I don't think self esteem fluctuates very much; once you befriend yourself and get the knack of thinking well of yourself, it is harder to think poorly of yourself. I make mistakes but I also take responsibility for myself and my mistakes and know how to "fix" them. I do not associate my "self" and self-esteem with the mistakes I make and problems I have.

I think self-esteem is tied to shame and guilt more than to "worldly" success or lack thereof. I think success is getting to know one's self and working out how to be one's self in most situations.