Embracing Self-Worth: A Journey of Growth and Confidence

Hello LinkedIn Community!

As I reflect on my journey, I realize how profoundly our past shapes our present. Growing up in an environment where I was often the one affected by the wrong others were doing towards me, I developed a deep-seated drive to be the one to never do wrong towards other/ never let anyone down. However, I must acknowledge that this mindset, while rooted in good intentions, can sometimes be self-destructive, as it often leads one to prioritize others' needs above your own.

Nevertheless, this drive has followed me into my professional life, where I often find myself battling with feelings of inadequacy, despite giving my all.

In the workplace, it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking, constantly questioning if we're doing enough, if we're effective in our roles. I've been there (am still there often) — doubting my capabilities, wondering if I'm measuring up to expectations, even when evidence suggests otherwise. But through introspection and growth, I've come to understand the real truth: sometimes, the biggest obstacle we face is our own self-doubt.

It's easy to fall into the trap of equating our value solely to the value we bring in our professional roles. But we must remember that our worth extends far beyond our achievements. It lies in our authenticity, our kindness, and our ability to connect with others on a deeper level.

Finding balance means acknowledging our contributions while also recognizing that our value as individuals is inherent, independent of what we do or achieve.

Embracing self-worth is a journey—one that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to challenge our inner critic. It's about recognizing that perfection is an illusion and that our value lies not in meeting impossible standards, but in our resilience, our determination, and our willingness to grow.

It's important to recognize that we are often our harshest critics. We give 110%, yet still, we question our worth. But what if, instead of focusing on what we might be doing wrong, we celebrated all that we are doing right? What if we acknowledged our efforts, our dedication, and our achievements, no matter how small they may seem?

So, to anyone who may be battling with self-doubt, remember this: You are enough. Your efforts matter. And even on the toughest days, those days that you don't think you are making a difference - you are. And as we navigate our careers and pursue our goals, let's strive for a balance that honors both our professional accomplishments and our intrinsic worth.

With gratitude and encouragement,

Tamara

P.S. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your 110% effort is not being recognized or appreciated, remember this: you might just be in the wrong environment. The right environment sees and values your efforts, understanding the true measure of your dedication.