Self-Esteem Can Be an Ego Trap

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=self-esteem-can-be-ego-trap

By Jennifer Crocker and Jessica J. Carnevale
Sept./Oct. issue of Scientific American Mind

Having high self-esteem has a few modest benefits, but it can produce problems and is mostly irrelevant for success.

The pursuit of self-esteem through a focus on greatness makes us emotionally vulnerable to life's disappointments—and can even lower our chances of success.

Compassion, along with a less self-centered perspective, can motivate us to achieve while helping us weather bad news, learn from our mistakes and fortify our friendships.