Self-worth is all about having an internal sense that you are enough, that you are whole, and that you aren’t missing anything. This is different from the fleeting, external validation that might come from a compliment, an achievement, or praise. What's powerful about true self-worth is that it’s unconditional; it’s not something that can be taken away by any event or person. It’s about knowing that, at your core, you are inherently valuable simply because you exist.
When we think about self-worth, it's easy to mix it up with concepts like self-esteem and self-confidence. The difference is that self-worth doesn’t rely on external conditions. Self-esteem, for example, is often tied to how we feel about our abilities or how others perceive us—it’s situational. You might feel high self-esteem after receiving recognition for a job well done or being told you're attractive, but that feeling can waver if circumstances change. Self-confidence, too, is tied to specific skills or tasks. It’s that feeling of “I’m good at this,” but it can fade if you encounter challenges or feel out of your depth.
Many of us can fall into the trap of associating our worth with external things—our achievements, how we look, or even how happy we feel. We might believe, “I am worthy because I’ve accomplished this,” or “I’m worthy because I’m always positive.” But this can be a slippery slope because it means our sense of worth becomes vulnerable to change. True self-worth is about recognizing that your value isn’t tied to these conditions. It’s about embracing the idea that just by living, breathing, and existing, you are worthy. It's a shift in perspective that can transform how we see ourselves, especially when life doesn't go as planned.
Listen to the podcast episode on The Aware Mind.
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