Have you ever asked yourself: Do I truly know my value? For many, the answer is uncertain—or even a flat “no.” This struggle, which is more common than we might think, is widespread among professionals who pour so much of themselves into their work but fail to recognise the true impact they make.
Why is this such a common issue?
1. We’re Conditioned to Downplay Ourselves
From a young age, many of us are taught to be humble: “Don’t brag,” “Don’t show off,” “Don’t make a fuss.” While humility is admirable, it often morphs into an inability to acknowledge our worth.
We brush off compliments, downplay achievements, and focus on what we lack rather than what we bring. Imagine a colleague praises your leadership on a project, and you respond, “It wasn’t a big deal; anyone could’ve done it.” We undermine our value each time we minimise our contributions.
2. The Fear of Rejection
Many people undervalue themselves because they fear the consequences of being bold about their worth.
Will clients leave if I raise my rates? Will my boss think I’m overconfident if I ask for a promotion? These fears often stop us from advocating for ourselves.
For example: A consultant hesitated to increase their fees, fearing clients might leave. But when they communicated the value they delivered, clients didn’t just accept the higher rates—they respected the confidence behind them. Similarly, a marketing executive who was hesitant to pitch a bold campaign idea to their boss found that the idea was not only well-received but also led to a significant increase in the company’s revenue.
3. Lack of Boundaries
When you don’t set boundaries, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of over-giving and under-charging.
You say “yes” to tasks that stretch you too thin, agree to lower fees to please others or take on more than your fair share. Over time, this erodes your sense of worth because you’re so focused on meeting others’ needs that you neglect your own.
Example: A business owner who constantly discounted their services to attract clients realised they were exhausted and resentful. Setting firm pricing and saying “no” to non-aligned opportunities restored their confidence and clarity.
4. Comparison and Impostor Syndrome
In a world dominated by social media, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling short. We compare our behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel. Add impostor syndrome—the persistent feeling that you’re not good enough despite evidence to the contrary—and you have a recipe for undervaluing yourself.
Example: A professional with years of experience doubted their expertise after seeing peers winning new business and awards. It wasn’t until they listed their own achievements that they realised how much they had accomplished and the value of their impact on clients.
5. A Misunderstanding of Impact
Many people measure their value solely by tangible results—money made, goals achieved, or products delivered. While these are important, they don’t tell the full story.
Value is also about the intangible impact you create—the difference you make in people’s lives, the inspiration you provide, and the relationships you nurture.
Example: A mentor who supported a junior colleague through a tough career decision might not see this as “value.” But to that colleague, their guidance was transformative.
So, How Do You Start Knowing Your Value?
✅ Reflect on Your Achievements: Write down your big and small wins and revisit them often. Use these insights to articulate your impact in conversations with clients and colleagues or during performance reviews.
✅ Ask for Feedback: Sometimes, others can see your value more clearly than you can. Ask trusted colleagues, clients, or friends what they value most about you or where you shine without even knowing it.
✅ Set Boundaries: Practice saying “no” when something doesn’t align with your goals or worth. Remember, boundaries protect your energy and reinforce your value.
✅ Change the Narrative: Instead of focusing on what you lack, highlight what you bring to the table. For instance, if you think, “I don’t have as much experience as others,” reframe it to, “I bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.”
When you understand your value, you show up differently. You negotiate differently. You build relationships differently. It isn’t about arrogance—it’s about confidence, being authentic and recognising that you bring something unique and meaningful to the world.
