Have you ever felt like you have been devalued by someone else? How did it feel? Were you angry and downtrodden? I have and know exactly how it feels when other people have devalued who I am and what I do. I regained my emotional composure in spite of these judgments, and realized that I am still who I am and that I did not die of sadness or inferiority. Overcoming rejections and hurtful situations can be difficult but not impossible. The word “haters” comes to mind when I observe or know of people who constantly devalue others based personal judgments.
Before I started to write about this topic I thought about how I may have been a “hater” myself in some instances. So I guess I can not put a halo on for this one. After taking responsibility for value judging others, I tuned back into the innermost genuine part of my character that frowns upon the very thought of people taking a voluntary stance of superiority over others.
There is no doubt that society imposes certain criteria that most people try to live by for acceptance and self-gratification. Part of these criteria is a certain degree of devaluing others to feel better about themselves. There are reality TV shows devoted to flaunting and glorifying the “fun” associated with trying to look and be “better” than others. Self-improvement, common courtesy, and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated appear to be a thing of the past.
In sharing a brief camaraderie moment with one of my colleagues, she pointed out that her father had once told her that she was not better than anyone else but no one else was better than her. We enjoyed sharing the empowerment one feels when we maintain the idea that others do not determine our value and that even when we are faced with gestures of dislike or hate from others, one must remember that the value judgment that truly matters is, you guessed it, your own.
When we hold on to the truth that lies within our genuine characters of self-worth, we become our own best heroes. We just need to remember that we possess certain talents, abilities, skills, and characteristic traits that are unique and that no hater can take them away no matter how much they devalue you.
Changing the frequency of our lives to gain empowerment over our decisions at our homes and work organizations can make all the difference in the world in terms of joining the haters groups or serving as examples and pillars of greatness for the betterment of society. Devalue others and devalue yourself; empower others and empower yourself!
Edwin Martinez (PHR) is a human resources professional with over 20 years of HR experience. He’s the publisher of the blog, Winning Isn’t Everything?
Edwin as usual right on the money. I enjoy reading your publications.
Edwin this blog is an awesome testimony. I will share this with my bible study groups…Devalue others Devalue yourself; empower others empower yourself!
It reminded me of a time when I had to be strong and not let the haters as you call them control my emotions and self-worth. I had to stand firm and let God be the judge…not me!Of course all of my strength came from God. I left walking with my head up and with dignity. Why devaluing other devalues oneself is very inspiring and made me think how we must live, treating other as we like to be treated….it’s something we all know but, many do not practice. Thanks, Edwin for sharing your wisdom =)
No one is perfect to judge, and yet we have a society that is built on just that. Society wants to see what is perceived perfection, and try it’s hardest to turn around and tear it down because they can’t achieve that perceived excellence and perfection themselves. It’s truly a shame when our lives become about tearing people down instead of uplifting them. We are surrounded by judgemental people. I admittedly find that I’m judgemental of myself just trying to achieve this idea of perfection. If people can just see that so much more can be accomplished when we work together and uplift one another, maybe people will finally wake up and learn what life is truly about. I watched a movie tonight called To Save A Life, and it had a lot to do with what your article is about. It shows that tearing down people has real consequences, and how bottom line is that every person matters and has a purpose. Sometimes it takes just one person to make a difference in the life of another. I know that this publication will open the eyes of many people. Your words are right on point, and have true value. Another excellent article.