“Charge what you’re worth” sounds empowering…but it’s actually terrible advice.
Here’s why:
#1 – Your worth is incalculable, infinite and not for sale.
The whole concept of “charging your worth” confuses the offer with the person making it (you).
What you charge is not about you, and you are not a product for sale.
When you tie your price to your personal value, every no is a stab to the heart. You take it personally. If someone doesn’t buy, you beat yourself up and feel “unworthy.”
You might charge less than you actually want just to avoid rejection, or avoid making offers altogether.
Your price isn’t about YOU. It’s about your offer, how it’s positioned, and how people perceive the value of the result.
#2 – Pricing your services is a playful dance, not a self-worth contest.
Let’s imagine you’re selling delicious lemonade.
You set up your stand, hang a colorful sign advertising $5 a glass.
No one buys.
Does that mean you’re unworthy?
Does it mean no one wants your lemonade?
Nope.
They didn’t even taste it. Maybe they didn’t see your stand. Or maybe they misread your sign as, “Go suck a lemon.” 🍋
At this point, we don’t have enough information to know why people didn’t buy.
The response isn’t a reflection of your worth. It’s feedback.
So before you jump to conclusions about your worth that sting worse than lemon juice on a paper cut…
You get to play with your price, messaging, visuals delivery – without making it mean anything about you. (Because it doesn’t.)
Play. Experiment. Try shit.
I repeat: it’s not about you.
#3 – Don’t charge what you’re “worth.” Charge what you’d like to be paid.
Since pricing is a dance and it often takes some time to get a feel for the rhythm of your business, start by charging an amount you’re happy to receive.
Ask yourself:
What would I be happy to receive for this offer?
What number feels exciting and energizing?
This gives you something real to dial in, and builds
sustainable pricing that supports you and the people you serve.
Inside the IMPACT Membership this month, we’re diving deep into this with our theme: Play and Get Paid.
We’ve been exploring how to let go of self-doubt and price from joy, not fear—with the 90 Day Money Game as our playground.
Tomorrow is our Community Jam, where you’ll get to connect, practice pricing conversations, and find your rhythm in a supportive space.
Join us here to get the materials and be there live:
https://www.theawakenedbusiness.com/impactinvite/
See you in the sandbox.
Yours in love and play,
Steph
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