You Are Worthy

“Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy.” - Dr. Wayne Dyer

You have gifts to offer the world and those gifts create prosperity for you and for others. Do you believe this? What does that belief look like for you? Is it fully developed and are you sharing those gifts boldly? Or do you secretly believe it and keep those gifts hidden out of fear of judgement or a false sense of pride?

As a career and life transitions coach, I work with men and women who are striving toward a specific goal, identifying the next direction of their life, or upscaling their current career or life situation. They are brilliant and talented people who have already contributed much to their work, families, passions, and communities. When they come to me, ready to do their next thing, I believe that they can achieve their goal, will find their way, and that they have talents and gifts galore. I see it clear as day. Their friends and family see it. But do you know who doesn't see it? They don't see it. Sound familiar?

In the first session of my 8-Week Masterclass on business storytelling and confidence, I ask my students to come ready with a story about a time they just NAILED a moment in their life. It could be a moment from any aspect in their lives: career, hobby, relationship, parenting, etc... The stories they tell showcase their talents, skills, and efforts of great perseverance. However, often before they tell their story, the balk and say things like, "I just don't like sharing about the good things I do." "Talking about myself feels like bragging." "I have a hard time acknowledging the good work that I do." Sound familiar? It's okay; I've said the same thing!

Eventually, everyone shares their story and the fearful beginning moments turn into a feel-good celebration of each other's success and they walk away from the experience with a bit more self-confidence to go out and try something hard and big again because they've spent a moment acknowledging to themselves and then sharing with others about a time when they did well. Self-worth starts with acknowledging to yourself that you are good and do good work.

Quick Myth Buster: Self-worth does not come from outward success or other people's opinions of you. It comes from your belief in your own value. It also comes from a cultivated belief that it is okay to do well: It's okay to be good at what you do. It's okay to tell people about it so they can share with your joy with you. It's okay to shine and be you. You don't have to downplay your gifts. When we share about the good work we've done and the outcomes of that good work, those efforts and achievements inspire others to go after what they want and to share about the results so they can in turn, inspire others to do the same. It is one big butterfly effect of inspiration and growth. We need good in the world! You are the good!

I'd like to take you on a quick trip down the 1990's lane of great movies and use the Hero's Journey "Wayne's World" as an example of how feelings of self-worth and the ability to seize opportunity relate. Bear with me. I'll get there. :)

If you don't remember the movie, the two protagonists, Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) play two rock music fans with a relatively unknown public access television show who get the call to adventure by catching the eye of a big time producer who wants to turn them into big stars and bring their show to the prime time. As Wayne and Garth soon learn, while overnight success comes with its perks (like access to their favorite musical artists), it also has its drawbacks (losing creative control) and this is where the obstacles begin. Things get trickier when creative differences between producer and artists arise. Trouble ensues and Wayne and Garth hatch a brilliant plan to use their prime time opportunity to showcase a musician friend and also get out of a deal that wasn't working for them. In the end, they return back home (Wayne's parent's basement} having triumphed over the man by sneaking one past him and grateful to be back where they started.