Working on self-esteem and insisting that you’re a good person can be a Tikun for the Churban Bais Hamikdash. You are being Osek in Binyan (building) vs. Churban (destroying). The more positive you are, the more you grow and you blossom. The more you think you’re a zero, the more zero you are. The more you believe in yourself and build yourself up, the more you build the world and further the building of Bayis Shelishi. People thrive when you think highly of them, and they become motivated; and they “die” when you have a low opinion of them. They cease to function.
Many years ago I was offered a job, and after a few days I was convinced that they didn’t really want me. I almost wanted to throw in the towel and quit, until I remembered my positive Yesodos. Besides davening loads, I started telling myself how highly qualified I really was. I had loads of proofs, and I remembered all the old compliments and I believed them. The next day I was a new person, with plenty Simcha and self-confidence, and the people around me were smiling much more. In fact, they took pictures of me and my work, and they praised me. When your opinion of yourself goes up, so does everyone else’s about you!
