Your self worth is tied to your bank account

Greetings:

Still celebrating National Self Esteem Month. This week I want to discuss something many people may not realize. How much money you have is tied to your self confidence and self esteem. You can only earn what you believe you deserve. Ooooh, that might not feel so good but it is good to realize this so that you can do something about it. Awareness as they say is the first step. When you begin to value yourself you will begin to accept that you deserve more, and that includes money.

The following is an article I wrote on valuing yourself, knowing the importance of what you have to offer and appreciating what you know.

Knowing where to tap is priceless

All of us have a wealth of knowledge accumulated over a lifetime. The knowledge you have gained over years is priceless. Unfortunately, many people I talk to don't know or understand the value of what they know. They assume that if they know something it isn't that big a deal and everyone must know. Not true! Everyone knows what they know based on their own personal experiences, background and education. What you know is unique to you. Your knowledge, experience and wisdom are valuable and should be valued.

There is a great story that illustrates the value of knowledge. The story goes that NASA was having trouble with one of their spacecraft. The engine would not start. As a last resort they called in an expert. The expert examined the situation, went to his toolbox, and then walked over to the side of the engine and tapped it with a hammer. He told them to start the ignition again and it started right up. A few days later the commander received a bill from the expert for $100,000.00. He was enraged since the only thing the expert did was tap on the side of the engine. He sent the bill back to the expert and demanded he revise it. The expert revised the bill and sent it back. The commander opened the bill and it stated, "Tapping on the side of the engine - $1.00, knowing where to tap - $99,999.00."

Knowing what to do is as important, if not more so, than doing it. Knowledge is extremely valuable. So often I see people underselling themselves because they lack the confidence in what they know and that they are worth receiving fair compensation for it. One guru on pricing said you should charge what you can say without stuttering.

It is impossible to earn or charge more than you think you are worth. What you are paid has a lot to do with self-confidence and self esteem. Work on building your confidence in what you know and what that knowledge is worth. Once you become very clear on the value of what you know, you will exude that confidence and asking for what your worth won't be an issue.

I am not suggesting you go out and quit your job tomorrow, however you might think about asking for a raise, raising your rates if you are self employed or even consider sending out a few resumes. Recently my step-son called me because he had a delema. He had sent out four resumes just to test the market and see if anyone would want him. He got four job offers. He wasn't sure what to do? Hmmmm, I told him he needed to send out a few more resumes because he obviously has something to offer that others want!

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle