Self Worth
Self-worth is a fundamental concept in psychology that refers to an individual's sense of value and worthiness. It is the belief that we are valuable and deserving of love, respect, and acceptance, simply because we exist. Self-worth is not something that can be earned or bought; it is an inherent quality that each of us possesses.
Despite this, many people struggle with low self-worth. They feel like they are not good enough, not smart enough, not attractive enough, or not successful enough. This negative self-talk can lead to a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Self-worth is often confused with self-esteem, which is the degree to which we value ourselves. Self-worth, on the other hand, is the recognition that we are valuable, regardless of our accomplishments or external validation. It is a deep-seated belief in our inherent worthiness as human beings.
Having low self-worth is common in people with Borderline Personality Disorder and is something I myself experience. I struggle to see how I am worth anything and this negatively impacts all areas of my life, especially my relationships and friendships. Having low self-worth makes me suspicious in all relationships and I struggle to believe people when they say they love or value me. I am constantly questioning others and believe that they are acting behind my back, doing things such as cheating. I also know that questioning someone’s love for you can lead to them getting annoyed or angry and then this causes anxiety that speaking about how I feel will cause people to leave me. However, not talking about it can become physically painful as the anxiety and stress builds up. It can become a vicious cycle that I often find myself trapped in.
So, how exactly can we work on improving our self-worth?
Identify your strengths and weaknesses One way to improve self-worth is to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your strengths can help you appreciate your abilities and feel more confident about yourself. Conversely, acknowledging your weaknesses can help you work on them and develop new skills, which can boost your self-esteem.
Practice self-care Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental and emotional health. Taking care of yourself can boost your self-worth and help you feel better about yourself. Some self-care practices include eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and spending time doing things you enjoy.
Set realistic goals Setting realistic goals can help you achieve success and boost your self-worth. When setting goals, make sure they are achievable, and break them down into smaller steps. Celebrate your progress along the way, and don't be too hard on yourself if you experience setbacks.
Avoid negative self-talk Negative self-talk can be damaging to your self-worth. It can make you feel unworthy and discourage you from pursuing your goals. Whenever you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, challenge those thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Surround yourself with positive people Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can help you feel better about yourself. Seek out people who uplift and encourage you, and distance yourself from those who bring you down.
Learn to say no Learning to say no can be a powerful way to boost your self-worth. Saying no to things that don't align with your values or goals can help you prioritize your time and energy, and can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and overcommitted.
Practice self-compassion Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you make mistakes. It involves recognizing that everyone makes mistakes, and that you are not alone in your struggles. Practicing self-compassion can help you feel more confident and capable, and can boost your self-worth.
In conclusion, improving self-worth is a journey that requires time, effort, and patience. However, by identifying your strengths and weaknesses, practicing self-care, setting realistic goals, avoiding negative self-talk, surrounding yourself with positive people, learning to say no, and practicing self-compassion, you can boost your self-worth and improve your overall wellbeing. Remember, you are worthy of love and respect, and you deserve to feel good about yourself.