The feeling of worthlessness is a feeling that grows inside a person, where they feel inadequate, incomplete or invisible. Many people experience this feeling at some point in their lives. For example, an individual who is constantly criticized in childhood begins to feel “inadequate” or “worthless” over time. This feeling can haunt a person even into adulthood and can distance them from success. For example, even a person who has accomplished a successful project in their business life may belittle their success by saying, “I don’t really deserve this, I was just lucky.” Such thoughts prevent a person from realizing their true potential and having self-confidence.

Feelings of worthlessness can be triggered in many different situations. For example, a person who is interrupted or ignored in a social setting may feel left out. This situation causes them to think, “I am not important enough.” As another example, an employee who is constantly criticized at work may start blaming themselves every time they make a mistake. Such experiences cause the person to constantly question their own worth and see themselves as inadequate. Over time, the person becomes unable to defend themselves even in the face of the slightest criticism and becomes withdrawn.

The most important step in overcoming feelings of worthlessness is to realize one’s own value. To do this, you can try to give yourself positive feedback in your daily life. For example, at the end of the day, ask yourself, “What did I do well today?” and focus on finding something positive. Maybe you took care of a difficult customer or supported a friend. Small successes like these can boost your self-confidence. Regularly writing down your strengths and small successes every day will renew your self-confidence.

To cope with feelings of worthlessness, you need to learn to be compassionate towards yourself. Instead of blaming yourself when you make mistakes, learn from them. For example, when you don’t achieve the success you expected on a project, instead of feeling inadequate, console yourself by saying, “This taught me something.” Realizing that your mistakes teach you something develops your inner compassion. With a compassionate perspective, you support yourself more and reduce your inner criticism.

Sometimes, getting professional support from outside can make a big difference in overcoming feelings of worthlessness. Working with a therapist or life coach can help you get to the root of this feeling and learn ways to cope. For example, you can discover how some events you experienced in your childhood shaped your perspective on yourself today. Getting professional support can help you look at yourself from a different perspective and understand your own value.

The reason you feel worthless can sometimes be due to your environment. When you spend time with people who constantly criticize or belittle you, your self-confidence can decrease. Therefore, try to spend time with people who support you and appreciate your successes. For example, getting together with a group of friends who motivate you makes you feel stronger and more valuable. Positive social relationships increase a person's self-esteem and help them leave behind feelings of worthlessness.

Feeling worthless is an issue that needs to be addressed with patience. Learning to value yourself, learning from your mistakes instead of magnifying them, and supporting yourself with the right environment will be effective in overcoming this feeling. Every person is valuable; accepting this and discovering your own potential is the most powerful step that will give you self-confidence. Remember, your most important supporter on this journey is yourself.