[hasenj]

Maybe base it on how much effort and progress you're making instead of the immediate result or the current level.

But to be honest, if your worth is not based on your work, then what could it be based it on? Your looks? Your hair style?

I can't really think of anything more significant.

[tvz]

your relationships? the difference you make to other people's lives? how kind, funny, generous, intelligent you are?

[hasenj]

Relationships? Rather transient ..

Difference you make? Part of your work ..

"Kind, funny, generous, intelligent" are all nice to have, but not enough to get the amount of respect from other people that can satisfy your self esteem .. (at least for me)

Discipline, self control, vision, direction .. all seem more important to me.