Improve Your Feeling of Self-Worth with these 11 Helpful Practices

Healthy feelings of self-worth mean you believe you are lovable, value yourself as a unique individual, and understand that you are worthy of the abundance of life. Improving your self-worth allows for an enhanced feeling of self-acceptance and a more positive outlook on life. In addition, you'll notice increased positive opportunities arising around you.

It takes some time and energy to improve your self-worth, but it’s well worth the effort. You deserve the positive outcomes that result from developing a greater sense of self-worth. So here are some helpful practices to add to your personal growth toolbox. If you'd like to get started by strengthening your ability to tap into the present moment, take a peek at these simple, quick activities.

1. Start Now and Get Moving

Take action! You’ve got to start somewhere, so why not right here and right now? The sooner you start, the sooner you may begin to take on life's hurdles with confidence and an abundance mindset. There will always be little things to hold on to that might slow your momentum or keep you from pressing the start button. Instead, practice letting them go when you can. As you move forward, you’ll feel good about your progress. Remember, taking control means you are exercising personal responsibility, and just like a muscle, you'll begin to grow.

2. Create Space for your Emotions

Thoroughly observe all the sensations of what you are feeling. Thoroughly observe all the sensations of what you are feeling. Pay attention and create space for what arises. Emotions are in our lives to help us notice what needs to bubble up to the top - then we can simply let them go.

3. Practice Daily Gratitude 

Set a particular time during your day to think of what you are grateful for - perhaps it’s while you brush your teeth or wait for your tea to brew. This practice is one of the best ways to remind yourself of all the goodness around you - and, most importantly, within you.

When things are prosperous, it's easy to feel grateful. However, life may present us with what seems to be messy chaos. These are especially the moments to look for that silver lining. Practice detaching (even just for that one pre-set moment in your day) from your current external circumstances and reconnect with gratitude.

4. Honor your Accomplishments

Take time to celebrate your achievements, big and small. It’s so important to take a quick pause to honor how far you’ve come, especially when you’re in the midst of a long run of work, chores, or a healing process. When you pause and celebrate the victories, you’ll begin to appreciate all the things you are accomplishing and, more importantly, who you are.

5. Find the Joy of Missing Out

Set solid boundaries and create time to disconnect. Cherish your solitude! Allow people into your space and life as a choice rather than a default option. Your energy and privacy are yours to share and gift. Know that as you raise your self-respect and value of yourself, the people around you may change to better align with who you are. It’s okay and necessary to let go of relationships and social commitments that no longer match your growing respect and love for yourself.

6. Believe the World is Like a Mirror

When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.” -Earl Nightingale

If someone judges you, it may be because they see a distorted reality. Their perceived view of you may instead be a reflection of something inside themselves that they have yet to accept. It may still sting, but in the end, it’s important to remember these comments are about them, not you.

Additionally, the same is true when you judge someone. Whatever you see in someone else is an opportunity for self-review. What can you learn about yourself based on your emotions, response, or thoughts? Be thankful for even the challenging people in your life. They offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about yourself. Also, when you focus on the positive aspects of others, this means that you can better see the same in yourself.

7. Forgive your own Mistakes 

Mistakes happen, and learning to forgive yourself for any past blunders is vital — no need to be weighed down mentally or emotionally by repeating your mistakes. When you forgive yourself, you can learn, heal, let go, and move on. In addition, this forgiveness process allows your self-worth to blossom.

8. Embrace your Strengths AND Challenges

An ideal way to overcome challenges in life is to be honest with yourself. You possess a combination of strengths and weaknesses because we all do. So, root into your strengths and let go of identifying yourself as inadequate. Like every other human, your challenge areas are simply opportunities to learn and grow.

9. Upgrade your Thoughts and Smile from Within

Fuel the good as you notice and release those negative thoughts. Ask the voice in your head to be a source of positive praise and expression of encouragement. Over time we have the power to build and reshape our thought patterns. It’s totally normal and okay for negative thoughts to arise. When they do, notice them and practice shifting your thinking with a smile in a more positive direction.

10. Do Good Things for Others 

An optimal way to improve your self-worth is to do good things for other people. Not only will you be rewarded with increased happiness and self-confidence, but you’ll also have a delightful feeling of satisfaction. What you give, you shall receive. It may not come back to you in the form you imagine, but it always will show up when you are ready for it.

11. Remove Negative Influences 

Negative influences exist, and without attention, they can inhibit your ability to improve your feeling of self-worth. So the first step to removing forces that aren’t supporting your more positive, confident life is to take note. Once you know the people or habits that may be keeping you in a lower-frequency mood, it’s time to take action -- one step at a time. Then, you can let go of what’s not serving you and create space for positive people, healthy habits, and a life with more profound satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on Improving Self-Worth

Incorporate as many suggestions in the list above into your life. You may find some of the practices easier than others you may already be doing. The key is to stay on your path. With each small practice, you’ll begin to notice your confidence grow as you recognize the brilliant power and beautiful human that you already are!

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