Know your worth

I recently went to a show with a good friend of mine who has been my go-to for music advice since I met him. Before the show, we were talking about my gigging around town, when he told me, “You are worth much more than you think you are.” It was honestly the first time I had to stop & think about how I monetize my talent.

It was a bit of a wake-up call, in a good way. My friend made me realize that my talent is much more than I’m letting on. He told me that there are other opportunities that will allow me to spread my wings and earn more. I have been settling for brunch gigs that don’t pay well, and honestly aren’t really worth the time and effort that I put into them. These coffee shop gigs were what got my foot in the door, how I got more comfortable being in front of people, and allowed me to get more experience singing to small crowds. I got so comfortable that I didn’t think I was worth more.

I saw the same thing in a friend of mine. She was told that she would get a raise at her job if she completed a certification. Well, 3 months after she passed that certification, she still hadn’t received her raise. When she confronted her bosses about it, they told her they had changed the team handbook protocol. We had the same conversation– she is worth so much more to the company than she realizes.

But it’s more than just worth in regards to money. It’s emotional & physical self-worth. There are so many women and girls who think they are not special enough, loved enough, talented enough, etc to go for their dreams.

So what are we doing wrong? Why do we have such a hard time realizing our own worth? I think it’s particularly prominent in women because we naturally set higher standards for ourselves. We also want to make sure we are fulfilling 100% of our expectations when it comes to our jobs & life & dreams (read more about expectations here.) Here are some tips to remember your worth:

1. Update your resume. Even if you’re not actively looking for a new job, it helps to write down everything you do. Your day to day may seem mundane, but when you review & reflect on what exactly your daily tasks are, you realize how much you really accomplish within your day.

2. Reflect inward. Ask yourself these questions: What do you like most about yourself? What is something that sets you apart? What are your abilities? What are your strengths? (On the flip side, it’s also important to ask yourself what your weaknesses are so that you can take steps to work on them!)

3. Write these words down on a sticky note, put it on your mirror, & repeat them every day: You are beautiful. You are loved. You are important.