What is your self-worth?

However, more important than net worth is a person's self-worth. Wealth is not merely defined by money but by a list of other elements that contribute to a person's sense of fulfilment, wholeness, and completeness in life. To live a fully enriched life, one doesn't need only financial success but also good health, family, friends, love, societal respect, a sense of purpose, and various other qualities that cannot be measured in purely financial terms.
Have you ever considered that your ability to work diligently every day, or the relationships you nurture, could also be a measure of your worth? Having a loving family is priceless. It's something that no amount of money can buy, yet it adds tremendous value to your existence. Similarly, earning respect in society is not something that happens overnight. It requires consistent effort, moral values, and ethical behaviour, all of which should also be considered forms of wealth. So, how do we incorporate these intangible aspects into our understanding of self-worth?
Today, googling the net worth of celebrities or successful business figures has become a popular trend, but we rarely ask about a person's self-worth. What is the point of having a high net worth if it comes at the expense of health, which could have been preserved with proper self-care and balance? What if the pursuit of success leads to strained or broken relationships? Consider the individual who has earned millions but loses family due to an inflated ego or lack of time spent with loved ones. In contrast, someone with 20% less net worth but who enjoys a close-knit family and meaningful connections might have a higher sense of self-worth when viewed holistically.
Additionally, consider the lives of working couples, both highly successful in their careers, yet unable to spend quality time together. Their net worth may be rising, but their self-worth may be diminishing because they lack balance and fulfilment in their personal lives. Ambitious individuals who devote every hour to increasing income may be building financial worth, but often sacrificing their own mental health, family relationships, and overall well-being, which may lead to a reduction in self-worth.
Similarly, individuals who resort to unethical practices to inflate their bank accounts may enjoy temporary financial success but lose respect in the eyes of their family, friends, and society. This tarnishes their self-worth, regardless of how impressive their financial achievements may seem.
The truth is, that net worth alone doesn't define success or happiness. A person’s self-worth is a much deeper and more comprehensive measure, encompassing values like integrity, relationships, health, purpose, and peace of mind. In a world that often glorifies financial success, it’s crucial to remember that a full and meaningful life is about much more than what can be counted in dollars.
When assessing success, don't focus solely on net worth. Look at the complete picture and ask yourself: How rich are you in terms of self-worth?