Why is it that our successes and failures have such a strong influence on how we feel about ourselves? The Upbuild team discusses the link between self-worth and the number on our paychecks, how we draw the line between healthy and unhealthy validation, and the limitations of chasing self-worth as a motivator. By getting clear on the difference between the ego and the true self, the team reveals how we can detangle the link between self-worth and achievement, which gives us access to the freedom we are all craving.

Podcast Hosts: Hari Prasada, Michael, Rasanath, and Vipin (the full Upbuild team)

Highlights

• [01:42] The link between self-worth and the number of our paycheck

• [03:41] How do we draw the line between healthy and unhealthy validation from the outside world

• [04:00] The limitations of chasing self-worth as a motivator

• [06:38] The price that other people have to pay when we chase self-worth

• [14:24] What happens within organizations when people are in touch with their self-worth

• [17:22] Which self are we talking about when we talk about self-worth?

• [18:42] The egoic self vs. true self 

• [24:34] Worth that is dependent on doing vs. worth that is dependent on being 

• [29:43] What is at stake if we don't untangle self-worth from achievement

Quotes

• "If we don't know where the 'you are here' point on the map is, how can you go anywhere else?" -Hari Prasada

• “What would it feel like to be in touch with my worth, independent of any of that external validation? That must be freedom!”-Vipin

• "The egoic self is a means to go toward the true self. But it is not the true self." -Rasanath

• “The self shows up in two ways. The egoic self, which is the self that needs an external validation to establish it’s identity. And then the true self, which is much deeper than the egoic self. The egoic self is covering the true self.” -Rasanath

• “The whole struggle for searching for self-worth is that we are out of touch with our self. And when we are out of touch with our self, how do we know how much the self is worth?” - Rasanath

• “When we get in touch with our worth, it's not like one’s ambition goes away. It’s just that the object of that ambition changes.” -Vipin

• “When we are mirrored by people looking at our egos, they are reinforcing the hall of mirrors that the world gives us. We need to ask ourselves: Is there anyone that sees me for my real self, and what does that even mean?" -Hari Prasada