Rethinking Self Esteem in Women: Why They Still Feel “Not Enough”
“By today’s definition, self-esteem is a noun, a thing. I am purposefully removing the hyphen, so that self esteem in women becomes the action it deserves to be — we women actively valuing ourselves, not only what we achieve, but more importantly who we are being.” ~ Maria Connolly
Self esteem in women doesn’t always look like insecurity. In fact, it often hides behind impressive résumés, packed calendars, and relentless competence. Many high-achieving women have learned how to succeed in nearly every area of life, yet still carry an underlying feeling that we must constantly prove our value. The question isn’t whether we’re capable. The question is why our worth still feels conditional.
Too often, we find ourselves in a situation where our “go along to get along” part takes over before we’re even aware of it. For example, Leigh noticed this happening halfway through a meeting.
I’ve discovered during the past 20 years… something about brilliant, professional women. There's a pattern that quietly follows these capable, thoughtful women through their lives. 
Wanting to feed your ambition comes with a complicated emotional landscape, especially if you’re a woman. I believe what Anthony Trollope said, “It is a grand thing to rise in the world. The ambition to do so is the very salt of the earth.” Yet that ambition can feel surprisingly conflicted.