Self-evaluation and self-worth are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they have different meanings and influence on your personal integration and development.
Due to this practice you will consider how the transition from prevailing self-evaluation to a strengthened sense of self-worth can lead to a more balanced and harmonious life
SELF-EVALUATION VS. SELF-WORTH
Have you ever asked yourself: "How can I raise my self-evaluation?". On the market of psychological services, this is one of the frequent requests.
The main difference between self-evaluation and self-worth lies in the key word "evaluation".
Self-worth does not imply to evaluate oneself with others, it does not depend on external factors, circumstances or people.
Self-worth is an internal indicator of the feeling of the value of oneself — not achievements, status or outward appearance.
The above mentioned points make obvious that we should work NOT on self-evaluation, but on developing a sense of self-worth.
Write down in the notebook a number from 0 to 10, how much you define your level of self-worth.
«FALSE» BELIEFS
"False" beliefs are the attitudes that we have accepted as truth, even if they do not reflect the reality. They may be based on negative comments, criticism or limiting beliefs that we have heard or experienced as children.
Examples of the settings that influence our behavior:
«If I am perfect, people will love me»
This belief leads to a desire for an ideal that doesn’t exist, which causes a constant feeling of dissatisfaction with oneself and one’s achievements.
«I won’t be judged if I am modest and don’t draw attention»
This attitude leads to avoiding risks and new opportunities, limiting personal growth and expression.
«If I feel anxiety, then I am vulnerable»
This belief leads to avoidance of situations of concern, which limits the possibilities for developing resilience and overcoming difficulties.
«If I can’t bring things to a conclusion, then I’m a loser»
This thinking leads to excessive self-criticism and fear before starting new projects, that prevents development and success.
It is important to realize and rethink these «false» beliefs in order to free yourself from them. Begin to form healthier and supportive attitudes that will promote self-worth and positive self-evaluation.
LABELS OF DOUBT AND COMPENSATORY BEHAVIOR
When a person manages to define his «false» beliefs, then the «labels of doubt» appear — they are negative judgements about oneself, limiting the ability to see oneself in a positive light. They often arise from our fears, uncertainties and past failures.
We try to hide our own "labels" and define our behavior that will mask our vulnerability. The person chooses ineffective compensatory actions.
Compensatory behavior is a process when a person tries to avoid his own thoughts and feelings.
If there is a label of doubt "I am a loser", you can choose one of the following options of ineffective behavior:
1
Stop actions directed to obtain result
2
Avoid interaction with colleagues
3
Get distracted by insignificant business
4
Become aggressive by covering your vulnerability
Compensatory behavior undermines our self-evaluation and prevents the development of a true sense of self-worth.
Understanding and overcoming these compensatory strategies is a key step towards a healthier perception of oneself and one’s abilities.
HOW TO RAISE A SENCE OF SELF-WORTH
1
Remember the situation that brought the labels of doubt in your life. Write it in your notebook.
For example, when you were a child and asked your parents to spend time with you, they said: "Can you occupy yourself or are you helpless?!". It could be consolidated in the consciousness as a label "I am helpless".
Ask yourself: is it true? Write down in your notebook facts from your life that refute this statement, for example: you have studied, you work, you know how to prepare a tasty dinner, you earn money.
It doesn’t matter who said what, but it’s more important your own interpretation of these events.
2
What actions would you like to do while using compensator behavior?
Compensatory behavior may include avoidance, cessation, distraction, passivity, manipulation, aggressive actions, attempts to control the situation, desire to please everyone, anxiety.
Try to move to more effective actions instead:
Prioritize
Learn to identify what is really important to you and focus on it.
Solve problems according to their significance
Don’t try to solve everything at once, focus on the most important tasks.
Focus on the important
Pay attention to what really matters for your personal and professional growth.
Recover from stress
Develop the ability to return to normal state after stressful situations.
Ask for support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Form realistic plans
Set yourself achievable goals and develop plans that you can accomplish.
Self-worth helps us to build healthy relationships, make informed decisions and achieve success in various areas of life. Understanding and strengthening the value of self-worth allows us to live a more conscious and satisfied life.
Remember that your self-worth does not depend on external circumstances or the opinions of others. It comes from within you and is the basis for your inner balance and self-esteem.