Strive for the Best – Cultivate Self-Worth

You Deserve It! Be There for Yourself!

(Part #3 of 3)

The extraordinary display of talent and determination at the Olympic Games serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honouring our self-worth. Setting goals that are both personal and of national pride propels our Olympians along a path that builds rigorous self-worth. This is crucial for emotional regulation, especially in the global effort to promote mental wellness amidst the rapid technological changes that define our era.

Self-worth, often referred to as self-esteem or self-value, encompasses an individual’s intrinsic sense of their own value and worthiness. It is closely related to self-acceptance, self-respect, and self-confidence. A study by Neff (2003) highlights that individuals with high self-worth are more adept at managing their emotions and responding to stressors in a balanced manner. They tend to have a more positive outlook and are less prone to emotional extremes, contributing to overall mental wellness.

For professionals and leaders, managing the inner critic is essential for maintaining self-worth and promoting mental wellness. The inner critic is an internal voice that expresses thoughts, doubts, and criticisms about oneself. It can stem from various sources, such as past experiences, societal expectations, and personal insecurities. Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky’s brother shared that she has a “positive internal monologue” and an ability to “shut her brain off” at certain points in a race, putting her trust in the work she had done over the years.

Drawing from the practices of high achievers, here are five creative strategies for increasing and leveraging self-worth for professional success:

Redefine Self-Worth

Shift from seeking external validation to embracing intrinsic values to foster a more resilient and positive sense of self-worth. Practice self-reflection and implement regular feedback systems to gain insights.

Transform the Inner Critic

Identify useful insights within criticism and visualize a barrier that prevents negative thoughts from taking over. Appreciate the intent of the inner critic and guide it to express concerns in a supportive manner.

Nurture a Creative Mindset

Engage in habits that rejuvenate the mind and reinforce a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Creativity enhances your ability to present ideas compellingly, making it easier to influence others.

Foster a Culture of Open Communication

Facilitate the creation of peer support groups where leaders can share experiences, challenges, and solutions. Cultivate a confidential and supportive environment to discuss sensitive matters without stigma.

Strive for Your Best Self

Leaders can unlock their full potential and inspire their teams by recognizing progress over perfection. Investing in pursuits that foster a positive self-image benefits both individuals and organizations.

The pressures of high performance, decision-making, and maintaining authority can lead to stress and self-doubt. Investing in resources that foster a positive environment tends to produce higher quality work. It is reassuring to see the 2024 Olympic Games providing athletes with access to a “mindfulness and relaxation area” known as the “Athlete365 Mind Zone” and guides on maintaining good mental hygiene.

Reinforcing self-worth through creative strategies boosts confidence, positively impacting overall mental wellness and career progression. Continue to live the mantra of "You Deserve It – Be There for Yourself" by prioritizing self-care, harnessing awe, and leveraging self-worth in your personal and professional growth. You are your best competitor in this race to Create Your Best Year with Wellness.

At IDEAS2Centre, we specialize in assisting professionals and leaders in developing their self-worth to cultivate a thoughtful ecosystem. Our tailored coaching services and seminars are designed to enhance your inner capacity, increase your societal value, update your skill sets, bolster organizational resilience, and foster growth and innovation. Contact us for a conversation on crafting creative strategies for healthy leadership.

References:

Ackerman, Courtney E., MA.(2024) What is Self-Worth & How Do We Build it? *Positive Psychology, Retrieved from: https://positivepsychology.com/self-worth/#hero-single

CNN. (2024, July 27). CNN. Retrieved from CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/27/sport/katie-ledecky-profile-paris-olympics-spt-intl/index.html

Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-Compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85-101.

Photo by Jacob Rice on Unsplash