"Changing your words changes your thoughts, ultimately changing your life!"

Contingencies of Self Worth

Imagine walking into a room filled with mirrors. Each mirror reflects a different aspect of you; some reflect achievements, while others reflect losses. Consider this lucid illustration of how contingencies of self worth work in your psyche. They're vibrant and dynamic constructs that map our self-worth based on different aspects of our lives.

Coined by psychologists Crocker and Wolfe, the concept of contingencies of self worth revolves around the idea that self-esteem isn't just a static concept but varies and sways depending upon certain contingencies - effectively determining how to have self-worth. These contingencies could be the approval of others, our physical appearance, or academic or professional abilities.

Learn to Ride the Changes in the Contingencies of Self Worth

Ride Waves of Contingencies

Imagine a day when you scored a fantastic evaluation at work and your heart overflows with pride and self-worth. However, an unforeseen circumstance blows away your thoughts of promotion the next day, drowning you in a whirlpool of self-doubt. These varying instances exemplify how contingencies, like a tide, rise and fall – taking our self-worth along with it.

The issue in this lies with the outsourcing of our self-worth to external factors. You hinge your happiness on unstable situations and individuals. A work mistake suddenly transforms into a shattering attack on your identity. Breaking a continual cycle of such contingencies of self-worth becomes essential for maintaining emotional self-sustainability.

The societal norm to base your self-worth on comparative success can often lead to detrimental emotional health effects. Echoing the sentiments of Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Practicing taking control away from such contingencies helps nurture your inner strength and emotional resilience.

Embracing Your Journey to Self-Discovery

Embracing your journey of self-discovery and appreciating the strength within you will lead you toward a pathway to a healthier sense of self-worth. It starts by you learning to cease the endless comparisons and focus on your journey.

One of your first steps is to practice "installing" the new idea that affirmations of self-worth play a critical role in dealing with low self-worth. Reflecting personal growth, body positivity, and compassionate self-talk are small yet valuable steps on your journey to self-empowerment.

Powerful Techniques to Build Self-Esteem

A powerful technique to build self-esteem lies in self-compassion. This technique refers to treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we extend to others - particularly during a catastrophe or in other words when things don't go as planned.

Learning to embrace Authentic Living involves aligning your actions with your genuine values and desires. You can compare it to the continual approval-seeking behavior that can lead to emotional instability.

Consider this, academic competence and professional achievements shouldn't singularly define your self-worth. Broadening your horizons and embracing other interpersonal skills will lead to nurturing a more rounded sense of self-worth.

Self-Care is Vital to Growth and Maintaining Your Balance: Techniques for You to Consider

  • Practices like mindfulness and self-care routines hallmark the importance of focusing on yourself. They enable you to tap into your resilience-building mechanism and channel your energy toward self-betterment.


  • Creating personal boundaries and encouraging self-respect emerge as crucial elements in your self-empowerment journey. These affirm your self-belief and help in mastering self-doubt.


  • Nurturing a positive self-narrative, overcoming self-limiting beliefs, and a flourishing self-esteem all form a part of your self-worth recovery process. Standing as a beacon for those dealing with self-worth issues will be something that you naturally shift into.


  • Conquering your insecurities acts as a crucial step in confidence-boosting practices. Embracing personal growth and building a successful self-image leads to enhanced self-trust cultivation. In my case, I found looking at the whole process as taking care of my garden really helped me put it all in focus.


  • Balancing self-perception involves acknowledging and accepting your flaws while still recognizing your strengths. Leading to a healthier, more resilient sense of yourself, helping in your journey to self-love.


  • Creating mindful self-checks and weaning your self-worth off social and professional contingencies helps in your emotional healing. Your transformation from being externally driven to internally driven fosters resilience in self-esteem.


  • Cultivating self-trust involves developing faith in your abilities and judgment. It will be gradually built by setting and achieving small goals and embedding honesty in your interactions with yourself. In a word, it's vital to be honest with yourself.


  • Practicing self-compassion involves acknowledging and dealing with your setbacks in a supportive and nurturing manner, promoting emotional well-being.


  • Embracing personal growth is not linear; it comprises valleys and peaks. Through it all, maintaining a positive outlook and a spirit of resilience helps garner your self-worth.


  • A crucial aspect of reclaiming self-worth involves recognizing and embracing imperfections rather than hiding from them. Growth happens outside our comfort zones, and it is vital to embrace these uncomfortable moments. In my experience, change happens in the doing.


  • Practicing gratitude and celebrating small wins further strengthen your positive self-narrative. Repeating affirmations and engaging in regular self-care also foster self-appreciation.

It's like rolling a small snowball down a hill, it gradually grows in size and builds momentum. You want to change your brain's negative self-talk to positive supportive self-talk.

Summing it All Up for You

Approaching your self-worth journey with patience and persistence will grant you the power to overcome insecurities and construct a positive self-image. The path is loaded with obstacles, but the journey rewards you with a renewed sense of Self and boosts overall well-being. Remember, "Your worth is not measured in likes, comments, notes, or followers; but in your ability to love, keep comments to yourself, take note and lead." - Abhijit Naskar.

Return to Why Self Worth Important

"Thoughts create our feelings. When our thoughts are all over the place, our feelings are as well. Most people on the planet believe their feelings are indicative of something that's true. They're not. Our feelings are only temporary reflections of our thoughts."
Wanda Vitale
TheEmpoweredEmpaths.com

"Think like Spring; always embrace renewal and growth."