Here are two ways that the lack of self-value can manifest itself into action, or the lack thereof:
The Thought Cycle of Insignificance and Depression:
The realization slips in (subconsciously or consciously) that, "I feel insignificant."
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“When I reflect upon myself and my future, I feel even more hopeless and less valuable.”
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*As the thought settles further in, it becomes: “I'm now beginning to feel purposeless, down, and depressed.”
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Which, if uninterrupted will turn into: "I’m worthless and have now lost any desire or motivation to move or take action what so ever. Why even bother. I might as well just mindlessly scroll through my phone, detach and watch porn, or numb out on Netflix."
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And so the depression and hopelessness spreads and the cycle continues.
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The Thought Cycle of Insignificance & Action:
The realization slips in (subconsciously or consciously) that, "I feel insignificant."
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“The stronger my insecurity becomes, the more I want to prove that I am significant.”
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“I’m going to prove that I’m important by working to make something significant or by working to do what others will perceive as important.”
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"The more I work, the better I feel. So... I work even harder."
(And judge those who don't.)
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Which eventually, if left unchecked, turns into: “My hunger to work can no longer be controlled when I am still. Because the more still and quiet I become, the more restless and worthless I feel.”
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And thus, the flame of vain action and the search for one's value is lit and spreads across one's life.
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Do either of these sound familiar?
For whatever reason, our culture views the actionable man as admirable and the depressed individual as someone to be ashamed of. Yet, they are merely two individuals attempting to overcome the exact same issue of feeling invaluable in two different ways.
Neither is healthy, and both cycles can be prevented if the needs of the insignificant soul are met with the affection and attention it craves at the beginning of the thought/emotion cycle.
The earlier we can catch ourselves in the act of spiraling into worthlessness, the more quickly we can find out what we emotionally need, and then take action to get this need met in a more healthy and fulfilling way.
The ironic part is, for the toiling man of action, his need will likely be stillness, and for the depressed man, action.