If you don’t apply the concept of inherent worth to yourself, you will likely try to obtain your sense of value from the affirmation or criticism of others—and thus feel better than or worth(less), depending on the judgment of others. Although our culture teaches us to compare ourselves to others to determine our value (How many times have you heard “So and so is worth $xxx, xxx, xxx” dollars”?), we need to apply the concept of inherent worth to ourselves and to those around us.

Many people regard themselves as “worthless” if they fail to measure up to their own or others’ standards. They often compare themselves to others and find themselves falling short. It is important to accept our common humanity and stop berating ourselves for “not measuring up.” Remember to tell yourself:  “I have inherent worth. It cannot be raised by my strengths or lowered by my weaknesses or defects of character.”