“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ever question your self-worth? How do we even put a value on a human life? Our personal sense of value changes throughout life. Much of the determination is based upon what someone values about themselves and the world around them. As children we are given our sense of value with attention. Attention is the currency of love. Connected, unconditional attention holding the highest value. As we grow older our sense of value comes through achievement. However, we achieve in order to get the attention of others. Whether it’s material goods, social standing or any other achievement oriented activity in life attention remains the most accepted payment for value.
Yet, with this orientation in mind are we left to believe that our value is only as good as our latest effort? When do you suppose you will be good enough? The society we built was established on a transactional nature. I do this, I get that. You do this, you get that. Always looking to a future in order to feel self-worth. Hence, the term “the rat race.” A great system that supported humanity until this point, yet it could use some modifications. Health and wellness is often sacrificed in the chase for personal acknowledgement through achievement. This approach to life leaves an unfulfilled need at each destination point along the journey.
What do you think is meant by life is a journey, not a destination. Expand your awareness for just one moment. When we set goals, we aim energy and effort towards achievement. There are some in society that have grown a self-disciplined mental muscle which makes achievement much easier. Some are not. Good, bad, who knows. High achievers know that once you get started on the hunt for success it is very difficult to hop off that train. Dopamine is the molecule of more always upping the ante with each goal met. Raising the bar becomes the only choice, narrowing the view to the goal, missing the journey along the way. Not to mention encountering disease along the way.
When asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present.” I believe him to be correct when considering my own relationship with achievement. Always looking ahead, missing the present which is the gift of life. It is this gift of being present with what is that we side step during the journey to a goal. By focusing on the present we can each begin practicing a novel way of existing in the world. By bringing curious attention to what the present moment offers, we can connect daily with our internal sense of value.
This approach relieves each of the need to experience external validation for our efforts. When we rely on external validation from others we become slaves to what we achieve. Without achievement there is no validation. However, when present with the moment one can focus unconditional love through consistent effort which enhances our self-belief. Self-belief or self-trust is developed on the journey not the destination. With each step taken in the direction of a goal, one begins trusting in the process knowing goal attainment is simply a by-product of daily effort.
Building self-worth is a journey deeply rooted in developing self-belief, and this belief is developed through the acknowledgement of consistent effort towards a process-oriented approach to life. When we shift our focus from purely achieving outcomes to embracing the daily process, we begin to recognize the value in our efforts, regardless of results. It’s in these small, daily actions that we build a foundation of self-trust, knowing that we are capable of facing challenges and progressing, one step at a time.
Achievement then becomes a natural byproduct of this consistent effort. Instead of striving for external validation or the next big success, we start to see the value in the journey itself. Each day’s effort, no matter how small, adds to our self-belief. Over time, this accumulation of consistent action leads to a stronger sense of self-worth. We begin to understand that our value isn’t tied to the end goal but to the resilience and dedication we show in the process. Now that’s value based living. A transaction with the present moment. Best effort rewarded with self-trust.
This approach also frees us from the endless cycle of chasing external validation. When we’re process-oriented, we’re less concerned with others’ opinions and more focused on our own effort and growth. We start to see that true achievement is less about the accolades and more about the quiet confidence that comes from knowing we’ve put in the work. This shift in mindset allows us to appreciate our progress and find fulfillment in the everyday moments. The simple things in life. Like the fact that we have this playground called Earth we get to live on. What a gift!
By focusing on the process, we build a more sustainable sense of self-worth. The highs and lows of achievement become less extreme because we’re no longer riding the emotional roller coaster of success and failure. Instead, we find a steady sense of value in the consistent actions we take, which helps to create a more balanced and resilient mindset. This resilience, in turn, empowers us to take on new challenges with confidence, knowing that our self-worth isn’t at stake. If an outcome is not favorable, we can then examine the process we choose and make the necessary changes to enhance the next step in the journey.
In the end, developing self-belief through consistent effort towards a process-oriented approach allows us to live a more fulfilling life. Satisfied that we have committed to being our best in each moment bringing love to what we do. This makes love a practice expanding our awareness for what love truly is. We can begin to see ourselves through the loving eyes of the present moment where we are enough. We begin to see that our worth is inherent, not something that can be measured by external achievements. This realization brings a sense of peace and contentment, allowing us to enjoy the journey of life, knowing that each step we take is a testament to our strength and value.
Learn to love every step of the journey of life and I promise you will attain all the success you could ever ask for.