Why Self-Worth Matters And 6 Ways To Improve It
Have you ever stopped in the middle of what you're doing and think, "Do I really value myself?"
The truth is, the journey to recognizing our self-worth is often a bumpy ride. It is filled with many ups and downs.
Those of us that have low self-worth suffer from a strong inner critic. The inner critic is the voice in our head that is harsh and judgemental. That voice comes from our past experiences. Some of those experiences may include: strict parental upbringing, being bullied in school, being teased by friends or family, and not receiving adequate love by a parent.
Why is Self-Worth Important?
So, why does self-worth carry so much weight?
Basically, every time you value yourself, you're telling the world—and more importantly, yourself—that you deserve happiness, respect, and love.
It's like building an invisible barrier that negativity can't penetrate. When you believe in yourself, you're more likely to pursue your passion, make smart choices, and handle tough times like a champ.
How to Improve Your Self-Worth
Boosting your self-worth isn't just about flipping a switch. It's more like taking care of a garden. It needs time, work, and a bunch of care. Here are some simple and proven ways to start appreciating yourself more:
Chat with Yourself Like You Would with a Loved One
What if every time you messed up or felt sad, a great friend suddenly showed up to cheer you on instead of putting you down? Now, imagine using that same kind of encouraging talk when you're talking to yourself.
The next time you notice you’re having negative self talk, pause and ask yourself: Would I talk like this to a friend? The answer is likely No. So then, why would you hurt yourself in such a way?
Try this instead: whenever a negative thought pops up, try thinking of two positive things about yourself. It might feel weird at first, like trying on new shoes, but give it a shot anyway. It's not just about making things sound better; this trick helps your mind see itself in a kinder way—like looking at yourself with eyes full of compassion and understanding.
Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small
Sometimes, we don't pay much attention to what we've accomplished, yet we can't stop thinking about our mistakes. Let's change that habit! Can we? Absolutely YES!
Whether you finally nailed a recipe, cleared your inbox, or simply made it through a tough day, each victory is a MILESTONE.
At the end of each day, take a moment to write down three things you achieved, even if they seem small. So, by doing this you can change how you see yourself—from being hard on yourself to being your own biggest supporter.
It's all about noticing what you've done and giving yourself a pat on the back for getting through the day. Trying out this simple habit could really change how you feel about yourself and your capabilities.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a bit like drawing a map that tells others how you want to be treated. It's not about shutting people out, but it's more about putting up gates where respect and care can come and go freely.
Saying “NO” when you need to, taking care of yourself first, and deciding where to focus your energy aren't selfish things to do—they show that you respect yourself.
You need to start small! It could be turning off work notifications after hours or saying no to plans when you're feeling drained. Every time you set a boundary, you're showing that you value yourself, and you're also teaching others to do the same.
Please don't forget, it's not only about saying “No” to others, but it's also about saying “Yes” to taking care of yourself.
Dabble in New Experiences
Your comfort zone is just like a cozy little bubble. It's all warm and safe inside, but you know what? The real growth happens outside of it.
Trying new things (a hobby, skill, or simply a different route to work) can spark a joy you didn't know was missing. Every new thing you try is like adding a splash of color to the painting of your life, making it richer and more exciting while boosting your confidence.
So, why not try that class you've been thinking about or check out a different kind of book? Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you learn more about yourself and feel better about who you are.
Surround Yourself With Positivity
You have probably heard people saying “You become like the people you hang out with most’. This is true because the people around you influence you a lot.
If you constantly hang out with negative people, it's like trying to fly with something dragging you down. But if you're around positive and supportive people, you will likely feel more encouraged and feed off their positive energy.
Check who you spend time with. Look for friends who make you feel good about yourself, who push you to do better things, and who are kind and encouraging. Changing your circle of friends can really change how you see life and how you feel about yourself.
Practice Gratitude
In a world where we often think about what we don't have, being thankful is like finding a hidden way to be happy.
Writing in a gratitude journal or just thinking about what makes you happy each day can actually change how you see things. It's all about appreciating the little things that make you happy. It can be as little as achieving something small or connecting with someone. Doing this can make you feel more grounded.
Don't forget the good stuff in your life—it can make you feel awesome about yourself!
Wrapping It Up with a Bow of Self-Love
Remember, your self-worth isn't tied to what you achieve, what you own, or what others think of you. At the heart of it all is knowing your own worth and loving yourself no matter what.
As you start exploring who you are, it's fine to feel unsure sometimes. What really counts is that you keep going, step by step, believing in yourself and staying hopeful along the way.
If you or someone you know want some help boosting self-worth, You can book an appointment for counselling at Purple Door Wellness.
Just go to Purple Door Wellness to schedule your session today. It's a great way to start your journey towards a happier, more fulfilling life!