Developing unconditional self-worth

Today, I wanted to share some reflections on a topic that is close to my heart: the distinction between self-worth and self-esteem.

It's important to recognise that self-esteem, like confidence, is often tied to our accomplishments, abilities, and social standing. It fluctuates based on how we perceive our performance in various aspects of our lives. On the other hand, unconditional self-worth is a deeper sense of deserving to be alive, loved, and cared for, irrespective of achievements or comparisons with others.

Having worked with many women over the past 20+ years, I've witnessed first hand the struggles many face with a strong sense of unworthiness. The societal pressure to link worth to material possessions, academic achievements, and social media metrics can contribute to this struggle.

The question I often wonder is, what if we collectively embraced unconditional self-worth?

Imagine a world where conflicts are resolved without violence, where people dare to pursue extraordinary endeavours, and where the pursuit of self-worth doesn't come at the expense of others.

To make this vision a reality, here are four practical ways we can start to cultivate unconditional self-worth:

1. Forgive Yourself: Acknowledge past mistakes, learn from them, and genuinely forgive yourself. Embrace the wisdom gained from those experiences.
2. Practice Self-Acceptance: Challenge societal messages that suggest you need to change. Focus on the aspects you appreciate about yourself, embracing your uniqueness and quirks.
3. Be There for Yourself: During challenging times, provide yourself with the compassion and comfort you need. Offer kind words, gestures, or physical touch as a form of self-support.
4. Connect to Supportive People: Reach out to those who genuinely support you. Building connections with others reinforces our sense of humanity and worth.

I understand from personal experience that the journey to unconditional self-worth is not without challenges. It requires courage to break free from imposed conditions on our worth. The process may be messy, scary, and at times, it might feel like two steps forward, one step back. However, it's a journey worth taking for personal empowerment and a sense of fulfilment.

As we navigate our individual paths, let's collectively foster a culture of unconditional self-worth, embracing the beauty in our diversity and recognising that our worthiness is inherent - there is nothing we need to 'do' to earn it.

If you want to know how strong your self-worth is as a woman leader, take this short quiz and find out more.

Until the next time, stay true to yourself,

Lis

Lis Cashin (She/Her)

Join the Self-Worth Revolution for Women Leaders and Entrepreneurs here

I help women elevate their self-worth and unlock their leadership potential

www.liscashin.com