Blog Post – October 2, 2018
By Taylor Trevizo
In today’s society, women are constantly being subjected to expectations about beauty, relationships, careers and more. It’s hard to find and maintain self-worth when we live in fear of whether we’re meeting societal standards of what it means to be a woman. It can be hard, but in order to find our value and worth as women, we have to look within ourselves, not out at the world.
Self-worth will set rules that tell others how to treat you. It will show others what you see in yourself, and what you expect from them. With self-worth comes confidence, esteem and personal growth. We are often our own worst critic, but by digging a little deeper and following these five tips, you’ll be able to see all the good you bring into the world.
1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others.
No matter how hard you try, you’ll never feel worthy if you don’t kick the habit of comparing yourself to others. It’s something we all do and it becomes increasingly easier thanks to social media. We’re exposed to pictures of other people’s lives-their vacations, their clothing, their achievements. It can make us feel like we’re less successful, leaving us wanting something we don’t have.
If this sounds like you, take a break from social media or at least be mindful of when you do this. Remember, we only post our best lives for the world to see. We all experience setbacks, hardships, and low self-esteem. Take the time to think about what you do have and be appreciative for that.
2. Do What Makes You Feel Good.
Society will always tell women that we should wear more or less makeup, be skinnier or curvier, or dress a certain way. Your self-worth is not derived from meeting these standards! And if you live your life trying, you’ll never be fulfilled.
Your self-worth stems from doing what makes you feel good. If that means wearing lipstick, go for it. If it means becoming a CEO, don’t stop until you meet those goals! People will always have an opinion about what you should do. You can’t make everyone happy, but you can make yourself happy if you ask yourself what you want.
3. Make Things Happen.
Now that you know what you want, go get it! Things won’t always come easy, but if you try and keep trying, you will make progress. Confidence develops when we overcome challenges. Don’t give up because you failed once. Or twice. Or a hundred times! There is always room for improvement.
4. Don’t Beat Yourself Up.
Negative self-talk will do you no good. Maybe you told yourself you’d go for a run but then got too busy. Maybe you missed a deadline for no reason other than you totally forgot! Guess what? It happens. We are all human. Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t beat yourself up about it. Self-improvement isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime shot. It’s a work in progress, so enjoy the ride.
5. Only You Can Define You.
No matter what you do, remind yourself that there is no right or wrong way to be you. When we learn how to be ourselves, a new world will open up. Explore new hobbies, interests and possibilities. Welcome trial and error into your life!
Taylor Trevizo
Senior
Professional Writing Major
Intern
Outreach and Community Engagement