The journey of activating your worth begins with awareness, but for many, it starts in a place of unawareness or vague recognition. In my last blog, I touched on the 4 levels of worth. Today, we will dive deeper into level 1. This is the stage where you may not even realize that your worth is something to question, much less to explore. It’s where the seeds of doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs often take root, shaping how you view yourself and your potential.
What Keeps Us in Level 1?
This stage is often shaped by external factors like upbringing, societal expectations, and past experiences. Here are some common influences:
- Childhood Conditioning
- Many of us internalize beliefs from a young age—things like “Be seen and not heard,” “Be polite,” or “Don’t rock the boat.” While these messages may have been well-meaning, they often lead to self-doubt and people-pleasing behaviors later in life.
- Societal Expectations
- Society often rewards conformity over authenticity. The pressure to “fit in” or follow a prescribed path can make you question your worth if you don’t align with those expectations.
- Negative Experiences
- Experiences like rejection or criticism can reinforce feelings of inadequacy. These moments often leave emotional imprints that whisper, “You’re not enough.”
Signs You’re in Level 1
Recognizing that you’re in this stage is the first step to moving beyond it. Here are some common indicators:
- Self-Doubt Dominates: You second-guess yourself constantly and struggle to make decisions.
- People-Pleasing: You prioritize others’ needs and opinions over your own, often at your own expense. In fact, you often rationalize it.
- Difficulty Accepting Compliments: When someone praises you, you dismiss it or feel uncomfortable. You may even feel the need to immediately return the compliment instead of fully accepting and absorbing the prasie you just recieved.
- Feeling Stuck: Life feels like it’s happening to you rather than for you, and you’re unsure how to change it.
- Disconnected from Purpose: You have a faint whisper inside that says, “You’re meant for more,” but it’s overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. You ignore it and dismiss it.
How to Begin Shifting Out of Level 1
If you recognize yourself in this stage, don’t worry. The fact that you’re becoming aware of it is already a significant step forward. Here’s how to start shifting:
- Acknowledge Where You Are
- Give yourself grace. Recognizing that you’re in Level 1 isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an opportunity for growth. Awareness is the foundation of transformation.
- Start Questioning Your Beliefs
- Ask yourself: Where did this belief come from? Is it true? For example, if you believe, “I’m not good enough,” trace its origins. Did someone say this to you? Did an experience make you feel this way? Start challenging these narratives and diving into where they came from. This way you can begin to work through them.
- Experiment with Small Acts of Worth
- Begin reclaiming your worth through small, intentional actions. This could mean saying no to something that drains you, practicing self-care, or simply accepting a compliment without deflecting or feeling the need to immediately return it.
- Seek Support
- Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or even a close friend, having someone who believes in you can help you start to see your worth through a clearer lens.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve been here—feeling small, stuck, and unsure of my place in the world. For years, I dismissed my accomplishments and allowed others’ opinions to dictate my sense of self. When I finally started to unravel these beliefs, I discovered how deeply rooted they were in my childhood experiences. The messages I internalized as a child shaped how I saw myself for so long. Processing this wasn’t easy—it took time, effort, and a lot of self-reflection. Even now, things occasionally resurface, but I’ve learned how to navigate them with greater ease and grace. Each time I work through a new layer, I feel more aligned with the truth of my worth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Level 1, know that it’s just a starting point. If you start doing the work you will in fact move forward. Be honest with yourself and where you are. There’s nothing wrong with being at this level. This stage is simply the beginning of a deeper, richer journey. By acknowledging where you are and taking small steps to challenge your beliefs, you can start to shift into greater awareness and empowerment.
Remember, your worth has always been there. It’s not something you have to earn; it’s something you get to rediscover and activate. The next step is yours to take.
Til next time,
Own your crown, always,
Amanda


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