Stop Undervaluing Yourself: Reclaim Your Worth Today

Overcoming Your Inner Critic: Finding Self-Worth on World Mental Health Day (October10th)

Whenever I can, I share a story with my teen daughters - a story about self-worth. It goes like this: a wise grandmother hands her granddaughter a ring and sends her to the market with a simple request: “Go and see how much they will offer you for this ring, but don’t sell it. Just come back and tell me the price.”

The granddaughter goes to the market, offering the ring to various merchants. Each one dismisses its value, offering just a few coins. She returns to her grandmother, disappointed, only to be told to visit a jeweler. When the jeweler sees the ring, his eyes widen with admiration. He tells her it’s a treasure, worth far more than she could have imagined.

This story always resonates with me, as it speaks to the way we often sell ourselves short by looking to the wrong places - and people - for validation. It’s a story I hope my teens will carry with them and remember through life, but it’s also one I’ve had to remember myself, time and again.

The Inner Critic at Work and Home

In both our personal lives and at work, we often let our inner critic act like the market sellers, constantly questioning our value. We may have bosses who diminish our efforts, or friends and family who we feel don’t truly see our worth. The impact is subtle yet profound: we begin to doubt ourselves, feeling as though we have to fight harder to be seen and appreciated.

But here’s the truth: whether it’s your boss, a colleague, or even your own inner voice, they don’t define your worth. Just because they can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. The challenge lies in silencing the inner critic, stepping away from the market, and finding the places and people that truly appreciate us - both at work and in our personal lives.

Steps to Reclaim Your Self-Worth

Overcoming your inner critic and finding your self-worth is essential for both your personal happiness and professional success. Here’s how to start:

1. Acknowledge Your Strengths Take a moment to recognize your skills, experiences, and unique contributions. Make a list if it helps. At work, this might be a project you led successfully, while at home, it might be the support you offer your loved ones. Knowing your worth begins with acknowledging your strengths.
2. Set Boundaries on Self-Criticism Whether at work or home, set boundaries on how much you allow yourself to dwell on negative self-talk. Instead of internalizing every piece of criticism, ask yourself if it’s truly constructive. Separate what’s helpful from what’s just noise, and let the rest go.
3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People Find people who recognize and appreciate your value. At work, this could mean seeking out mentors who see your potential. At home, it means nurturing relationships with those who uplift you. When you’re around people who genuinely value you, your inner critic loses power.
4. Challenge Comparisons Whether comparing yourself to colleagues or friends, remember that everyone’s path is unique. Focus on your own journey and measure your progress against where you started, not where someone else is. This shift helps you appreciate your own worth without unnecessary comparisons.
5. Embrace Self-Compassion Be as kind to yourself as you are to others. Whether you’re facing a personal setback or a professional challenge, remind yourself that you’re only human. Self-compassion goes a long way in building resilience and reinforcing self-worth.
6. Invest in Personal Growth Embrace opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. Pursue new skills, take on challenges, and set goals. By focusing on growth rather than perfection, you remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to any one outcome.
7. Own Your Achievements Don’t shy away from sharing your successes. Celebrate your wins, whether it’s a big project at work or a personal milestone. Acknowledging and owning your achievements builds self-worth by reinforcing what you bring to the table.

Finding Your True Value

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I encourage you to step away from the market and quiet your inner critic. Seek out your “jewelers” - those who see your value and remind you of it, even when you forget. When you reclaim your worth, you’ll find that it’s not just your self-esteem that grows, but also your sense of well-being and fulfillment in both work and life.

If you’re ready to start this journey, or if you find yourself stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, reach out. Together, we can work on overcoming the inner critic and discovering the priceless worth that lies within you.