10 Strategies to nurture self-value and self-worth in today's world

What does self-value and self-worth mean to you? Before diving deeper, it’s important to understand that, whilst these two concepts are used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two:

Self-value

Self-value refers to the worth we place on ourselves, based on our own internal standards and beliefs. It's about recognising our inherent worth as human beings, regardless of external achievements or comparisons to others. Self-value is rooted in a deep understanding and appreciation of our unique qualities, strengths, and potential.

Self-worth

Self-worth, on the other hand, often relates more to how we perceive our value in relation to external factors. It can be influenced by our accomplishments, social status, or how others view us. Self-worth can fluctuate based on circumstances and is more susceptible to external validation.

The key difference lies in the source of validation:

• Self-value is internally driven and more stable, based on our core beliefs about ourselves.

• Self-worth can be more externally influenced and may vary depending on our perceived success or failure in different areas of life.

Ideally, a healthy sense of self should incorporate both concepts, with a strong foundation of self-value supporting a positive sense of self-worth that is resilient to external pressures and temporary setbacks.

I find that these concepts are perceived and experienced differently per individual, but as a general perspective, self-value and self-worth are most often tethered to external markers of success - such as our job titles, experience, knowledge, income levels or societal status and in turn, has an interconnected cycle of impacting one another.

Many individuals measure their worth by productivity and accomplishments, leading to a cycle of comparison and insecurity. These restricted perspectives overlook the deeper qualities that truly define us. Attributes like resilience, empathy, creativity, and ambition are integral to our identity and contribute significantly to our work, well-being and relationships.

By shifting our focus from external validations to these intrinsic characteristics, we can cultivate a more authentic sense of self-worth that nurtures our personal growth and enriches our connections with others.

Improving and nurturing healthy self-value and self-worth involves a combination of mindset shifts and practical actions. Here are a 10 strategies I use and reflect upon:

10 strategies to increase and nurture healthy self-value and self-worth

1. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that imperfection is part of being human. If anything, these mistakes or setbacks gives you the direct opportunity to grow and improve.

   
   

2. Identify core values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. Aligning your actions with your values can foster a stronger sense of self and purpose, that can support with communication, decision making and relationships. I utilise my core values when finding a job that is right for me, when I connect with new people and when I make decisions about any aspect of my life.

   
   

3. Limit comparisons: Easier said than done, but practice makes perfect! Reduce time spent comparing yourself to others, especially on social media. Remember that everyone’s journey and goals are different, and comparison can distort self-perception and thus your core values.

   
   

4. Set realistic goals: Focus on setting achievable goals that reflect your interests and strengths and will progress you forward on your journey, rather than external expectations. Check out my blog post here on Goal Setting to help you get started.

   
   

5. Cultivate gratitude: Regularly take time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, including your distinctive qualities and achievements. Remember, you are the only you - a unique individual in this world who can offer a truly singular experience.

   
   

6. Surround yourself with positive influences: Engage with people who uplift and support you. Healthy relationships can reinforce your sense of worth, provide encouragement and support your growth.

   
   

7. Engage in self-reflection: Harnessing the ability to embrace and value self-awareness is a powerful tool, utilised both professionally and personally. Journaling, meditating or dedicated guided worksheets can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to gain insights into your self-worth and areas for growth. It’s a great form of self-care too!

   
   

8. Develop new skills: Pursuing hobbies or learning new skills can enhance your self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. It promotes self-care, increases your practical and transferrable skillset, and encourages on-going and valuable growth.

   
   

9. Challenge negative self-talk: Pay attention to your inner dialogue and actively challenge negative thoughts about yourself. Replace self-critical statements with more balanced, realistic ones (or facts, as I like to call them!). This practice can help reframe your thought patterns and boost your self-esteem over time. It’s an essential skill to have in your toolkit, very effective for keeping those negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that may pop up at bay.

   
   

10. Seek professional support: If negative self-worth persists, consider talking to a therapist or counsellor who can provide guidance and strategies tailored to you and your needs. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. They can provide an objective perspective, helping you see your worth more clearly and develop a healthier self-image.

    
    

Your perceived self-value and self-worth will naturally ebb and flow, and that’s perfectly normal - that’s being human. However, by applying these strategies, you can foster a more resilient and genuine sense of self-value and self-worth that is grounded in your true self, rather than external validations. It puts the control back in your hands, so you can properly nurture and cherish yourself.