Reclaim Your Power: Discover the Freedom of Being Enough
How Do You Define Self-Worth?
Are you truly living your best life? Or are you constantly waiting for something else? More success, maybe validation, or approval from others — so that you can finally feel worthy?
So many of us are caught in this trap, thinking our worth is tied to our achievements or what others think of us. But true self-worth is not about external validation, achievements, or the opinions of others.
It’s something far greater — a profound inner truth that rises above the world’s standards and expectations.
The Root of the Problem
From a young age, we are taught to measure our value through external markers — a university education, career, wealth, beauty, attractive partner, or approval from others. This conditioning runs so deep that we never realize we are constantly chasing validation.
For children, it might manifest as striving for perfect grades to win the approval of their parents or caretakers. For adults, it often evolves into chasing promotions, social status, or material possessions.
Across different demographics, this conditioning takes unique forms, but the underlying message remains the same: worthiness is something to be earned, not inherent.
Overlooked and Undervalued: Recognizing Hidden Contributions
One prevalent example is how we often overlook the value of homemakers and caregivers. Studies have shown that if homemakers were compensated, their work would amount to trillions of dollars annually. However, their countless contributions to maintaining homes, raising children, and managing multiple roles are seldom acknowledged because they don’t come with a paycheck.
We rarely recognize the emotional, physical, and mental efforts they make. For instance, a 2020 study estimated that if caregivers’ unpaid labour were compensated, they would contribute an additional $1.5 trillion to the economy annually.
Despite this staggering value, caregiving roles are often seen as less important simply because they lack a formal paycheck. This mindset stems from a cultural emphasis on economic productivity as the main measure of value, often making caregivers’ efforts invisible and, in many ways, taken for granted. As a result, caregivers can feel undervalued and unrecognized despite their significant contributions.
Even if your contributions seem intangible, like creating emotional balance, nurturing relationships, or offering quiet support, they are crucial in creating wholeness and harmony.
Reflection Opportunity:
Recognizing how society undervalues these roles can serve as a mirror. Consider this: Are there moments when you may take a loved one for granted — perhaps a parent, partner, or friend whose contributions you rely on but rarely acknowledge?
Alternatively, are you undervaluing your own efforts, dismissing their importance because they don’t come with outward recognition, measurable results, or societal validation?
We All Matter: Recognizing the Worth of Overlooked Roles
As we exhaust ourselves trying to prove our worth, we often find that the feeling of being “enough” feels like a constant struggle WITHIN us.
“If this lack of self-worth stems from WITHIN, then why are we chasing it externally?”
This is especially true when we constantly compare ourselves to others, measuring our value against external achievements. For example, the emphasis on high-paying jobs as a symbol of success often leads us to dismiss roles like caregiving, volunteering, or community-building — all of which provide immense value yet remain undervalued in economic terms.
We can also extend this to other roles that often go unnoticed:
Teachers and Educators
Shape the minds of children, paving the way for their personal growth and future contributions to society. Yet, they are often undervalued, both socially and financially.
Volunteers
Willingly forgo their valuable time to serve others, demonstrating a level of selflessness that often goes unrecognized.
Mental and Emotional Supporters
Friends, mentors, and community members who offer emotional or mental support pave the way for healing and growth in others. Their efforts are not well compensated, but their impact is immeasurable.
What Self-Worth Really Means
At its core, self-worth asks a single, profound question:
“How much do I value myself?”
True self-worth is about recognizing your inherent value simply because you exist. Think of it like a diamond: even if it’s buried under dirt, its value doesn’t diminish. Similarly, your worth remains intact, no matter the external circumstances. It’s not something you need to earn or prove. It’s already within you.
Everything begins with self-worth because self-worth is the foundation of empowerment.
“When people know their value, they stop giving their power away — whether to political figures, societal systems, or toxic relationships.”
They start questioning narratives, setting boundaries, and acting from a place of autonomy rather than fear or dependency.
When you truly embrace this, everything shifts. The endless chase for approval stops, and you can begin living from a place of peace, confidence, and authenticity.
Reflection Questions to Start the Journey
Here’s how you can begin reconnecting with your self-worth today:
When was the last time you felt worthy without feeling like you had to prove yourself to anyone?
Example: Think back to a moment when you felt content and accepted, like spending time with a close friend who values you for who you are, not what you provide or do for them.What are you currently attaching your sense of worth to?
Example: Are you tying your value to your job title, the number of likes on social media, or the size and quality of your house?How would your life change if you deeply believed, right now, that you are enough?
Example: Would you finally apply for that dream job, even if it feels out of reach? Or would you stop overcommitting to relationships or tasks that drain you?Where have you been over-giving or compromising your needs in the hope of earning someone’s approval?
Example: Are you always saying “yes” to extra work, even at the expense of your personal time, just to feel appreciated? Or do you avoid setting boundaries with a friend because you’re afraid they’ll pull away?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and consider capturing your thoughts in a journal or as a voice note. Explore how these beliefs about your worth show up in your daily life — this deeper reflection can help you identify patterns and begin the journey toward healing.
A Practical Step: Radical Self-Acceptance
Start each day by reminding yourself: “I am worthy because I exist.”
Starting each day with this reminder:
Shifts your mindset: It helps you focus on your intrinsic value rather than chasing external validation.
Sets a positive tone: Beginning the day with this affirmation cultivates self-acceptance and compassion, influencing your actions and decisions throughout the day.
Breaks societal conditioning: It counters the deep-seated belief that worth must be earned through productivity or approval.
Aligns you with your true self: Reaffirming this truth helps you operate from a place of authenticity and inner confidence.
Notice if or when you start to measure your worth by what you achieve or how others see you throughout the day. Gently bring yourself back to the truth: your value doesn’t depend on anything external.
Additional practices to anchor radical self-acceptance:
Daily Affirmations: Write down affirmations like, “I am enough” or “My worth is not tied to my productivity.” Repeat them each morning.
Mirror Work: Spend a minute looking into your own eyes in the mirror. Speak words of kindness and appreciation to yourself, such as, “I see you, and you are enough.”
Gratitude Journaling: Reflect on qualities or achievements you’re proud of, not because they prove your worth, but because they’re part of who you are.
Practical Tip: As you integrate these practices, observe how your interactions change. For example, setting a boundary at work or saying “no” without guilt might feel uncomfortable at first, but it will eventually reinforce your sense of self-worth.
In Conclusion:
“Your sense of self-worth comes from you alone — never the opinion of others.” — Robert Greene
An Invitation:
Self-worth is a lifelong journey, and it begins with the small steps we take every day to honour and reconnect with ourselves. This article is just the start. Over the coming weeks, I’ll share more insights and practical exercises to help you strengthen your self-worth and create the life you truly deserve.
