This easy-to-understand but profound book describes origins of painful self-esteem, twelve key steps for improving self-esteem, and reasons why we avoid doing what is needed for positive self-esteem. Instead of exhortation, folksy humor, or behavioral techniques, the book describes principles of living (e.g., respect yourself, accept yourself, love yourself, treat yourself well, etc.) that, if followed, can broadly change one's life and that are also consistent with good psychological, philosophical, and religious practice. It shows how to stand up for oneself and defend oneself against self-esteem injuries from others. The book makes clear how our relationship with ourselves is key to mental health in general.