Choosing Yourself Every Day

I attended a 3-day business seminar this past week hosted by Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, their annual Mastermind event. The business insight is top notch but the speakers, wow, if I could convey through words in this blog… I consistently walk away feeling like I could rule the world. I suppose that’s the power of a great “motivational” speaker.

The speakers repeatedly address self-worth. There is a reason for that. Everything in our lives begins with how we see ourselves, what we think of ourselves, if we love ourselves.

When we are young some of us yearn to be popular. We look in the mirror and, if our perception doesn’t match up, we see ourselves as worthless. As young adults if our bodies don’t fit society’s standard of perfection, we might think of ourselves as lacking. When we set out to find a healthy relationship, we don’t realize that we need to first love ourselves before we can love and be loved by someone else.

One of my favorite quotes from the seminar was from Trent Shelton, “You were given worth at birth.” Everyone started on an even playing field, y’all. We all have worth. It’s only when you let someone else take it from you that you lose that worth. When you choose to let someone else take it from you. Don’t let fear and past trauma talk you out of going for your best life. The only impossibilities that exist are the ones that you create. “It’s called SELF-worth. Not other people’s worth.” Another quote from Trent.

Self-worth isn’t something we earn by checking boxes or collecting trophies. It’s not measured in likes, followers, grades, or the number in our bank account. As Trent said, it’s innate—a birthright. Yet, for so many of us, this truth feels distant or even unattainable. Why? Because somewhere along the journey, we let the world’s voice become louder than our own.

As children, we’re sponges, absorbing the world’s messages about beauty, success, and belonging. We learn early on to compare, to compete, and, too often, to criticize ourselves harshly for not measuring up. The seeds of doubt are planted before we even understand what they mean.

Unlearning Limiting Beliefs

The real work, I’ve realized, is unlearning those limiting beliefs. It’s about recognizing where our sense of “not enough” comes from – whether it’s a comment from a classmate, a parent’s unreachable expectations, or the endless scroll of curated perfection on social media. It’s about understanding that worth is something you never lost; it’s simply been buried under layers of comparison and fear.

How often do we sabotage ourselves, not because we lack talent or opportunity, but because we doubt our own value? We wait for permission – from a boss, a partner, a parent, society – before pursuing our dreams. But self-worth means granting yourself that permission. It means choosing yourself, every single day, even when it feels scary or unfamiliar.

This isn’t about arrogance or ignoring your weaknesses. It’s about embracing the wholeness of who you are – the flaws, the scars, the stories that have shaped you. It’s about treating yourself with the same compassion, patience, and encouragement you’d offer a friend.

Practical steps to cultivate self-worth

·       Practice self-compassion: When negative self-talk arises, notice it and gently redirect your thoughts. Speak to yourself with kindness.

·       Set boundaries: Remember, it’s called self-worth for a reason. Protect your energy from people or situations that diminish your sense of value.

·       Celebrate your wins – big and small: Recognize your efforts. Every step forward is proof of your resilience and growth.

·       Surround yourself with inspiration: Seek out voices – like the ones I heard at the seminar – that remind you of your inherent worth.

·       Reflect on your strengths: Keep a journal of moments when you acted bravely or kindly. Let these memories anchor you when your confidence wavers.

My experience at the Mastermind event was more than just a crash course in business strategy – it was a powerful reminder that every dream, every ambition, every relationship starts with the belief that you are worthy.

So, the next time you find yourself questioning your value, remember you were given worth at birth. No one can take it from you unless you let them. See yourself. Choose yourself. Love yourself. The life you want is possible, and it all begins with the unwavering conviction that you are, and always have been, enough.