By striving for self-esteem, you won't attain self-esteem, nor will you gain mastery.By striving for mastery, you may achieve mastery, and if you do, you won't need self-esteem anyway.Most of us work for economic gains, but the value of work goes beyond material rewards.True mastery is about excelling within the context of the task at hand, leaving behind superficial boasts and embracing meaningful accomplishments.