How to Embrace Your Self-Worth in 2022
Written by Katie Johnson, WIN Staff
Cultivating a sense of self-worth takes time and understanding of oneself. If you do not understand yourself or how valuable, worthy, and important you are, every negotiation will make you feel like a fish staring at Mt. Everest wondering how you're expected to climb it. Stop letting self-doubt occupy your mind. Step into a world of possibility.
Going into 2022 we’re embracing ourselves and all our quirks. We’re reframing our negative thoughts and shedding the “I’m not good enough” belief.
First, it’s important to distinguish the differences between self-worth and self-esteem. Although similar, they are not the same. Self-esteem is built upon the value derived from sources outside of your control. For instance, if you complete a task and get the desired outcome, it enhances your sense of self-esteem and vice-versa. Self-esteem is influenced by things outside ourselves and can be fickle, changing and shifting with opinions and circumstances.
For those with a high degree of internal validation or an acceptance of their self-worth, their self-esteem is naturally enhanced. Self-worth is the sense that you deserve to be here. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to take up space. You deserve good things. And you deserve a seat at the table. It’s to have true faith in yourself.
Self-worth is also acceptance. Accepting all aspects of yourself, from your flaws to your weakness, down to your quirks. It’s an understanding of your limitations and recognizing the real value of who you are. It is recognizing your feelings of inadequacy and saying “I am greater than those feelings.”.
To many, self-worth from the outside can seem like arrogance. And at times, accepting ourselves can feel a bit arrogant. “Who am I to be important?” – who are you not to be? Self-worth isn’t a display of superiority, but instead an awareness of your authentic self.
Inner transformation is where you realize what is best for you. When you understand and accept yourself, you are able to more easily forgive your mistakes, have reasonable expectations of yourself, and set attainable goals.
In a TEDx Talk by Adia Gooden, she asks, “What would you find the courage to do if you knew you were worthy?” When we allow self-doubt to occupy space within us, it makes us feel inadequate, overwhelmed, and insecure. But when we discover our inner strengths, develop a positive self-image, and trust ourselves, we open up a whole new realm of possibility.
The journey to achieving a sense of self-worth is not always easy. For many of us, it’s an uphill battle and we’re only rolling on one rectangular wheel. Below are a few insights to help you on this journey. Try opening up to them and see what kind of transformations happen for you.
1. Remember the things that determine your self-worth
It’s easy to think that your bank account, job title, attractiveness, or even social media following constitute your value. Society tells us that these are the kinds of things that are valuable in life. But if we take a step back and make an effort to break down what determines a person’s value, rarely is it status or popularity. Instead, it’s someone’s kindness, compassion, and respect for others.
2. Challenge your inner critic
Reframing negative thoughts might be one of the most challenging aspects of embracing self-worth. Thoughts of self-doubt are sneaky and usually pounce when you’re most vulnerable. Pay attention to the tone you use with yourself. Would you use that same tone with a close friend? Commit to being more positive and uplifting with yourself to enhance your self-love.
3. You are only responsible for how YOU respond
Someone who has a sense of self-worth does not play the victim. Instead, they remember that they are responsible for their feelings, thoughts, and actions. Problems and challenges will arise. It is not about what happens, but about how you respond to what happens that matters.
4. Set boundaries for yourself
Create time and space for yourself and honor that by setting firm boundaries. Someone who is full of self-worth will not feel FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out) but will delight in the time they get to spend with loved ones.
5. Put your needs first
Treat yourself like the precious resource you are. You can only love and help others to the extent in which you love and help yourself, this is why it is important to set aside energy to invest in the life that you want. A self-worthy person is able to help others by helping themselves and is always looking for win-win solutions. By investing in yourself, you’re able to maximize your potential.
This year, we challenge you to embrace yourselves and begin living from a place of worthiness. Start living in a world of possibility.
Ready to step into your most confident self?
To enhance your personal growth, talk with a WIN Coach who can help empower you to make greater changes in your life.
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