February 5, 2026
How to Build Self-Worth When Working with AI
How to Build Self-Worth When Working with AI
Following our previous discussion on the challenges faced by workers in the AI era—specifically the feelings of insecurity and questioning one’s own value—today, I invite you to explore simple, practical tools. These psychological techniques will help you realize and nurture your internal value in your daily life.
What is Self-Compassion?
Dr. Kristin Neff, a psychologist from the University of Texas at Austin and a leading expert on Self-Compassion, proposes that recognizing self-worth must begin with accepting one’s imperfections. It is not about trying to prove that we are “good enough” or flawless. She explains that people with high Self-Compassion cope better with mistakes and failure because they do not tie their self-worth solely to success. How does Self-Compassion help at work? It significantly reduces stress, encourages the courage to experiment (trial and error), and facilitates faster recovery from failure.
Why Do We Feel Worthless When Working with AI?
In this era, why do we feel diminished? It is often because we compare our output to the speed of AI. To manage our thoughts and feelings effectively, practicing Self-Compassion is crucial. A simple start: When you make a mistake or feel inadequate, pause and ask yourself: “If a close friend were in this situation, what would I say to them?” Then, say those same words to yourself. This exercise reveals that we are often kind to others but harsh on ourselves. By practicing this self-inquiry regularly, you will notice an increased inner strength to handle challenges.
3 Exercises to Build Self-Worth in the AI Era
Beyond the general practice of Self-Compassion, here are three specific exercises to help you maintain your sense of value while working alongside AI:
1. Write Down 3 Personal Strengths Every Week
Martin Seligman, the pioneer of Positive Psychology, suggests training ourselves to consistently look for our strengths. These don’t have to be grand achievements. It could be as simple as “I listened to others without interrupting” or “I was punctual.” Recording these helps you see that you have more value than you think.
2. Record Small Wins
We often overlook small successes and focus on what we haven’t achieved yet. Try recording the “Small Wins” that happen each day, such as “Today I helped a colleague solve a problem” or “I handled an angry customer better than usual.” As these accumulate, you will see that you are constantly creating a positive impact.
3. Find Someone to Reflect Your Value
Carol Dweck, a psychologist from Stanford University and author of the famous book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, emphasizes that our environment affects how we see ourselves. Try setting up a small support circle with trusted friends to share feelings and challenges. Hearing perspectives from others helps you see the value you might be overlooking in yourself.
Practicing these tools might sound simple, but many find it difficult when the work environment sends conflicting signals. As AI plays a larger role, many employees are confused about how much they should adapt, how much they should rely on technology, and where the “human role” remains.
The Role of the Organization and AI Integration
A key factor making mental self-care difficult is organizational ambiguity regarding AI usage.
- Some employees may use AI to assist with 70% of their work.
- Others may barely use it at all.
If the organization does not discuss this openly or establish a mutual agreement on “How much AI should be used, what it should help with, and what remains a human duty,” inequality and pressure will silently build up.
- High AI Users: May be expected to produce more work, faster.
- Low AI Users: May feel outdated or inefficient, even if their work requires emotional nuance or complex decision-making that AI cannot yet perform well.
Therefore, maintaining self-worth in the AI era cannot rely solely on individual effort. It requires clarity and communication from the organization. When leaders discuss AI transparently and define clear roles, employees feel secure. They stop guessing whether they are “doing it right” and stop comparing themselves to others without context.
When organizational clarity is combined with Self-Compassion, recording small wins, and having a support system, these tools work effectively. People will see their own value and won’t be swallowed by anxiety.
Internal Value is the Foundation
Internal value is a sustainable foundation. It is not something AI can replace, it is not shown in KPIs, and it does not disappear just because job roles change. It is the root that allows everyone to grow, learn, and move forward in a non-stop changing world without losing themselves along the way.
Start today by asking yourself: “What good thing did I do today?” and write it down. You will find that your value is greater than you thought, and it has been there all along—waiting for you to see it.
Related Articles: The Internal Value of Work in an AI Era Defined by Efficiency
Compiled and Translated by Matana Wiboonyasake
- How to Build Self-Worth When Working with AI - February 5, 2026
- The Internal Value of Work an AI Era Defined by Efficiency - January 9, 2026