Right on. I've never bought into the self-esteem bunk--ever, we've raised three kids. I've been a Scoutmaster for many years. The thing that I tell the kids is to "DO good and you'll feel good" (there's a VERB in that quote). I can't think of any other way to say it.
Scriptures tell us that Jesus said to "put everyone before us". HUH?? Gee, THAT ought to confound them--good stuff! But then again, hardly anyone believes the Bible anyway so I'm just wasting breath there.
I've found that children feel the best about themselves when they set out to accomplish something (whatever that may be) and follow it through until it's done.
It's something that carries over into adulthood, and helps shape a person's character.