Techniques for Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Self-Worth
Howdy, y’all! Today, we’re diving into techniques for overcoming guilt and embracing self-worth. Think of it as shedding the weight of unnecessary guilt and stepping into your personal power. Ready to lighten your load and shine? Let’s dive in!
Just a quick reminder of my favorite definition for the word guilt: Guilt is when your actions don’t match up to your values.
First things first: overcoming guilt starts with recognizing and being connected to your self-worth. When you value yourself, your ability to recognize, challenge and let go of unhealthy guilt becomes more and more doable. Not necessarily easy….but definitely doable. You deserve to live a life free from unnecessary burdens, and embracing your self-worth is key to get closer to making that happen.
Here are some techniques to help you overcome guilt and embrace your self-worth:
1. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. When you feel guilty, remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to prioritize your own needs. Self-compassion can help you break free from the cycle of guilt and self-blame. Here is a great quick guide from The University of Utah to help you get into the mode of creating a self-compassion practice.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Guilt often stems from negative thoughts and irrational beliefs. When you catch yourself feeling guilty, ask yourself if your feelings are based on facts or assumptions. Catching the guilt in the moment is so much more important than letting the emotion completely dictate the actions/behaviors/thoughts that happen after the emotion shows up. Challenge any negative thoughts that are fueling your guilt and replace them with positive and realistic affirmations that fit your life in real time.
3. Set Healthy & Strategic Boundaries: I’m sure you are aware that pleasing everyone all the time can cost you a lot of time, blood, sweat, energy, money, and resources. It’s okay to create a plan for yourself on how you would say no and set strategic boundaries to protect your well-being [which includes your energy, money, resources, and time]. Remember, setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you responsible for your own happiness.
4. Focus on Your Strengths: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments. Reflect on the positive impact you’ve had on others, on yourself, and the things you’re proud of. Focusing on your strengths can boost your self-worth and help you overcome feelings of guilt placed on you by society, your environment, or a random person’s opinion. Here is a Personal Strengths List from the Mayo Clinic Wellness Coaching Program. Take a look, read through it, and pick strengths that fit you, for YOU!
5. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support when you need it. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings, thoughts, and opinions of guilt. Sometimes, just having someone actively listen to you and offer you support can make a big difference in how you process the feeling and emotion of guilt.
Here are some additional tips to help you embrace your self-worth:
1. Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude can help shift your focus from what you feel guilty about to the positive aspects of your life. An easy way to do this, would be to write down 2-3 things each day that you are grateful for – to practice getting into the frame of mind of incorporating gratitude into your day.
2. Engage in Self-Care: Make self-care a priority in your life. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time with loved ones, self-care can help you feel more balanced and valued. Most of all, make it practical and realistic so you can actually accomplish this for yourself!
3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: What content are you consuming each day? Who do you watch on YouTube and who do you listen to on podcasts? And what are the messages you’re left with from this content? Surround yourself with people, places, and things who uplift and support you. Positive influences can help reinforce your self-worth and remind you of your value. Being intentional about what and how you consume information from outside of you, will for sure influence you. Add some positivity daily to ensure you have a balance!
Remember, overcoming guilt and embracing self-worth is a journey. It takes time and practice, but with each step, you’ll feel lighter and more empowered. You deserve to live a life free from unnecessary guilt and full of self-love.
I encourage you start practicing these techniques and watch how they transform your life. You deserve to feel valued and worthy – not only from others, but within yourself. You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!
Stay tuned for more tips and insights on overcoming guilt and embracing self-worth. Wishing you the very best, and nothing less!
References:
Dr. Kristin Neff. (2015). Q u I C K g u I D e. In W E L L N E S S C H a M P I O N S. https://uha.blob.core.windows.net/accelerate/attachments/ckkfufgbr00da0op70tu6jkq8-uofuhealth-explore-self-compassion.pdf
Mayo Clinic Wellness Coaching Program © 2016. (2016). https://www.livewellmcallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Personal-Strengths-List.pdf
