11:11 Waves Blog 70: Worth 

Weekly ideas to stimulate reflection, inspire new possibilities and encourage new ways of doing and being. 

1. Test the water 

This week’s word is: Worth 

The word "worth" refers to the value or significance of something, often in terms of its usefulness, importance, or monetary value. It can denote the perceived merit or desirability of an object, idea, or action.  The origin of the term "worth" can be traced back to the Old English word "weorþ" which means "value" or "price." 

What is your definition of worth and how do you relate to it? Discuss the question here. 

2. Experience the initial wave 

To broaden your perspective, take a few minutes to read the following thoughts and notice what comes up for you. 

I. 

"Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth". Unknown 

II. 

To determine our own worth, it's crucial to recognize the measuring sticks we use, similar to how researchers rely on standardized tools for measurements. Often, we evaluate our worth against unreliable metrics, leading to fluctuations in self-esteem. According to research, five common - yet unhealthy - measuring sticks people use include: 1. appearance, 2. net worth, 3. social connections, 4. career achievements, and 5. personal accomplishments. But these measures are external, continuously changing and failing to capture our intrinsic value. Instead, finding self-worth lies in understanding and honouring ourselves, regardless of external circumstances, and aligning our actions with our core values to create a life of meaning and purpose 

III. 

“Pride is a sense of worth derived from something that is not part of us, while self-worth derives from the potentialities and achievements of self. We are proud when we identify ourselves with an imaginary self, a leader, a holy cause, a collective body of possessions. There is fear and intolerance in pride; it is insensitive and uncompromising. The less promise and potency in the self, the more imperative is the need for pride. The core of pride is self-rejection. We acquire a true sense of self-worth by examining ourselves in order to identify our talents and then working hard to realize them”. Bruce Lee 

3. Dive deep 

To gain a deeper understanding and spark new discoveries, this week I invite you to consider a scenario where everything you possess, including relationships, friendships, status, job/career, accomplishments and achievements, were suddenly taken away from you. 

• If you were left with only yourself, what would you consider valuable about who you are? 

• Thinking about this situation, how does it affect how you see yourself and your worth? 

4. Ride your radiant wave 

This week I invite you to explore this idea: What would you do anyway even if you knew you would fail? 

This practice is about recognizing your own worth regardless of external outcomes. Reflect on the activities or goals that hold deep meaning for you, even in the face of potential failure. These activities align with your core values, passions, and sense of purpose. Embracing this mindset signifies a profound acknowledgment of their intrinsic value, independent of external validation. It reflects a commitment to personal growth, self-expression, and fulfillment, prioritizing the journey and internal rewards over external measures of success.