The past week has been hard. I have been fighting off some sort of cold-like virus and it is knocking me out. Just when I think I have turned a corner it returns, and seems to want to spar with me a little longer. Nevertheless, while my posts have not been daily, as I intended, I am back today to continue sharing my thoughts and experiences around how we can manifest the life we truly want and deserve.
There is a moment in every journey of growth when you realize that the biggest obstacle between you and living your dreams is not external. It is not lack of time, resources, or opportunity. It is the quiet voice inside that questions whether you truly deserve what you desire.
Building our dream life is not just about setting goals and taking action. It is also about believing that we are worthy of the life we want to create. If deep down we feel undeserving of success, love, happiness, or abundance, our actions will reflect that belief. We might self-sabotage, hesitate to take opportunities, or settle for less than you are capable of achieving.
Today, we are exploring the deep connection between self-worth and manifestation. I am using that word, not in a woo-woo “if you think about it, it will simply appear” kind of way, but to reflect that where we place our attention, our energy, thoughts and actions will follow. If you have ever struggled with feelings of unworthiness or doubted whether you truly deserve the dreams you are working toward, this is for you.
Understanding Self-Worth and How It Affects Your Dreams
Self-worth is our internal sense of value. It is not based on achievements, external validation, or how others see us. It is rooted in the belief that I am inherently valuable just as I am.
When we have a strong sense of self-worth, we approach life with confidence. We take risks, trust our instincts, and believe in our ability to create what we desire. We do not allow rejection or failure to define us. We stand firm in our dreams because we know they are meant for us.
On the other hand, when self-worth is shaky, doubt seeps into every decision. We might second-guess ourself, shrink back from opportunities, or convince ourself that our dreams are out of reach. This creates resistance. Even if we set intentions and take action, if a part of us does not believe we deserve success, we will unconsciously push it away.
Signs That Low Self-Worth is Blocking Us
Have you ever noticed that there are some days when you wake up and you look at yourself in the mirror and really, truly like what you see. Maybe you are having a good hair day, or you have slept really well and you feel refreshed, ready to take on the world. Have you noticed that on those days, when you tell yourself “today is going to be a great day”, that great things just seem to happen all day? You hit every green light, your coffee line is short and at work everything just runs smoothly.
But then there are those other days when you stumble out of bed, stub your toe, realize you have two different shoes on, can’t find your wallet and there is a line of cars behind you in the drive-thru and once you get to work, the wi-fi is down and there are a million complaint messages waiting in your voicemail?
How we start our day often affects how the rest of it goes, not because of some karmic payback, but because where our attention goes, our energy flows. When we start our day with the intention that it is going to be a great day, we focus on the great things happening. When we start our day wondering what else could go wrong, we focus on all the things that are not going our way. And often, we unconsciously decide which it will be based on how we feel about ourselves and what we deserve.
If you feel like you have been working toward your dreams but things are not quite coming together, it may be worth exploring whether self-worth is a hidden obstacle. Manifestation is not just about setting goals and taking action—it is about believing that you deserve the things you are calling into your life.
Here are some common signs that low self-worth might be interfering with your ability to create the life you desire:
- You hesitate to go after what you truly want. You talk yourself out of opportunities before you even try, telling yourself you are not ready or not good enough.
- You downplay your successes. When you achieve something, you brush it off as luck or believe that anyone could have done it, rather than acknowledging your own effort and talent.
- You struggle to set boundaries. You often put others’ needs ahead of your own, feeling guilty when you say no or prioritize your well-being.
- You avoid taking risks. Fear of failure or rejection holds you back, and you convince yourself that staying safe is better than trying and potentially failing.
- You accept less than you deserve. Whether in relationships, your career, or personal goals, you settle for less than what you truly want because deep down, you are not sure you deserve more.
- You have an internal dialogue that reinforces self-doubt. You catch yourself thinking things like, “That kind of success isn’t for people like me” or “I could never do that.”
If any of these feel familiar, it is not a sign that your dreams are unattainable. It is simply a sign that your self-worth needs to be nurtured. The more you work on seeing yourself as deserving, the easier it will become to take bold steps toward the life you want.
We have all had these thoughts and struggles. If you haven’t, I wonder if you are really human. But when these thoughts or signs of inaction become our default, we get stuck and no amount of wanting something better will move us.
Shifting from Doubt to Deserving
The good news is that self-worth is not something you are born with or without. It is something you can cultivate. Like any skill, it grows with intention and practice. Here are some ways to strengthen our belief that you we worthy of the life we are building.
1. Rewrite the Narrative
Most limiting beliefs about self-worth come from past experiences. Perhaps you were criticized as a child, compared to others, or made to feel like you had to earn love through achievement. These old narratives can linger long after the original experience has passed. Many of us who grew up in hard working families believe that hard work leads to success and that is how we find love and belonging. Lots of high achieving people struggle with perfectionism and that voice that says if we aren’t perfect, we aren’t good enough.
Start by identifying the stories you tell yourself about your worth. Do you believe you have to work harder than everyone else to deserve success? Do you think happiness is for other people but not for you? Once you recognize these patterns, challenge them.
Write down a new belief that supports your worthiness. If an old thought says, “I am not smart enough to succeed,” replace it with, “I am always learning and growing, and my success is inevitable.” The more you reinforce this new belief, the more your mind will accept it as truth.
2. Act Like a Worthy Person
Your actions reinforce what you believe about yourself. If you believe you are worthy of success, you will make choices that support that belief. If you believe you are unworthy, you will settle, avoid risks, or hesitate to claim opportunities.
Decide today to act as if you are already the person who fully believes in their worth. Stand tall, make decisions with confidence, and stop apologizing for taking up space. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you would offer a close friend.
3. Surround Yourself with People Who See Your Worth
Self-worth grows in environments that reinforce it. If you are constantly around people who undermine your confidence or make you feel small, it will be harder to believe in yourself.
Seek out relationships that uplift and encourage you. Spend time with people who celebrate your wins, remind you of your strengths, and support your growth. Be mindful of the voices you allow into your life, whether through friendships, social media, or professional connections.
If you find yourself in an environment that diminishes your worth, set boundaries. Distance yourself from negativity, and cultivate spaces that nourish your confidence.
4. Practice Receiving
Many people with low self-worth struggle to receive. Compliments, help, love, or financial abundance might feel uncomfortable, as if they need to be earned rather than accepted freely.
Start small. The next time someone offers you a compliment, resist the urge to downplay it. Simply say, “Thank you.” If someone offers you help, accept it without guilt. Practice allowing good things to come to you without feeling like you must prove yourself first. And, for those who know me best, yes, this is hard to do. I am not there yet…but I am practicing.
You Are Worthy Right Now
Your self-worth is not conditional. It is not based on what you have done, what you have yet to do, or what others think of you. It is inherent. The more you recognize and claim your worth, the more your external world will begin to reflect it.
I would love to hear from you. What is one belief about your worth that you are ready to shift? What actions are you taking to embody the life you desire? Share in the comments or connect with me on social media. Let’s continue this journey of growth and manifestation together.
You are enough. You are capable. And the life you dream of? It is waiting for you to claim it.
It’s a new week. What a great time for a new way to see ourselves and the world.
Christine Sharpe: Writer, Speaker, Leader . 
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