Not valuing ourselves enough leads us to cling to any job, person or identity we can get. Fulfillment starts with deep self-esteem
Imagine you're walking through a vast, bustling market, filled with stalls as far as the eye can see. Each stall offers something different: some have glittering jewels, others offer simple, handmade crafts, and some have nothing but empty boxes. Now, think of yourself as one of these stalls. What are you offering to the world? And more importantly, how much do you value what you have on display?
Many of us, without even realizing it, undervalue what we bring to the table. We see the sparkling jewels in someone else's stall and immediately think our simple, handmade crafts are worthless. This mindset, my friend, leads us down a path where we cling to anything that gives us a sense of value—be it a job, a relationship, or an identity that doesn't truly resonate with who we are. We become like those who, in desperation, grasp at straws, fearing that without them, we'll be left with nothing.
But here's a truth as simple as it is profound: fulfillment begins the moment we start to recognize and celebrate our own worth. It's like a tree acknowledging the strength of its roots and the beauty of its leaves, regardless of the taller, seemingly more magnificent trees around it. This tree knows its value lies in its own existence and the shade it offers, not in how it compares to others.
Let's bring this analogy to life. Imagine someone stuck in a job that drains their spirit. They stay because they believe it's the best they can do, that they're lucky to have even that. Now, picture someone who knows their worth. They're in a job that might not be perfect, but they're there by choice, because it aligns with who they are or is a step towards where they want to be. The difference? Deep self-esteem. It's the shield that guards us against settling for less than we deserve and the fuel that drives us towards truly fulfilling lives.
The journey to deep self-esteem isn't a sprint; it's more of a marathon, with its fair share of hills and valleys. It starts with small steps: celebrating your achievements, however minor they may seem; setting boundaries to protect your energy; and most importantly, practicing self-compassion. It's about looking at your stall and deciding to value everything on it, not because it's what others want, but because it's a true reflection of you.
In embracing our value, we find the courage to let go of what doesn't serve us and seek out what does. We become like the tree that grows in its own time, in its own way, fully rooted in the understanding of its worth.
So, here's a question to ponder: What small step can you take today to start valuing yourself more?
* To gain more inspiration and motivation for your personal growth journey, I recommend visiting my SMART goals page, which offers a wide range of goal ideas to help you establish new aspirations and achieve greater success in life. This list was crucial in the development of my own life goals list, consisting of 100 goals that I pursued for ten years.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
