Here’s a question for you: what would it take to instantly raise your value as a person?
We’re not talking about anything flashy or superficial here—just genuine self-worth and integrity.
The truth is, many of us unknowingly hold onto habits that weigh us down, habits that don’t serve our growth or goals.
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of letting go of the behaviors that subtly erode our self-respect and prevent us from being the best version of ourselves.
In this article, we’re exploring eight habits that hold you back from tapping into a stronger sense of self-worth. You might recognize a few on this list, and if you do, don’t worry—it’s a chance to start fresh.
Ready to let go and level up? Let’s dive in.
1) Clinging to negative influences
Personal growth and self-improvement aren’t just about developing positive habits, they’re also about letting go of the negative ones. And one of the most detrimental habits many of us hold is clinging to negative influences.
Negative influences come in many forms – it could be a pessimistic friend, a discouraging family member, or even an unhealthy relationship with social media.
These influences can subtly shape our thoughts and attitudes, pulling us away from our potential and keeping us stuck in a cycle of negativity.
It’s not always easy to identify these negative influences, let alone distance ourselves from them. It requires self-awareness, courage, and a commitment to prioritise our well-being above all else.
But by doing so, we instantly increase our personal value.
We begin to attract positivity and opportunities that align with our values and aspirations.
We become the architects of our own lives, shaping our experiences with intentionality and authenticity.
Saying goodbye to negative influences is not just about eliminating the bad, but about making room for the good – for growth, creativity, and freedom.
Your personal value is not determined by external circumstances or other people’s opinions. It’s about how you perceive yourself, how you treat yourself, and how you choose to live your life. By letting go of negative influences, you take a significant step towards embracing your true worth and potential.
2) Neglecting personal growth
We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life – work, family, responsibilities – and we forget to invest time in ourselves.
This could mean neglecting our physical health, ignoring our mental well-being, or not taking the time to learn new skills or knowledge. Over time, this neglect can lead to stagnation and a sense of unfulfillment.
One of the most empowering decisions we can make is to commit to our personal growth. This might involve setting aside time each day for self-reflection, learning a new skill, or seeking out opportunities for intellectual and emotional growth.
As I’ve journeyed through life, I’ve realized the importance of continuous personal development. It has allowed me to navigate challenges with resilience, relate to others with empathy, and contribute meaningfully to the world around me.
In the words of Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist whose work has greatly influenced my own beliefs: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”
This quote serves as a powerful reminder that our value lies not in where we are, but in the direction we’re heading.
3) Chasing societal definitions of success
We live in a society where success is often defined by external measures – wealth, status, power. Many of us unconsciously adopt these definitions and strive to achieve them, often at the cost of our personal happiness and fulfillment.
However, one of the most valuable habits we can cultivate to increase our personal value is to redefine success on our own terms.
It’s about connecting with what truly matters to us – our passions, values, and purpose – and orienting our lives around these.
For me, personal success lies not in chasing societal expectations, but in leading a life of authenticity and purpose. It’s not about accumulating wealth or status, but about:
- Making a positive impact
- Nurturing meaningful relationships
- Growing as an individual
To further explore this concept, I invite you to watch my video where I delve into several personal freedom hacks that have significantly improved my life, including redefining success on personal terms.
In addition to watching this video, if you’re interested in exploring more about living a life with purpose and freedom, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. You’ll be joining a community of over 30,000 others dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement.
4) Avoiding responsibility for your actions
One of the most limiting habits that many people fall into is avoiding responsibility for their actions. This might be as simple as blaming others for our missteps, or as complex as attributing our life circumstances to fate or luck.
This avoidance can provide temporary comfort, but in the long run, it leaves us powerless. We become victims of our circumstances, unable to effect change and improve our lives.
When we choose to take full responsibility for our lives – for our actions, attitudes, and responses – we tap into our inherent power. We can then shape our destiny and live in alignment with our deepest values.
It’s not always easy to accept responsibility, especially when it’s much simpler to point fingers. But this raw honesty with ourselves is crucial.
It’s a commitment to personal growth and self-awareness, which are both central to increasing our personal value.
5) Overlooking the power of creativity
In a world that often values logic and reason over imagination, it’s easy to overlook the power of creativity. Many of us relegate it to artists or think of it as a ‘nice-to-have’ rather than a core aspect of our lives.
Don’t buy into this mindset — creativity is an inherent capacity within all of us.
It’s not just about artistic expression; it’s about finding innovative solutions to problems, thinking outside the box, and making connections between seemingly unrelated things.
When we limit our creativity, we limit our potential. We confine ourselves within the boundaries of what we know and fail to explore what could be.
So embrace it and let it open up a world of possibilities for you. Let it help you see things from different perspectives, come up with novel ideas, and approach life with curiosity and wonder.
By tapping into this creative potential, you increase your personal value and contribute positively to the world around you.
6) Pursuing happiness as a goal
Happiness is often promoted as the ultimate goal in life. We’re told that if we’re not happy, something is wrong with us or our circumstances.
This can lead us into an endless chase for happiness, where we’re constantly striving to eliminate any discomfort or negativity in our lives.
However, this pursuit can be counterproductive. Life isn’t about constant happiness – it’s about experiencing a full range of emotions, including those that are uncomfortable.
It’s through these experiences that we grow and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Additionally, happiness is often a byproduct of living in alignment with our values, not a goal to be pursued in itself. It emerges when we engage in activities that are meaningful to us, build authentic relationships, and contribute to causes greater than ourselves.
Shifting our focus from pursuing happiness to living authentically and purposefully increases our personal value. We also create space for genuine joy and contentment to arise naturally in our lives.
If you’d like to explore this concept further, I invite you to watch my video on “the illusion of happiness” where I discuss how chasing happiness can actually make us miserable and how embracing life’s challenges can foster creativity and personal growth.
7) Ignoring the importance of authentic relationships
In an increasingly connected world, it’s easy to mistake quantity of relationships for quality. We might amass hundreds of connections on social media, but how many of these are genuine, authentic relationships?
Overvaluing superficial connections can lead us to ignore the importance of deep, authentic relationships. That would be a huge mistake because studies show that it’s these deep connections that give us real life satisfaction.
These are the relationships that challenge us, support us, and help us grow. They offer a sense of belonging and make our lives richer and more meaningful.
Fostering authentic relationships requires effort and intention. It’s about being present, listening deeply, and opening ourselves up to vulnerability. It also involves setting healthy boundaries and ensuring that the relationship is mutually respectful and beneficial.
When you prioritize authentic relationships, not only do you instantly enhance your personal value, but you also contribute positively to the lives of others. You become part of a supportive community where everyone is encouraged to be their true selves and flourish together.
8) Forgetting to self-reflect
Finally, let me ask you a very important question: how often do you take a step back to self-reflect?
In our busy lives, it’s so easy to focus on everything happening around us that we forget to check in with what’s going on within us.
But here’s the reality: self-reflection is essential if you want to keep growing, adjusting, and evolving as a person. Skipping out on self-reflection is like driving in circles without ever checking your map—you’ll burn out before you even realize you’re off course.
Self-reflection helps you identify patterns, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and become more aware of how you’re showing up in your relationships, career, and personal life.
When you take the time to reflect, you’re not just learning about what went wrong; you’re also celebrating what went right. It’s a moment to ask yourself what you need to do differently and what’s worth continuing.
If you make self-reflection a regular habit, you’ll find yourself more grounded, more intentional, and more capable of making decisions that align with the person you truly want to be.
Embracing growth
Breaking free from these habits that hold us back is a continuous journey, one that takes commitment, honesty, and a willingness to look within.
By letting go of these behaviors, you’re not just raising your value to others—you’re affirming your worth to yourself. Each step you take toward self-awareness, accountability, and growth brings you closer to the best version of yourself.
To join a community committed to personal growth and self-improvement, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel here. Together, we can explore the intricacies of human behavior, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more authentic life.
