Knowing Myself to Value Myself: How Self-Awareness Strengthens Personal Values
There are stages in life—especially during adolescence—when a person may feel confused about who they are, what they feel, and what they expect from themselves. Often, value is sought externally: in friends’ opinions, family approval, or constant comparison with others. However, when self-worth depends only on external validation, it becomes fragile and unstable.
In this context, self-awareness is not a luxury or a trend; it is a necessity. Knowing oneself allows a person to understand their reactions, recognize strengths and limits, and begin building a sense of self-worth that does not rely solely on others’ views. Only when someone truly knows themselves can they start to value themselves in a healthy way.
But… what does it really mean to know oneself? Does it mean having all the answers? Is it only about focusing on the positive? How are self-awareness and personal values connected? These questions are key to growing with greater clarity and inner coherence.
This post explores how self-awareness and personal values are connected, and why knowing yourself is the first step toward valuing yourself and making better decisions.
1. Self-awareness: Looking at myself with honesty
Knowing yourself does not mean judging yourself or demanding perfection. It means observing yourself with honesty and curiosity—recognizing what you are good at, what you struggle with, and how you react in different situations. This inner look is not about labeling yourself, but about understanding.
When a person does not know themselves, they often react automatically, without understanding why they act the way they do. When they begin to know themselves, they gain something essential: awareness. Awareness allows them to pause, reflect, and choose healthier responses.
Knowing yourself also means accepting that no two people are the same. Everyone has their own rhythm, history, and way of feeling. This acceptance is the foundation of a more solid self-esteem.
“Knowing myself is not criticizing myself; it is understanding myself.”
2. Personal values: What guides my decisions
Personal values are internal principles that guide behavior, even when no one is watching. They are not rules imposed from outside, but convictions shaped by experience, education, and personal reflection.
When a person has clear values, it becomes easier to make coherent decisions. They know what matters to them and which limits they do not want to cross. When values are unclear, decisions are often driven by peer pressure or the desire for approval.
Identifying one’s own values—such as respect, honesty, responsibility, or friendship—is a way of strengthening identity and personal direction.
“Values do not confine us; they guide us.”
3. Knowing myself in order to value who I am
Self-awareness and values are deeply connected. By knowing myself, I begin to recognize what truly makes sense to me and what does not. And by having clear values, I learn to value myself beyond my achievements or mistakes.
Valuing yourself does not mean feeling superior; it means recognizing yourself as worthy of respect and care. A person who values themselves can make mistakes without destroying themselves, ask for help without feeling weak, and set boundaries without excessive guilt.
When self-worth grows from self-awareness, it becomes less dependent on external approval and more stable over time.
“Valuing myself begins when I stop comparing myself.”
4. Self-awareness, values, and social pressure
During adolescence, peer pressure can strongly influence decisions. Without self-awareness and clear values, it is easy to say yes to situations that cause discomfort or risk, simply to avoid being left out.
Knowing yourself and having defined values acts as an inner compass. It allows you to ask: Does this fit with who I am? Does it help me or harm me? Does it go against what I consider important? These questions do not guarantee perfect decisions, but they do promote more conscious ones.
Growing in self-awareness is a form of emotional protection against external pressure.
“Knowing who I am helps me avoid losing myself among others.”
5. Knowing myself to value myself is a process
Self-awareness is not achieved once and for all. It is a process built over time, through experience and reflection. As a person grows, their priorities and values also evolve.
What matters is not having everything figured out, but being willing to look inward, learn, and adjust. Every step toward self-awareness strengthens the ability to value oneself and make decisions that are more aligned with who one is.
Knowing myself to value myself is not a final goal, but a path that accompanies personal growth.
“Growing well is learning to look at myself with respect.”
Final Thoughts
Self-awareness and personal values are pillars of healthy growth. Knowing myself helps me understand myself; clear values guide me; valuing myself protects me. Together, these elements support a stronger identity, more conscious decisions, and healthier relationships.
That is why knowing yourself is not about turning inward in isolation.
It is about opening an inner space from which to grow with greater safety and coherence.
With care,
Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández, your friend in the promotion of health 💛🌿✨
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