7 Steps to Let Go of Unworthiness
Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash
Unworthiness is one of the most silent yet powerful barriers to personal and professional success. It’s a deep-rooted feeling that whispers, "You’re not good enough," and holds many people back from achieving their full potential. For individuals working in fast-paced environments, this hidden belief can quietly sabotage performance, confidence, and overall mental fitness. But what if you could let go of unworthiness and embrace a more empowered, fulfilled version of yourself? Here’s how to start.
Understanding the Root of Unworthiness
Unworthiness often stems from early life experiences, past trauma, or environments that failed to nurture self-love and confidence. Many people internalize negative beliefs based on external feedback, criticism, or comparison, shaping their inner dialogue over time. In a corporate world, this feeling might manifest as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or a fear of failure.
If you’ve ever doubted your abilities despite evidence of success, or felt like you’re “faking it” in professional settings, you’ve likely encountered this sense of unworthiness. It thrives on self-doubt and manifests in ways like:
Avoiding new challenges due to fear of failure or rejection.
Overworking to prove your worth, which can lead to burnout.
Downplaying accomplishments because you don’t believe you truly deserve recognition.
Comparing yourself to others, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy.
The good news is that these patterns can be unlearned. Letting go of unworthiness starts with recognizing it and committing to a process of self-healing and empowerment.
How to Let Go of Unworthiness
Acknowledge and Accept the Feeling
Before you can release feelings of unworthiness, it’s essential to acknowledge them without judgment. Many people try to suppress or ignore these emotions, but that only strengthens their hold over time. Take a moment to notice when unworthiness surfaces—whether in meetings, during interactions with colleagues, or while tackling a challenging project.
By accepting that you feel unworthy at times, you create space for healing. This doesn’t mean agreeing with the feeling; it means recognizing that it’s there so you can work through it.
Shift Your Inner Dialogue
The voice of unworthiness thrives on negative self-talk. Pay attention to how you speak to yourself in moments of doubt or stress. Are you overly critical or harsh? Do you focus on mistakes rather than successes? Learning to reframe your inner dialogue is key to letting go of unworthiness.
Start by practicing self-compassion. When a mistake happens, remind yourself that everyone makes them and that it’s part of the learning process. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” replace that thought with, “I am doing my best, and I’m growing every day.” With consistent effort, you can train your mind to adopt more supportive, encouraging language.
Inner Child Work and Heal Limiting Subconscious Beliefs
Unworthiness is often tied to limiting beliefs like, “My needs don’t matter,” or, “I’m not good enough.” These beliefs are usually formed early in life and go unchallenged for years, shaping how you see yourself in your career and beyond.
To break free from them, identify what these beliefs are and question their validity. Ask yourself: Is this belief based on facts, or is it a narrative I’ve adopted? What evidence do I have that challenges this belief? What else could be true? The more you challenge these thoughts, the weaker their influence becomes.
Additionally, do inner child work. Inner child work involves reconnecting with the parts of yourself that may not have received the care and attention they needed as a child. It's a way to reparent yourself and access the child you once were. You can connect and heal them through guided meditations, tapping, journaling, connecting to them throughout your day and asking what they need and giving it to them. In general, treating yourself well is treating your inner child and helping them to heal.
Embrace Vulnerability
It’s easy to feel unworthy when you’re afraid to show vulnerability, especially in professional settings where there’s pressure to appear confident and in control. However, vulnerability is a source of strength, not weakness. It allows you to ask for help, admit when you don’t know something, and grow from feedback.
When you embrace vulnerability, you show yourself and others that being imperfect is part of being human. This shift in perspective can reduce feelings of inadequacy and increase your resilience.
Celebrate Your Wins
People who struggle with unworthiness often dismiss their achievements as “luck” or “no big deal.” To break this pattern, make a habit of celebrating your successes, no matter how small. Reflect on moments when you solved a problem, received praise, or completed a task that challenged you.
Celebrating your wins helps reinforce the idea that you are capable, deserving, and making meaningful contributions. It also rewires your brain to focus on what’s going well, instead of dwelling on perceived shortcomings.
Invest in Personal Growth
Letting go of unworthiness requires ongoing personal development. Whether through coaching, mentorship, or self-reflection, prioritize opportunities that help you grow mentally, emotionally, financially and professionally. A structured mental fitness routine, that includes things like tapping, guided meditations, yoga, breathwork, journaling, or Wondersource’s group or 1-1 coaching services can provide the tools needed to cultivate resilience, reframe negative beliefs, and build inner confidence.
Some journal prompts to around unworthiness:
I am incapable or unworthy of…
I believe I am incapable because…
My shame makes me feel…
If I knew it was ok to fully let go of any shame and love and accept all parts of me, I would…
My needs matter because…
I am good enough because…
If I believed I was capable of anything, I could…
I can build my belief in myself by…
Reasons why I am worthy of my dreams are…
If I knew I was worthy of all of my desires, I would…
By believing in myself no matter what, I will…
By chasing my best self, I will become…
I will no longer believe that…
The Power of Letting Go
Letting go of unworthiness doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and practice. But as you release these feelings, you’ll notice a profound shift in your professional and personal life.
You’ll be more willing to take risks, advocate for yourself, and approach challenges with a sense of curiosity rather than fear. Your sense of self-worth will no longer be tied to external validation or achievements, but rather rooted in the knowledge that you are enough, just as you are.
At Wondersource, we believe that true success begins with inner strength. Our Signature Mind, Body, Work program helps individuals break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their unique power. By fostering mental fitness, holistic health and soft skills development we empower people to lead healthier, more successful lives—both inside and outside the workplace.
If you're ready to amplify your own growth or your team's potential and health and foster a culture of holistic growth, reach out to us at hello@wondersource.co or book in a call to learn more. We offer 1-1 coaching services, and team classes, workshops and more to empower employees to thrive! Let's embark on a journey towards thriving together.
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