For myself, complements from others are usually only temporary self-esteem boosters, and when I can complement myself and believe it, that lasts longer. My hardest thing is believing any complement's that come my way: I think you just have to accept your good qualities realistically, and allow yourself to be happy when you use these qualities. And also, don't discount other's complements towards you: acceptance is something we all seek. We just have to be able to hold that contentment within us, and not let our self-esteem plummet as soon as the complement ends.