The Power of Self

No doubt, this particular post will rub many people the wrong way. However, I have become increasingly interested in the power of the individual to better their own lives. Living in the United States, there seems to be an almost innate belief in the ability of each person to improve their lives, no matter their circumstances, as long as they are granted equality of opportunity.

However, at the same time, we also grant allowances for ourselves by making excuses for our lot in life. “I was born into poverty,” “I come from a broken home,” etc… So my question is: What impact do our external circumstances have on our internal feeling of worth? What impact do external circumstances have on our own feelings of self-worth? Should they have as large or small of an impact as they do?

Over the past year and a half, I have been dealing with serious career problems. I decided to do a complete career change…not just a job, but completely change industries. This, it turns out, was not nearly as easy as I had expected. As a matter of fact, I admit I was downright naive about the difficulties I would run into. Now, I am in a career that I like better, but making approximately half of what I made in my previous career.

I have been through all the emotions and feelings I believe possible throughout this process- Excitement, depression, hope, despair, worthlessness, self-confidence… I find amazing the fact that I am so quick to look back on the original decision to change careers and wish I could have a do-over. “It was such a stupid decision; I should never have done it; If I knew then what I know now…” All of these phrases have had far too much time to play around in my head. It occurred to me that if I’m feeling this way, there are no doubt many out there feeling this way. Also, there are no doubt many of you who have felt this way at some point and have now made it to the other side of the fence. I certainly hope for you that the grass did turn out to be greener.

I have officially turned a corner in my inner thought processes. It occurred to me how self-defeating it truly is to focus on the mistakes (if in fact they truly are mistakes). I am no longer convinced that my decision was wrong. It may have been bad timing, but I have learned so many things about myself through this process that I am amazed.

1. I have a deep and abiding commitment to my family
2. I am a pretty intelligent person overall
3. Even when times are tough, I can handle the problems calmly and rationally
4. While I can’t reasonably pray to God about this, I have found that I don’t need to
5. What great life experience I have gained through this
6. I can make the necessary lifestyle changes to reflect my current income level
7. I don’t need a particular career or income level to feel worthy
8. There is not one person on this earth more valuable than I
9. I am a deep person
10. I don’t communicate well

There are many other things I’ve learned about myself, but mostly I’ve learned that I, along with every other person, don’t have to have my inner worth determined by my external circumstances. I have an honest belief that I will turn the corner soon, and find what I’m looking for.

In truth, I think I am a much stronger individual now than I was before. I am even more set in my beliefs. I can’t pray to a god about my situation, I actually tried, until I literally couldn’t anymore. Immediately, my philosophy kicked in…This is not God’s problem, it’s mine. I made the decision, I can’t ask it to bail me out from the consequences. Take the hits as they come, and keep getting back up. Never quit.

There is real value in your life. There is real value in your beliefs, whatever they are. There is real value in your talents, skills, knowledge, and experiences. These things make you who you are. Never let external circumstances make you lose sight of your value. Ever.