By Dr. Ken Keis
Brainz Article
Self-Worth: The Cornerstone of Mental Health and Confidence
In a world that often skirts around discussions of self-worth, it’s time to shine a spotlight on its crucial role in our lives. Self-worth, whether positive, neutral, or negative, affects each one of us in profound ways. It’s time to include self-worth in our collective awareness program, and not just for adults – our children’s mental health is at stake, too, with the alarming rise in teenage suicide rates in North America.
So, what exactly is self-worth? It’s that intrinsic part of your personality that dictates your sense of personal value and importance. Buried deep within you, it exerts a powerful influence on your attitudes and behaviors, steering you towards success or failure.
When your self-worth takes a hit, you might find yourself drained of energy, lacking motivation, and struggling to engage with life. Let me share a personal story that underscores this. More than three decades ago, before I met Brenda, my wife, I was engaged to someone from Australia. After nearly a year together, she returned home to prepare for our wedding. Two months later, she called with that dreaded “Dear John” conversation. My self-worth plummeted to its lowest point. I spiraled into a near-depressive state, barely eating and losing 15 pounds in just 30 days. Within two months, I went from being the top sales performer in our company to the poorest. My skills remained the same, but my self-worth had hit rock bottom, and it had a domino effect on everything in my life.
Conversely, high self-worth yields the opposite results. When people believe in their abilities and their potential to make a difference, they exude confidence that paves the way for success.
This holds true for all of us, both children and adults!
Recent research affirms that our self-worth levels are in a constant state of flux, redefined daily. Success begets more success and boosts self-worth. That’s why they say the best time to make a sale is right after you’ve made one!
But how does self-worth affect us on a daily basis?
Low self-worth can lead to various challenges:
- Increased emotional problems
- Anticipating rejection
- Struggling with criticism
- Social discomfort
- Resistance to change
- Frequent illness
On the flip side, high self-worth bestows several advantages:
- Lower rates of depression
- Positive outlook on others
- Persistence in the face of adversity
- Taking personal responsibility
- Adaptability and flexibility
So, where do you begin in your journey to bolster your self-worth?
Just as in any endeavor, it starts with self-awareness. Consider taking an assessment, like our Self Worth Inventory, to understand your current self-worth levels and initiate change. When I completed this assessment years ago, it helped me grasp the concept of situational self-worth. I realized that, in the realm of work, my self-worth soared, but in my family of origin, it plummeted. How could this dichotomy exist?
Self-worth is shaped by your environment over time. Despite my success at work, my family life growing up was a daily dose of criticism. That upbringing cast a shadow over my self-worth as an adult, making me overly self-critical. But once I recognized this destructive pattern, I worked to change it. This shift in attitude significantly boosted my self-worth where it mattered most.
CRG’s Self Worth Inventory transformed my life, offering a 12 Step System to enhance mental wellness and self-worth levels. It’s important to note that for some, low self-worth may have a biological origin. Diet and blood chemistry can affect your self-worth, leading to conditions like depression. I experienced this firsthand when, years ago, I discovered I was hypoglycemic, despite being initially misdiagnosed with manic depression by several doctors.
As you embark on this journey to boost your confidence and self-worth, remember that physiological factors can also play a role.
Here are some action steps to get you started:
- Assess your situational self-worth levels with the Self-Worth Inventory (SWI) (available online).
- Identify your self-worth levels in various aspects of life, including Self, Family, Peers, Work, and Projected-Self.
- Challenge negative thoughts by vocalizing positive ones and setting a clear direction for yourself.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help from others or a professional counselor if needed.
- Invest time in self-discovery, understanding your personal style, values, purpose, and needs.
- Develop self-respect.
- Forgive yourself.
- Take personal responsibility for your self-improvement journey.
Remember, your self-worth is the foundation upon which your mental health, wellness, and confidence are built. It’s time to make it a priority in your life.
Until next time,
Keep Living On Purpose.
Ken
