self worth

What’s Your Value? 9 Billion or Zero?

|

What’s your value? Are you worth 9 billion, or are you worth nothing? Our perception is our reality. Some of us run businesses that create immense, life-changing value. Take, for example, those who dedicate themselves to helping autistic children—a gift so priceless it transcends any monetary measure. Yet, it’s amazing how often we overlook the true worth of what’s offered.

Then there are figures like Tony Robbins. He streamlined processes like NLP and even began his journey by pioneering ideas such as the “Fit for Life” concept from Harvey and Marie Diamond. He charges a premium—sometimes, simply attending his virtual sessions costs as much as $10,000. This is a stark reminder that value isn’t solely about tangible products; it’s also about the perception of success and expertise. Today, that perception is often shaped by a well-produced YouTube video or a glitzy website.

I’d venture to say that we all fall somewhere on that sliding scale. In my own business, I see it every day. Many of the doctors I admire, who rank highly on Google, offer procedures that come with real risks. Their glowing five-star averages often hide one-star reviews detailing everything from injuries caused by ultrasound on the face to freezing fat on the body that leads to paradoxical hyperplasia—not to mention RF microneedling, which carries the risk of scars. It begs the question: What do we truly offer, and more importantly, what is it really worth?

I’ve noticed that most people tend to undervalue what they bring to the table, while others overinflate their worth. Whether it’s a true con artist like Elizabeth Holmes, who swindled billions by claiming Theranos could run 100 blood tests on a single drop of blood, or someone like Bernie Madoff, there’s nothing inherently wrong with charging a high price for what you’re offering—if you’re delivering real value. It’s all about speaking loudly and confidently about what you bring to the world.

At the end of the day, our value is defined not by someone else’s perception but by our own belief in what we offer. So ask yourself: What do you offer? And more importantly, what is it truly worth? Embrace your worth, speak up for it, and never shy away from claiming the unique value that only you can bring.

PS: The movie The Dropout about Theranos really drove that point home and opened my eyes. It’s astounding to think that household names like Larry Ellison of Oracle, George Schultz, Walgreens, and so many others were taken in by the deception. Perception is reality.

Self Confidence: Outdated Beliefs: vs taking Responsibility for Who You Are Today

| johnas9000

We all carry messages from our past that continue to influence us today—whether we realize it or not. These messages often come from our parents, teachers, or other significant figures in our early lives. Even church which teaches humility. Sometimes, these beliefs are so ingrained that we don’t even question them, even when they seem absurd in hindsight. But holding onto these outdated beliefs can be a form of self-sabotage. To articulate, “I am this way because of my parents” or “what someone said in the past” is crazy talk.

How many times have you heard a stupid story told by a friend where they were so humiliated or embarrassed at school? Let me help you out a little, that too is crazy talk. You cant go back to that now dead teacher and ask her not to make fun of you or whatever happened and change it.

There is evidence that every time we recall a memory it changes. So it is more likely that you can modify or change your memory because you literally do it anyway, every time you recall a memory.

For example, I vividly remember how my parents never gave compliments. One day, my mother came home from tennis, complaining about her partner who constantly praised her children. She told me it was obnoxious, and I questioned, “What’s wrong with that?” Those children will grow up believing in themselves, landing the best jobs, finding great partners, and living wonderful lives. But for my parents, compliments were taboo, sacrilegious and absolutely non existent.

In business, I relinquished my salary and went into sales to be paid commission only because I didnt want to be the idiot son since it was my father’s business. I acquired three to five million in sales, for many years. For perspective commissions at that time went as high as 25%. I also took over as CEO. I hired the top technical expert from California. We went on to help write the standards for PDF and transmitted the first PDF to Time magazine. I hosted educational seminars at the Harvard Club for the advertising agencies, bringing in companies like DuPont, Adobe, and Time Magazine to educate. Despite these accomplishments, my father never gave me a single compliment. The closest I got was hearing from my CFO that my father mentioned once that he thought I was doing a good job.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “If only I had received more praise, I’d have more confidence today,” or actually saying, “This is why I am the way I am.” But that’s crazy talk. At some point, we have to take responsibility for who we are now. We can’t change the past—unless you’re willing to exhume some bodies—but we can change who we are today, how we let it affect us, or totally discard those notions.

There are a few ways to move beyond these old messages:

Take Responsibility: First and foremost, take responsibility for who you are today. No matter what happened in the past, you have the power to shape your future. And you choose your identity every single day when you wake up.

Play with Hypnosis or Subconscious Techniques: If you’re interested, you can use techniques like hypnosis to reprogram your subconscious mind. There are some great methods for imagining or rewriting your past.

Imagine a Different Past: You can also use a technique inspired by Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Just as Scrooge revisits Christmas past, present, and future, you can imagine a different past for yourself—one where you received the praise and recognition you deserved. Simply pretend, imagine a different childhood. Ask yourself, what if they said I was the smartest, most capable, attractive person that everyone wants to work with and or be with, how would you feel?

Ultimately, we need to get over these outdated beliefs and take control of our lives. The past may have shaped us, but it doesn’t have to define us.

PS Dont forget the most famous, successful iconic people of all times do not have any initials after their name. In case you forgot, a few notable drop outs, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Bill Gates, So if you even have a college degree you have more status recognition or diplomas then quite a few and if you even graduated High School you have one more degree than Richard Branson and Quentin Tarantino.