world.” -Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama praying and looking at the sky

“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s own ability, one can build a better world.” -Dalai Lama

In this quote, spiritual leader Dalai Lama guides us to realize our power to shape and change the world around us. In each of us is the potential to do great things. What stops us is our own second-guessing and lack of confidence or gumption. So, realize your worth and agency. Accept your value as a human being.

Go out in the world and do what only you can do. Aim to be the best version of yourself you can be, but know that no matter what you are also fine just as you are. So, use your strengths to be a positive change in your life and the larger world.

“Your self-worth is not determined by your net-worth.” – Suze Orman

Suze Orman Personal Finance Expert posing for the camera in publicity headshot.

“When you understand that your self-worth is not determined by your net-worth, then you’ll have financial freedom.” -Suze Orman

People often get caught thinking that they are less than if they don’t have tons of money or extraordinary professional accomplishments. Finance whiz Suze Orman doesn’t buy into that view.

It’s great to have financial and career success, those feats don’t dictate your value as a person. They may have nothing to do with it. Truly, what matters is who you are as a person. Are you kind? Are you fun, funny, considerate, respectful, clever, responsible, giving, sweet, smart, athletic, or dependable?

Do you have a great smile, kind eyes, or a generous spirit? Everyone has traits that bring love and goodness into the world, so celebrate yourself, regardless of the balance in your bank account or the job title you hold.

“Never settle for anything less than you want.” – PJ Harvey

Musician PJ Harvery outside in front of a chain link fence

“Never settle for anything less than you want.” -PJ Harvey

It’s a common problem that people with low self-esteem sell themselves short and end up accepting things in their lives that aren’t making them happy. They may have dreams or plans they want to accomplish but don’t because they don’t think they can or should go after them.

Instead, musician PJ Harvey advises us to go after what we want. This quote lets you know that you and your goals are worth fighting for. You don’t need to discount your own needs and desires. Don’t let self-doubt keep you from believing in yourself and knowing that you can achieve anything you set your mind on.

“You are worthy of your existence.” – Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee posing in front of flags

“There is nothing that you have to do to have self-esteem except agree and accept that you are worthy of your existence. This is not always easy.” -Bruce Lee

Legendary martial artist Bruce Lee is as well-known for his brilliant sayings as he was for his awesome kicks. This quote is a great example. He reminds us that while it can seem simple to have self-esteem, feeling good about yourself is often easier said than done.

Give yourself a break, but when the negative thoughts creep in, do your best to let them go. Decide to believe that you are worthy of love, acceptance, and endless second chances. Believe that you don’t have to do anything special to be special. You are fine just as you are. So, give yourself the gift of self-confidence and self-love.

“You’re brave enough to try.” – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton on Jimmy Kimmel talk show

“You’ll never do a whole lot until you’re brave enough to try.” -Dolly Parton

Beloved country star Dolly Parton tells us we need to believe in ourselves—and then go after our dreams. She reminds us that having courage is a key part of success. Another crucial piece is simply putting your hat in the ring.

Don’t be the one that stops you from trying. Whatever it is that you want or want to do in the world, believe that you can and believe that you deserve it. Let go of any self-doubts and start living your life how you want to live it!

“You deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

A stone statue of Buddha in meditation pose

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” -Buddha

This inspiring self-love quote from spiritual leader Buddha tells us simply that we deserve love. And not just from others. But most importantly, from ourselves.

This may be an obvious point but it’s one that many people doubt or stray from. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of feeling unworthy and undeserving of love, care, success, consideration, or happiness. Buddha directs us to love ourselves in the way that we would others. Yes, be passionate in your love and care for the people in your life and your larger community, but don’t sacrifice yourself to do it. Know that you also deserve all the love, affection, and good things you wish for everybody else.

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13 Self Worth Quotes to Help Build Your Confidence & Self Esteem