The Problem of defining Self Worth
Self-confidence is a product of self-love and influences our self-worth.
But what makes people valuable?
The prevailing notion often ties self-worth to one’s profession.
For instance:
We believe doctors are more valuable than lawyers, lawyers more valuable than accountants, accountants are more valuable than traders and traders are more valuable than cleaners.
Financial success, symbolized by a raise, is equated with enhanced self-worth.
Job loss or housing instability can lower the perception of your social worth.
In my journey of self-discovery, I suffered for having the wrong mindset about my self-worth when I tied it to my success at work. Early in my career I had this flawed mindset so whenever I was not able to deliver at work, it would lead to a cycle of depression and low performance.
On the other hand many of my colleagues with lower performance exhibited high self-confidence, so this method of valuation did not make sense to me.
I realised that it’s not about the profession or performance, but about how a person sees himself.
How can we solve the problem of low self-worth?
1. Throw this definition out the window: When we try to define our self-worth we tend to generalise by taking one area (our career) and extrapolating. So we cannot conclude that the person making the most money is the most valuable person.
2. Acknowledge that everyone has equal self-worth. You’re in no way inferior to anybody. If you believe this, you’ll live your life without the need to compare yourself to others.
3. Recall Positive Moments: Visualize times when you felt good about yourself, unrelated to your job or income.
4. Practice Self-Love: Cultivate a positive self-perception by looking at yourself with love and kindness.
Self-worth is an internal journey and should not be dictated by society or other external standards.
Are you struggling with your self-worth? Sign on to our Coaching Program on Empowerment and let’s embark on this journey together.