When self-confidence crosses a certain threshold it turns into narcissism. Here are some ideas on separating the “healthy” aspects of narcissism from the “unhealthy” ones.
| Healthy | Unhealthy |
| Feels good about oneself, even if others criticise | Needs constant reinforcement from others to have a sense of wellbeing |
| Copes with life’s many setbacks, allthough may be thrown off balance for a short time | Reacts to the hurts and injuries of life with fits of depression or rage. |
| Feels confident about his or her own talent | Needs to feel superior to everyone else, and seeks out recognition for that superiority |
| May be stung by criticism, but the hurt soon passes | Incensed by criticism, and broods for long periods about it |
| Appreciates praise, but does not live for it | Has an insatiable craving for adulation; seeks compliments to feel momentarily good about oneself |
| Self-esteem is unfluctuating, even after rejection, disapproval, or personal attacks | Reacts to rejection, disapproval or attacks with bitter rage or deep depression |
| Does not believe he or she is entitled to special or favoured treatment | Feel entitled to special treatment because they are not ordinary |
| Is sensitive to the feelings of others | Is insensitive to what others need or feel |
| Open to the possibility of being wrong: welcomes dissenting views | Closed to other perspectives: surrounds self with “yes-people” |
For useful resources see:
Confirmation Bias And the Power of Disconfirming Evidence Farnam Street
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Mayo Clinic