How to Own Your Worth

Imagine, for a second, what would happen at your job, your home, and with your family if you decided to just quit everything.
How long would it take before things fell apart?
Not long, I bet. You’re probably the key reason why things run smoothly. The linchpin. The cornerstone.
So why do women often undervalue what we do?
​You probably worry that people won’t like you, that you’ll be seen as too pushy, or that your work should speak for itself...which is why you don’t take up the space you deserve.
I know because I’ve done this for most of my life.
And...I’m done.
I'm done with being overly accommodating and self-deprecating because I've learned from nearly two decades in my career that it doesn't get me anywhere. I've left tons of money on the table by accepting initial job offers simply because I felt "honored" they wanted me. No one is going to negotiate for me. I've got to do it.
At home, I used to make sure that everyone had what they needed before I'd take care of myself. A lot of women do this naturally but there are men who do it too. Now that my kids are teenagers, I don't need to be the full-time caretaker so much because frankly, they take advantage of mom doing the laundry, making their lunches, or running errands for them. It was exhausting...plus, it's a perfect opportunity for them to learn how to adult.
So, I’m owning my worth—and here's how you can too:

• Make a list of everything you're good at and take the time to really “own” each one. You may think organization skills or follow up is not all that valuable but let me tell you, I rarely see people do it. Yet, it's absolutely needed to ensure that projects or initiatives succeed. I'm good at those things, and my employer and boss need to see the results from my work so, I tell them about it. Many people undervalue what they do to raise kids or manage a home. These skills are transferrable to the workplace! 

• Be conscious of times when you undervalue yourself. Do people compliment you on a job well done and you say something like, “Oh, it was no big deal.” If so, you're undervaluing yourself without even knowing it. Instead, say, “Thank you," and leave it at that. Don't downplay your contributions whether you're at work or at home. I want you to try this—believe me, you’ll see a difference immediately.
• Ask for what you deserve, whether it’s more money or even more time to do what you need to do. I used to overcommit on project deadlines, kill myself to get it done, and never complain...well, people ended up expecting me to do MORE! Sound like you? Don't try to get ahead in your career by pleasing demanding people. Because you can't make everyone happy. Simply do what you do well and ask for what you need to do the job. Guess what? This works at home too.
• Speak up when you feel strongly about the best way to accomplish a goal. I used to just nod my head and follow more assertive personalities even though I knew there was a better way. If you’re confident in your solution, don’t go with the flow. Give reasons why the goal may be better accomplished by considering another strategy that you've seen work and give examples of it working.

​Since I've been implementing these changes, I've seen that the majority of people I work with, and my family, respect me for owning my value. Is it time for you to do the same?

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