4 Things Kanye West Can Teach Us About Self Worth
At this point, you’re probably totally over Kanye… I’ve gotta admit I’m kind of with you. Up until this week, I was a staunch Ye supporter, but his bashing of one of my true musical loves, Beck, pushed me over the edge into the haters club.
But, like any (tidal) wave maker, I think there’s some important stuff we can learn from Yeezy about self worth.
1. Be an UNAPOLOGETIC PROMOTER, but don’t be an asshole
There’s something I want to tell you… come in real close:
YOU’RE AWESOME.
I’m sure you know this, but we’ve been taught to think that singing our praises is “dirty” or wrong and this manifests itself in all kinds of ugly ways. Studies suggest that men are 60% more likely to call themselves “very qualified” than women.
It’s time to end this trend.
And who better to teach us how than the KING of self-promotion! Seriously, this dude thinks he’s God’s gift to the world and he’s not ashamed to tell you… and tell you often.
I mean, say what you will about the guy, but he’s crazy confident in what he brings to the table.
What would it look like if you had that kind of confidence?
Would you ask for a better job, a promotion, help with the housework?
Sure, there’s an “icky” way to self-promote and Ye may cross that line from time to time, but there’s another way, a humble way – the humble brag.
And, honey, practice makes perfect, so humble brag all over. I challenge you to share something you’ve done well with no less than 5 people today.
2. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD even if you’re in the minority
As women, too often we let others take the stage and hold back our voice and our brilliant ideas. We’re scared to be questioned, scared to be judged, and scared to be wrong… but more than that – I think we’re scared of how RIGHT we are.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
...Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine.” – Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love
It’s time to speak up and share your message with the world. Let your light shine.
3. You don’t have to knock others down to LIFT YOURSELF UP
Women are taught to compete against women. I don’t quite know why or how, but it’s the truth.
(I’m sure I’m not alone in hearing the horror stories of successful, capable professional women holding other women down.)
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to knock anyone down to create success for yourself.
Case in point: Kanye didn’t need to dis on Beck’s “artistry” (or alleged lack thereof) to tell us what a powerhouse, class act and hot mama Beyonce is.
4. Always come back to WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT
Amidst Yeezy’s recent rant, I was surprised to hear him close out with this:
“I got my wife, my daughter, and I got my clothing line, so I’m not going to do nothing that would put my daughter at risk, but I am here to fight for creativity.”
The value of the clothing line might be a bit of a stretch, but in the end, he came back to what was the most important: the people in our lives (his wife and daughter) and our highest values (for him, creativity).
Remembering what’s important to us helps to put it all into context and to keep us driving forward and fighting for what we believe in. Without that, what’s the point?
And, of course, always remember why you’re here - to make a difference in this world: