Understanding and Overcoming Feelings of Unworthiness in Women

“Self respect, self worth and self love, all start with self. Stop looking outside of your self for your value.”—Rob Liano

Feeling unworthy is a common struggle that many women face in their daily lives. This pervasive belief can stem from various root causes and societal influences, leading to a detrimental impact on one's self-esteem and mental well-being. In this blog post, we delve into the intricate dynamics of unworthiness, explore why many women grapple with this sentiment, and provide actionable strategies to overcome it.

Root Causes of Unworthiness:

Feelings of unworthiness can often be traced back to childhood experiences, traumatic events, societal standards, and cultural expectations. Negative feedback from caregivers, bullying, abusive relationships, or unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in the media can contribute to ingrained beliefs of unworthiness. These experiences shape one's self-perception and worthiness, influencing how they interact with the world and themselves.

Why Do Many Women Deal with Feelings of Unworthiness?

Gender stereotypes, societal pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards prevalent in modern culture, comparison, perfectionism to name a few can significantly impact women's self-worth. The constant comparison to idealized images, the pressure to meet societal expectations, and the internalization of misogynistic beliefs can amplify feelings of unworthiness in women. Additionally, systemic issues such as gender discrimination and imbalanced power dynamics further perpetuate a sense of inadequacy in many women.

Strategies to Overcome Feelings of Unworthiness:

1. Practicing Self-Compassion:Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge your worthiness regardless of external validation or societal standards.
2. Identify Negative Beliefs:Recognize and challenge negative beliefs that perpetuate feelings of unworthiness. Reframe negative self-talk into positive affirmations and realistic viewpoints.
3. Engaging in Self-Care:Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Practice mindfulness, engage in hobbies, or seek professional support to address underlying issues.
4. Surrounding Yourself with Supportive Relationships:Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. Seek out communities or support groups that foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Exercises to Cultivate Self-Worth:

1. Gratitude Journaling:Write down three things you appreciate about yourself each day to shift your focus towards self-positivity.
2. Mirror Work:Stand in front of a mirror and affirm your worthiness OUT LOUD. Practice self-love and acceptance through positive self-talk.
3. Visualization:Envision yourself as a confident, worthy individual achieving your goals and dreams. Visualizing success can help reshape your self-perception.

Research and Statistics on Unworthiness:

Based on a research article published in Sage Journal (2022), self-worth is one of nine symptoms of major depressive disorder. Feelings of unworthiness is prevalent among women significantly affecting their mental health.

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10892680221109201

According to a study conducted in 2020 by KPMG,  75% of the respondents that attended the Women’s Leadership Summit agreed that they experienced feelings of being an impostor at some time in their career; 85% believed that this feeling is largely held by women in corporate America; while 81% stated that they put more pressure on themselves to perform highly and not fail in business, as it relates to their male counterparts.

In another study published by Heart of Leadership:

• 74% of girls say they are under pressure to please everyone.
• 98% of girls feel there is an immense pressure from external sources to look a certain way.
• 92% of teen girls would like to change something about the way they look with body weight ranking the highest.
• 53% of American girls aged 13 are “unhappy with their bodies,” and this jumps to 78% by age 17.

http://heartofleadership.org/statistics/

A Few Beliefs that Foster Feelings of Unworthiness:

• Perfectionism:The belief that one must meet unrealistic standards to be worthy of love and acceptance.
• Comparison:Constantly comparing oneself to others and feeling inadequate or inferior.
• External Validation:Seeking validation and approval from others to validate one's self-worth.

In conclusion, feelings of unworthiness are complex emotions that require introspection, self-compassion, and supportive resources to overcome. By addressing the root causes, challenging negative beliefs, and engaging in self-affirming practices, women can reclaim their sense of worth and empower themselves to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Remember, you are inherently deserving of love, respect, and acceptance, just as you are.

If you have feelings of unworthiness, please join me for the “ I AM WORTHY.”. “Know You Are Worth It.” “Know Your Worth” Workshop. Get the deets here.