Honouring Your Value: How to Seek, See and Stay Close to YOU

Your value was never in question. It is never meant to be earned. It has always been yours, but are you aware of that?

I've been thinking about this idea a lot lately. More so after my lovely guest Bhavani Shrivastava, SalesEdge founder, brought his incredibly interesting insights to highlight what value can really mean in both business and life. "Value is the most abused and least understood word,” he said and that really struck a chord!

Now, how many of us spend years—sometimes decades—searching for our worth in achievements, relationships, or possessions? Yet all along, that worth was already there, waiting to be recognised.

You see, discovering your value isn't about creating something new. It's about removing the layers that continue to cover and hide what was always there. It's like cleaning a window that's gathered dust over time, finally allowing the light to shine through unfiltered. The challenges you've overcome, the lessons you've learned the hard way—these haven't diminished your value.

They've added dimensions to it, like depth to a painting.

I bet you've done it too—tied your worth to something external. Maybe it was that promotion you worked overtime to secure, the degree you sacrificed sleep for, or the approval from someone whose opinion you treasured. I know I've been there.

We're taught from an early age that value is earned. Get good grades, win competitions, secure impressive titles. With each accomplishment, we feel momentarily worthy. But have you noticed how quickly that feeling fades? There's always another mountain to climb, another benchmark to reach.

That's because we're looking for value in the wrong places. Your worth isn't determined by what you do—it's inherent in who you are.

When you begin to recognise your intrinsic worth, you:

• Make decisions aligned with your authentic self rather than external expectations
• Build relationships based on mutual respect instead of validation-seeking
• Pursue goals that genuinely fulfill you rather than impress others
• Develop resilience against rejection and criticism
• Experience greater mindfulness everyday

So how do you reconnect with this innate value? When you catch yourself thinking "I'll be enough when..." stop and challenge that thought. You are already enough. Your accomplishments are expressions of you, not definitions.

Next, take some time to identify what truly matters to you. What values do you want people to associate you with? Kindness, creativity, justice, growth — These and many more core principles become our internal compass, guiding us toward authentic living.

I've found it helpful to ask trusted friends what they value about me. Often they see strengths I've taken for granted—like how I listen without judgment or find creative solutions to problems. These natural gifts are part of your unique contribution to where you seek to belong.

One of the hardest parts of this journey is learning to treat yourself with compassion. We're often our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to impossible standards. But would you speak to someone you love the way you sometimes speak to yourself?

When I'm struggling, I try to imagine what I'd say to a dear friend facing the same situation. That kinder voice is usually closer to the truth about my worth than my inner critic.

Setting boundaries has been another game-changer. When we honour our needs and limits, we signal to ourselves and others that we value our well-being. It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you're used to putting everyone else first. But those boundaries protect the unique gift that is you.

As your awareness of your inherent worth grows, you'll notice changes in how you approach life. You'll find yourself pursuing growth not to prove your worth but because evolving feels good. And you'll discover courage to express your truth, even when it's uncomfortable, because you know your value doesn't depend on universal approval. And all this is always a work in progress.

Here's something beautiful I've discovered: When you recognize your own intrinsic worth, you naturally begin to see it in others. Your interactions change. You listen more deeply, judge less harshly, connect more authentically. By honouring your value, you contribute to a world that values human worth beyond utility or achievement.

So let’s be patient with ourselves on this journey. Some days will be easier than others. But even when awareness dims, remember—our value remains constant. It was never the question. It was only ever our recognition of it that wavered.

And isn't that a liberating thought? You don't need to earn your place in this world. You belong here, just as you are.

💬 Join the Conversation

What’s one part of YOU you’ve undervalued for too long—and are ready to reclaim? I'd love to hear where you are on this journey. Share your thoughts in the comments below.