Worth

Why do we have inherent worth? Great question.

I’m writing this while sitting on my couch, waiting for the Super Bowl to begin.  Is this the last of the things that we do collectively as a country?  I realize not EVERYONE watches the game, but I don’t know of any other event that people celebrate and prioritize like this one anymore.

I sound like an old man, but I miss the days when we all watched the end of “MASH” (a 70s TV Show for you whippersnappers) or when every network covered the State of the Union address.

I wonder why we’re so divided these days.  Hmmm….

I’ve come to believe as a therapist that clients must agree that they have inherent worth if we want to see improvement in self-esteem.  I don’t think they necessarily have to believe it, but they must agree with the philosophical sentiment.

But today, someone asked me if I could explain why I believe people have inherent worth.  “Of course,” I thought to myself. Still, as I began formulating an answer, I realized I probably needed to provide a more thoughtful response than I was immediately prepared to give.

But all the answers I thought of were patronizing or too simplistic.  So, I went to ChatGPT to see what the robots thought.  (Ironic, eh, that I would ask artificial intelligence a question so profoundly human.)

“People are considered to have inherent worth because they are considered valuable in and of themselves, regardless of their abilities, accomplishments, or external circumstances. This belief is based on the idea that every human being is unique, has the capacity for thought, feeling, and creativity, and therefore has a dignity and worth that cannot be reduced to material goods or external qualities. This view is reflected in many philosophical, religious, and ethical systems. For example, it is often expressed in the concept of human rights, which asserts that every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights and freedoms simply by being human. Ultimately, the belief in inherent human worth is a way of recognizing and affirming the value of every individual and treating each person with respect, dignity, and compassion.”

That’s still not quite the answer I want to give.  But maybe the answer is simple.  I believe every human has inherent worth because I choose to believe it.  It makes everything else in my worldview make sense.  My chosen career requires me to think everyone deserves love and belonging. My political, spiritual, and philosophical beliefs stem from an understanding that human beings should all be treated with dignity and respect - just because of their humanity.

So, how does one improve their self-concept?  How do you reinforce the belief that you have inherent self-worth?

Practice self-compassion. Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness, understanding, and support we would offer to a close friend. This means letting go of self-criticism and focusing on our strengths and positive qualities.

Focus on personal values. Reflect on what is truly important to you and work to align your actions and decisions with your values. This will help you feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment and give you confidence and direction in life.

Set achievable goals. A sense of accomplishment can help boost self-worth, so focus on setting realistic and achievable goals. This could mean taking on new challenges, developing a new skill, or pursuing a passion.

Surround yourself with positive relationships. Surrounding yourself with supportive and encouraging people can help you feel valued and appreciated, which can help build self-worth. Seek positive relationships with friends, family, and co-workers, and work to maintain these relationships over time.

Practice gratitude. Taking time to appreciate what you have in your life, rather than focusing on what you lack, can help you feel more positive and confident. Consider starting a gratitude journal or making a daily list of things you are grateful for to help cultivate this habit.

I’m gonna keep thinking about this and a lot of philosophical issues.  I’ll let you know if I come up with anything more convincing.

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not the same as therapy. If you need to talk to someone, go to BetterHelp.com or PsychologyToday.com and start treatment with a professional today!

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