How I’m deepening my self-worth
Yesterday was my birthday! Since it was my birthday and we're quickly approaching the mid-point of the year, it feels timely to check-in on developing my self-worth, my major intention for 2024 (here's the refresher).
We're going to take a brief intermission from the career exploration deep-dive. I'm going to share what I've learned about self-worth and how it can be helpful for you.
Let's jump in with a quick crash course – our self-worth is driven by external and internal factors (watch the first 12 min. of this Masterclass for more detail).
You know the external factors – our title, compensation or glowing feedback which makes us feel good because others tell us we are good. We spend a lot less time thinking about the internal factors or knowing and telling ourselves that we are good (without external validation) and taking pride in attributes such as our creativity, strategic thinking or empathy.
Our worth is always going to be comprised of a mix of external and internal factors. I'd guess the average woman's worth is probably 80% external / 20% internal and the ideal mix is the opposite.
Like all good goals, increasing my self-worth is…entirely unquantifiable. Just kidding, but really, there isn't a SMART framework or easily-actionable workplan.
Here's how I've tried to make mindful progress in my daily life:
Wow, my business has a lot of external metrics and I've gotten better at not being too attached to them.
When you own your business and the primary marketing channel is social media, those external markers of worth are loud. My revenue, LinkedIn followers and engagement feel like daily feedback if I am being effective at my job.
The first six-months of my business were hard. I was on a roller coaster of highs (omg, a post did well!) and lows (yikes, I haven't enrolled a client in weeks). I had to get off the roller coaster to make this career sustainable.
I wish I could say I did one easily replicable thing that magically bolstered my self-worth. Instead, it has been a daily practice of reminding myself that what matters is that my metrics trend upwards and trusting that they will.
For your reflection:
What is driving your roller coaster? Is it a mercurial boss, hot-and-cold client or uncertain promotion? What do you need to remind yourself to stay even-keeled?
I'm working with more senior clients, which is a mandate to fully own my capabilities. Historically, I've worked with clients a few years younger than me. This gave me natural confidence, as I'd been in their shoes before.
As my business has grown, it is clear that I can serve women from 30 to their early 40s and women who are my professional peers or a few years older have signed up to work with me.
Amazing, right?! Yes, but also nerve-wracking! I felt a little imposter syndrome like I needed to impress these women, similar to taking on a stretch assignment.
Until…I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself that I have 15 years of experience working at the same level my clients are, hundreds of hours of coaching and proven methodologies.
Whew, with that reminder, I was able to look at these new clients as an exciting opportunity to stretch, while trusting that I have everything I need to serve them.
Where are you feeling Imposter Syndrome? Is it a new promotion, interview or stretch opportunity? What expertise do you need to trust to feel more capable?
I'm taking my business to the next-level. July 1st marks my one-year anniversary of my full-time business (woo!). As I reflect, I am really proud of what I have built and the results I've helped clients achieve.
I've coached 75+ women (!), helping them find new jobs, start businesses and feel more ease, confidence and balance. I've honed my 1x1 methodology, group curriculum and distilled my advice into a 20-page job-search playbook. I've worked with two of my own coaches, completed trainings and read countless books.
Whew, writing that paragraph felt good!
As part of my continued growth and business maturation, I am raising my rates for 1x1 coaching in July. I know the value I create for clients and want to ensure that I can continue to provide deep support to a limited number of clients.
As I considered this (and sharing publicly!), I felt a responsibility to lead by example and fully own my value. I hope this inspires at least a few women on this list to ask for a raise the next time you have the opportunity!
What is your full value? What do you need to advocate for (monetarily or otherwise) to be fully recognized?
Thank you for reading and your continued support as always. Cheers to 37 and more self-worth for us all 🎉.
Stay tuned for the next edition of our career deep-dive in two weeks! We'll discuss how to figure out your Career North Star.
