What Does Your Money Say About You? Probably Less Than You Think

Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough because your paycheck doesn’t measure up to someone else’s? Stop equating your value or your self-worth with a dollar amount. Society has made you believe that without money, you are nothing, or if you have a lot of money, you are somebody. Neither is true. Society has made us believe that our value as individuals is tied to our bank accounts. But you are worth more than you know, and no dollar amount can define you.

Well-meaning so-called money coaches post things on social media about knowing your self-worth because they sound good or they make a great meme. They encourage people to demand higher salaries or charge more for their services by claiming it’s tied to their self-worth. These coaches usually haven’t done research on Money-Based Emotions, so the advice isn’t helpful.

While this might sound empowering, it often leads to feelings of inadequacy when those financial goals aren’t met. Your value is not something that can be measured in dollars and cents. It’s far greater than that. In some ways, it’s more complex, but in other ways, it's super simple. You are more than your stats, bank account, or any other measurement. Your value and worth are tied more to who you are on the inside, not by any external factors.

You can break free from this self-defeating thought process and shift your Money Mentality to one that is rooted in who you are, not what you’ve done. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Price Based on Logic, Not Emotions: When considering how much to charge or earn, think about what makes sense given your experience, the market, and the scope of the work. This approach helps remove emotional stress from the equation.
   Also, think about the job or project long-term. It could be that the company you are working with doesn’t currently have the budget, but thinking long-term can get you to the amount you are looking for so that you can meet your financial goals and obligations.
2. Understand That Money Isn’t Everything: Having a meaningful life is more important than earning a lot of money. Focus on building a life filled with purpose, connection, and joy.
   Sometimes your financial goals come first, and you must hit your targets to get to your next level in life. However, this isn’t always the best decision long-term. Check your values; don’t lose your dignity or reputation for money. It usually isn’t worth it. However, I get it—reaching your goals is important, and if you are willing to take the risk, just be clear on what you are doing and be ready to forgive yourself later. That’s another Money-Based Emotional situation you’ll need to address later.
3. Celebrate Your Priceless Qualities: Ask yourself, “What makes me unique?” “What qualities do I naturally possess that add value to people’s lives?” The answer to this question will help you see past your money. Whether you have a little or a lot of money, when you see the other qualities that you hold in abundance, you begin to see yourself differently.
   For example, are you a generous person who is willing to share your time, energy, and money? Do you have a talent for supporting others? Do you find connecting people who need to meet easy? These qualities matter far more than your income, and they add value to the lives of others.

If you look at money logically, you’ll see that it goes in a cycle. I define the Money Cycle as: earn, grow, protect, gift, and enjoy money. Everyone has strengths and challenges in the areas of the Money Cycle. Recognizing yours can help you build a healthier relationship with money. If you focus on your strengths and pay attention to how your challenges trigger you, over time you can begin to shift away from the behavior that causes you stress.

Society has programmed you to put the focus on external factors, and that’s a big part of what’s causing you stress. Don't let society's standards convince you that your paycheck defines your value. Your worth is far greater than any monetary figure. Even if you are struggling to make ends meet financially, going from paycheck to paycheck or client to client if you are a business owner, remember money is a tool, not a measure of who you are.

Take a moment to reflect on your unique qualities and strengths. These traits hold far more value than any dollar amount ever could. While the world may try to reduce you to your financial worth, your true power lies in your ability to give, connect, and grow.

Reconcile your Money Emotions by exploring what truly fulfills you beyond money. Consider focusing on areas of the Money Cycle where you shine, but also remember it’s just what you do—it’s not who you are.

Your value is more about the values in your heart rather than the designer clothes on your back. Ultimately, your worth is immeasurable. There is nothing wrong with creating more money in your bank accounts and adding value to your assets, but never forget your value is inside of you. You don’t have to have a large bank account or paycheck. With or without those things—you are priceless!

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