Self-worth is like a muscle – and we CAN strengthen it.

Our self-worth is like an underused muscle – it might feel weak at first, but with consistent effort, we can develop incredible strength. Let's dive into your personalized workout plan to build a rock-solid foundation of self-worth:

Let's start with a gratitude practice. This helps in reprogramming your inner critic, that voice that never seems to sleep? You know the one? So imagine your inner critic as a loud gym bully, constantly pointing out your flaws and belittling your efforts.  The antidote? A daily dose of gratitude.

• Start a Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down 3-5 things you're grateful for. It can be anything – a delicious cup of coffee, a successful work call, or simply the fact that you woke up healthy. What we want to do is compound the things that we enjoy, vs the things we loath. Because the Law of attraction is real, and because everything is energy we tend to get more of what we don't want because we're giving our energy and attention to it.
• Savor the Good Moments: Don't let positive experiences whiz by unnoticed. Take a moment to truly appreciate good news, a kind gesture, or a beautiful sunset. What we want to do here is anchor in the magic. Ever notice how some people just are in awe the stars in the sky? It's not that they are seeing stars that we aren't, it's the energy in which they are appreciating the moment. 
• Practice "Gratitude Showers": Think of someone you care about and mentally list all the things you appreciate about them. This simple exercise shifts your focus from negativity to appreciation, training your brain for a more positive outlook. We have a bouncer in our mind called the RAS ( reticular activating system ) It controls what we perceive in our consciousness, essentially a gatekeeper of information. So it lets in what we focus on most. So if our default is negativity, we tend to have those thoughts and people granted access over others.

By practicing gratitude regularly, you slowly drown out the gym bully and replace it with a supportive inner voice that acknowledges your value and celebrates your wins.

Self-Compassion:  Be Your Own Best Friend

This one is important. We all stumble and make mistakes. But notice how often  you talk to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a friend in the same situation? Probably not as often as you should.

• Challenge Negative Self-Talk: When that critical voice starts its tirade, stop and challenge its negativity. Ask yourself, "Would I talk to a friend this way?" Reframe the negativity into something encouraging and supportive.
• Practice Self-Forgiveness: Dwelling on past mistakes is like carrying extra weights during your workout – it holds you back. Forgive yourself, learn from the experience, and move on.
• Treat Yourself with Care: Schedule activities you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, and prioritize your well-being. Taking care of yourself shows self-respect and reinforces your inherent value. It also sets the stage for how others treat you. If you have high standards for yourself, you're modeling that standard for others to follow. We can't have low standards for ourselves and expect others to have high standards towards us. 

Self-compassion allows you to view yourself with kindness, fostering a sense of self-acceptance that strengthens your inner foundation.

Strengths Inventory:  Unveiling Your Hidden Gems

Sometimes, we underestimate our own capabilities.  Just like a cluttered gym can hide valuable equipment, negative self-perception can obscure your strengths. Here's how to rediscover your hidden gems:

• Brainstorming Session: Grab a pen and paper and list everything you're good at, big or small. Include skills you use at work, hobbies you excel in, or personal qualities you admire in yourself. This might seem silly, but what you will discover is a lot of amazing things that will up your self-confidence. 
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors what they appreciate about you. Their insights can reveal strengths you may have overlooked. Bonus again here is increased self-confidence. You're right, I have done that, I am capable of that, I did nail that.
• Reflect on Achievements: Think back to past challenges you've overcome or goals you've achieved. What skills and qualities did you use to succeed? Also where have you already succeeded that you're forgetting because you're focused on what's missing vs where you're already resourced.

Creating a strengths inventory reminds you of the unique value you bring to the table, boosting your self-confidence and self-worth.

Setting Boundaries:  Protecting Your Sacred Space

Imagine your self-worth as a precious energy reserve. Saying "no" to unreasonable requests or protecting your time is like guarding this reserve, ensuring you have enough energy for what truly matters.

• Identify Your Limits: Be honest with yourself about how much you can realistically take on. Don't be afraid to say "no" to requests that drain your time or energy. Saying no doesn't make you unworthy of love, friendships, promotions etc ... it just means you value your time and have high standards for what you are available for. ( because your standard is when you commit you are present )
• Communicate Assertively: Learn to communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully. A simple, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm swamped right now" can be surprisingly effective.
• Prioritize Self-Care: This one seems like you have read it in a million places, and whatever - BUT it's an important one. You set the standard. So what's your standard for self-care? Schedule time for activities that recharge you, whether it's reading a book, spending time in nature, or simply taking a long bath. When we don't model it, we can't expect others to reciprocate. Let's say you LOVE fresh flowers, do you buy them for yourself? Do you say - gosh I love these flowers so much, I love it when they're in season - they are my favourite. You always grab a bunch for yourself. That way - your friend or partner might see them one day and grab them as well because you've modelled it.

Setting boundaries demonstrates self-respect and shows that your time and energy are valuable. This, in turn, strengthens your overall sense of self-worth.

Remember, building a strong foundation of self-worth is a continuous process. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, set some standards for yourself and keep showing up for your daily workout. You'll be amazed at how much stronger and more confident you become.

Here's to high vibes and high standards,

Amanda - Chief Worthiness Officer - Worthy Wands