Self-Worth: How to Build Self-Worth

Self-worth comprises several factors that define how comfortable a person feels with themselves and how confidently they move through the world. People determine their self-worth in several ways, depending on individual priorities and values. Emotional stability, career success, relationship goals, and self-confidence may all play a part in how someone defines their self-worth. No matter what shape your self-worth takes, it is about unlocking the ability to love yourself, which can improve your overall well-being and relationship with others.

Self-worth and self-esteem rely on self-confidence, but these mental states differ in scale. Self-worth comprises your whole person, while self-esteem speaks more directly to confidence. Self-esteem, self-compassion, self-love, self-respect, and self-acceptance are all part of a person’s overall self-worth. Those with low self-esteem may also suffer from unhappy feelings of self-worth.

A person with a strong self-worth can cope with negative thoughts and self-doubt. A healthy self-esteem gives you the power to understand yourself concerning others and not compare successes or become jealous. Self-worth also allows you to honor your selfhood in all its fullness and complexity.

Representation in the media, childhood experiences, and other external factors can diminish self-worth. Nevertheless, you can build self-worth by practicing self-care and recognizing milestones, no matter how small. Similarly, you should celebrate others’ self-worth to improve your own and others’ self-esteem and mental health.

Personal values help define a person’s self-worth and realize their true selves. Some factors that may influence self-worth include:

1. 1. Self-assurance: A person with self-assurance knows themself well and can make decisions confidently. Mimicking others’ identities can lead to low self-worth, so carve your path and be true to yourself.
2. 2. Career success: Many people place a great amount of pressure on professional achievement in determining self-worth. Sometimes this stress comes from family members, and sometimes, from innate competitiveness. While career success can be a boon, making it the sole success of self-worth can lead to isolation and stress.
3. 3. Defined interests: Having hobbies that let you celebrate your interests and personal preferences give you a stronger sense of selfhood and a higher level of self-worth.
4. 4. Emotional stability: Knowing how to cope with self-criticism means prioritizing self-care and learning how to boost self-esteem even in challenging times.
5. 5. Relationship fulfillment: Some people long for a romantic partner and want to start a family with another, some people want to be a single parent, and some want just to have a strong relationship with themselves. Knowing you are worthy of love from yourself and others helps provide a healthy sense of self-worth.

You can recognize and boost self-worth in the following ways:

• Ask others for love. A network of supportive family and friends to rely on in difficult times makes a difference in your life. If you are feeling low, ask others for support. These people should raise you up and help you rebuild your self-worth.
• Avoid comparison. Free yourself from perceptions about where you should be at a given stage of your life. Everyone is on their own path, and if you feel someone is bringing out jealous or unhealthy feelings, separate yourself from that person, at least temporarily, to instead invest in your selfhood.
• Be kind to yourself. Criticism can be helpful when you practice it with care and in moderation, but overall, you should be as kind to yourself as possible. Recognize your strengths and use them for your own and others’ good.
• Consider the role you play in others’ lives. People bring joy and importance to others’ lives. Consider the role you play in the lives of your partners, children, friends, family, and professional network.
• Exercise regularly. Getting outside, taking walks, and exercising can clear your head, improve mental health, and release endorphins, all of which can help you improve self-worth.
• Find inspiration in others like you. Emulate those you respect. Reach out to someone you admire, ask them to get coffee, and learn about their experiences and paths taken.
• Give yourself a challenge. Taking on a challenge outside your comfort zone can propel you forward and illuminate new insights. Try something new and celebrate your efforts.
• Keep a journal. Write down what you like about yourself. Use your journal as a resource when you are feeling down or need a confidence boost.

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