Self-worth can be described in many ways. Self-worth is knowing how you should be treated. It is also what you see in yourself and what you expect from others. Self-worth is our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors towards ourselves. Being able to explore your values and find self-worth are important for growth and happiness.
Today, there are many things that can make finding self-worth and values hard for women. Women are constantly being compared to or comparing themselves to other women. This is the case due to social media, which can lead to needing people to confirm feelings, emotions, and decisions.
Here are 5 ways to explore your values and find your self-worth:
- Allow yourself the space to be human.
Everyone is different in their own unique and beautiful way. Embrace your differences! Tell yourself it is okay to fail or make mistakes but always get back up and try again. Never compare your success or failures to others. Keep pushing and striving to be YOUR best each day. It is also okay to say no to others when working on yourself!
- Be okay with asking yourself how you see yourself.
It is okay to identify how you view yourself to grow. Identify your strengths and positive aspects of yourself. Focusing in on your strengths can help with the negative ways one views themselves. Visualize who you want to be! Learn to empower yourself through self-talk. These helpful techniques are seen in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
- Be kind to yourself.
Trust in yourself, that you are doing your best. Create habits of self-love to better understand and follow your values and self-worth. Do not compare yourself to others. Body image is a huge factor for women. There will always be others that we view as prettier, smarter, healthier, or more successful. Be kind to yourself in how you view yourself compared to others. Everyone is kind, smart, beautiful, and successful! Speak kindly to yourself, even with your thoughts.
- Explore new things and explore your passions.
Find things that you love to do by trying new things! You could be surprised at what you do enjoy doing. Explore new places that you haven’t been to. Try new foods and embrace new cultures. Nature can be a great healing property for many and can allow us the serenity to find who we are and want to be. Exploring allows us to not feel so “stuck” all the time and opens our eyes to new possibilities within ourselves.
- Set goals for yourself.
Set small goals each day, this can help lead to setting larger goals. Be realistic with your goals and once again, be kind to yourself with these goals! Setting goals can help us meet self-worth and grow as individuals without following what others expect. Each day write something down that you achieved or feel proud of. Put yourself first when it comes to achieving your goals and identifying who you are and want to be.
The journey to self-worth isn’t always easy or what you expect, keep an open mind to allow yourself to evolve. Look back and see how far you have come already and all that you have accomplished! Remind yourself to be kind to yourself and stay positive.
