Embrace Your Inner Worth

“The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.”
- Mark Twain

Introduction:

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve this”? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience this – I certainly have.

These thoughts are tell-tale signs of low self-worth, which can be a silent struggle many of us face. But here's the beautiful truth: You are inherently worthy, just as you are. This is the truth, even if you don’t believe it (yet).

The core belief of not being good enough affects many of us, and it can show up in different ways.

Let’s look into understanding self-worth, recognizing its presence (or lack) in our lives, and exploring how we can nurture and enhance it.

It’s important to understand your level of self-worth, and how it shows up in your life, and how to improve it.

Understanding Self-Worth

Self-worth is the understanding that you are valuable and deserving of love, respect, and happiness. It’s the foundation for confidence and self-esteem. If you have a low sense of self-worth, your confidence and self-esteem will also be low.

When you have a strong sense of self-worth, you recognize your intrinsic value, instead of relying on external achievements or validation from others to prove it.

How Self-Worth Shows Up In Life

Self-worth influences every aspect of our lives, often subtly yet profoundly. Here are some ways it might show up:

1. Relationships: Your sense of worth impacts how you allow others to treat you. Low self-worth can lead to tolerating disrespect or mistreatment, while high self-worth fosters healthy, respectful relationships.
   
   I’ve mentioned before how I used to attract people who were mean or rude to me, or who didn’t respect me or my time. Once I began to value myself, I stopped attracting these types of people.

2. Career: Feeling unworthy might hold you back from pursuing opportunities, asking for a raise, or showcasing your talents. On the flip side, a strong self-worth encourages you to chase your dreams confidently.
   
   I have worked with so many people who have been consistently overlooked for promotion, had their ideas ignored or even taken and promoted as someone else’s. These experiences change once you improve your self-worth.

3. Self-Care: People with high self-worth prioritize their well-being. They understand that taking care of themselves is essential, not selfish.
   
   So many people (women especially) struggle with taking care of themselves. They often take care of everyone else at the expense of themselves. Taking good care of yourself actually benefits everyone – it is the opposite of selfish.

4. Decision-Making: When you value yourself, you make choices that align with your true desires and needs, rather than constantly looking to please others or avoid conflict.
   
   As a recovering people-pleaser, I know that many of the decisions I used to make were based on pleasing someone else, rather than on what was right for me. This is a definite sign of low self-worth.

Recognizing Low Self-Worth

Recognizing low self-worth is the first step towards change. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Self-Criticism: Constantly putting yourself down or focusing on your flaws.

• People-Pleasing: Going out of your way to make others happy at your own expense.

• Fear of Failure: Avoiding challenges due to a fear of not being good enough.

• Difficulty Accepting Compliments: Brushing off or feeling uncomfortable with praise.

• Perfectionism: Believing you need to be perfect to be valued or loved.

Why Improving Self-Worth Matters

I know first-hand that improving self-worth is transformative. It changes how you see yourself and the world around you. Here are some of the reasons you should invest in building your self-worth:

• Improved Relationships: High self-worth attracts healthier, more balanced relationships.

• Increased Confidence: You become more confident in your abilities and decisions.

• Enhanced Well-Being: Valuing yourself leads to better mental, emotional, and physical health.

• Fulfillment: You start living a life true to your values and passions, leading to greater fulfillment.

Tips For Improving Self-Worth

Improving your self-worth doesn’t happen overnight, it is definitely a journey, but it’s one worth taking. Here are some actionable steps to get you started:

1. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. When negative thoughts arise, counter them with positive affirmations.

2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits with others. Respecting your own boundaries reinforces your self-worth.

3. Celebrate Your Achievements: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Their positive energy will reinforce your own self-worth.

5. Engage in Self-Care: Find activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul and make them a priority. This could be anything from taking a relaxing bath to pursuing a hobby you love.

6. Challenge Unhealthy Beliefs: Identify and challenge the negative beliefs you hold about yourself. Replace them with positive, empowering ones.

7. Reach Out for Professional Help: Sometimes, working with a therapist or coach can provide the guidance and support needed to build self-worth.

Reflective Questions

I love the power of self-enquiry. Use these questions to learn more about yourself and your levels of self-worth. You can also use these questions as journaling prompts, which is very effective:

• What are the negative beliefs I hold about myself, and where do they come from?

• How do I typically respond to challenges or setbacks?

• What are some achievements or qualities I’m proud of?

• How do I feel when I take time for myself?

Embrace Your Worth

It’s important to remember that self-worth isn’t about being perfect or meeting certain standards. It’s about recognizing your inherent value and treating yourself with the love and respect you deserve.

It takes time, so be patient and gentle with yourself through this process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and know that every step you take brings you closer to living a life aligned with your true self.

You are worthy. You are enough. You deserve all the love, happiness, and success that life has to offer. Embrace your inner worth, and watch as it transforms your world in beautiful, unimaginable ways.

Final Thoughts

Improving self-worth is not an overnight process, but with consistent effort and self-compassion, it is entirely achievable.

Every small step you take towards valuing yourself more will contribute to a more fulfilling and joyful life. So start today, right now, with one small action that honors your worth. You’ve got this.

If you found this post helpful, share it with someone who might benefit from it too. Let's spread the message of self-worth and help each other embrace our true value.

You can use this Personal Energy Assessment to help you learn more about yourself and know where best to focus your efforts.

Watch my Recent Livestream Conversation About Self-Worth