Self-worth is the value we attach to ourselves. Many of us let our work, career graph, material wealth and status in society define our self-worth. However, it’s important to separate your self-worth from your work. Hirak Patel, counselling psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund tells you why.

Separate your self-worth from your work to be truly happy

It’s important to detach yourself from external factors like your material wealth, career and relationship status. These things do not define who you are. While they may temporarily make you feel good about yourself, it can never be a true measure of your self-worth. Many people define their self-worth by the job or career path they take. Hence, when faced with a pink slip, they lose self confidence and their self esteem takes a major hit. Hence, it’s important to detach yourself from external factors to find your happiness. Here’s how you can go about it.

• Believe in yourself

One needs to realise that there are many components to self-worth. Start with believing in yourself. Recognise your abilities, qualities and strengths. Let these aspects define who you are. This way you will be better prepared to handle a setback, as while you may encounter ups and downs, your sense of worth will help you get past them.

• Don’t chase temporary goal posts to boost your self-esteem

Instead measure your self-worth by who you are at your core. Your values, principles, abilities and unique qualities should always be your focus when evaluating yourself.

• Don’t doubt yourself because of external factors and pressures

Understand that there are some things within your control and some which are not. So, you cannot base your self-worth or doubt yourself based on factors that are outside your control.

• You can turn the tide in your favour by believing in yourself

No matter how hard things may be, if you believe in your worth, you will be able to sail through life’s ups and downs. A job joss, a pay cut or a gap in career, none of these factors will bring you down. As you will begin to see these as phases that you can get through.