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Self-worth is the fundamental belief that we are valuable, deserving, and worthy of love and respect.
Boosting your self-worth is a significant aspect of overall well-being, confidence, and success. And let’s be honest; we all deal with insecurities and a lack of self-worth at different times.
For instance even today, after all those years of musical success, Paul McCartney confesses that he also experiences anxieties and insecurities. So we’re in good company!
While related to self-esteem and self-confidence, self-worth encompasses a broader sense of our inherent value. Therefore, cultivating self-worth is necessary because it lays the foundation for healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
By recognizing our worth, we can set healthy boundaries, pursue our goals grow our confidence, and live fulfilling lives. So while there may be many “self-” words – think of self-respect, self-care, self-awareness, self-image, etc.; developing a strong sense of self-worth is the most comprehensive.
What Determines Self-Worth
What determines self-worth? It depends. While various factors, such as relationships, accomplishments, and social status, can influence how we perceive ourselves, ultimately, you are the heart of the matter.
You are the only one who determines your worth. And while we mostly tend to experience only the things we believe, in this case, whether you believe it or not, you are still worthy and valuable.
And it matters that you recognize your unique qualities and contributions as they make you an irreplaceable part of the world.
3 Things that should not determine self-worth
Comparing yourself to others
Each person has unique strengths, abilities, and experiences, making comparisons with others an inaccurate measure of one’s self-worth.
Instead, focus on personal growth and progress by comparing yourself only to your past self and acknowledging the positive changes you’ve made over time.
External markers of success
How much money you have in the bank or your material possessions provide satisfaction and security, which is fine and dandy. Who doesn’t want to feel secure? But they don’t reflect your inherent value as a human being. You are valuable because you are you. And as you, you have the capacity for growth in every area.
Remember, the real markers of success are your personal qualities, values, and strength. They are what make you successful as a human being.
Personal relationships
Your self-worth should never be tied to external factors, such as your number of friends or relationship status. For example, your value as a person is not determined by how many connections you have or whether you’re single or in a committed relationship.
What truly matters is your sense of self-worth and the quality of the relationships you engage in, both with yourself and others. Don’t let societal pressures or comparisons with others affect how you view yourself!
Take small steps
Boosting one’s self-worth can seem daunting, but it can be achieved through small steps.
I remember my first reaction when faced with the prospect of writing my first book. I didn’t believe I could do it in what most would consider a reasonable time. So I reverted to my well-worn standby. I procrastinated. Not a good thing for a sense of self-worth or growing confidence.
An author friend suggested I break the project down into small chunks. “For example, if you write one and a half pages daily, in 20 weeks, you’ll be done,” he said.
It seemed a much easier prospect. And I discovered that each forward step I took was a deposit into the bank of self-worth.
The same will be true of you when faced with any project that seems beyond your reach.
Build self-understanding for developing self-worth
As I’ve said developing self-worth is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life, but it can be challenging.
One technique is to imagine everything being taken away, then ask yourself how you would feel and what you would have left of value. I know it’s a horrible idea, but it gives you a clue about self-worth.
Getting to know yourself on a deeper level with questions such as “Who am I?” and “What brings me passion and joy?” can help identify strengths and areas for improvement.
As you do this, remember it’s also necessary to examine negative emotions, fears, mistakes, and letdowns to overcome them.
On the flip side, focus on your abilities and what you’re good at, and build confidence in those areas. Remember that self-worth comes from within and is not dependent on external factors.
This clever lesson in self-worth from Meir Kay may help give you greater clarity.
A little daily progress is all you need
When you practice and develop your self-worth, you gain more self-confidence, leading to a positive outlook on life and greater acceptance of who you are. And as an extra bonus, you feel pretty good about yourself.
I still find it amazing that as your self-worth grows, so do your opportunities for success and fulfillment.
With that said, building up your self-worth is a little like Rome. It isn’t built in a day. It takes time and effort. So it’s necessary to make positive deposits into your self-worth account regularly.
It all begins to fall into place if you remember that progress is key. It needn’t be giant leaps; each small step builds upon the last and helps to create a life with abundant self-worth.
Try a little imagination
Imagine being that person now. The one who believes they are valuable, deserving, and worthy of love and respect. The one brimming with greater confidence and an awareness that they can fulfill their dreams.
Imagination is a powerful tool that can transform your life and boost your self-worth. William Blake stated that it is “the very gateway of reality.” And by intentionally using your imagination in a controlled manner, you can shape your reality and easily manifest who you want to become.
Every day presents a new choice – let fear hold you back or seize every opportunity offered. The person you can be is within reach if only you allow yourself to take the necessary steps.
One life. Numerous choices.
Encourage one another.
Love Elle
xox
Latest posts by Elle Sommer (see all)
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