I officially became a group fitness instructor in 2011 as I learned to become healthier.

My mom passed away three months before my daughter was born in 2009. As her primary caregiver, I was not putting time and effort into myself, especially since I was also in school full time, preparing to apply to Physician Assistant School through the military.

As my journey progressed, I did more individual coaching as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. I wanted to help people with all aspects of life, not just working out. This is why I also became a certified health coach.

I began my online coaching journey as a necessity to help more people, have the time to be a mom, wife, and business owner, and finish my master’s degree.

In 2019, after moving back to Jacksonville, Florida, I realized quickly I needed to stand out more in a saturated market. I began hiring “gurus” to help me. I took a marketing course through the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center.

I remember the instructor telling me that to meet the needs of the regular everyday person who needed my services, I couldn’t stand out or show that I was also into bodybuilding and helping athletes become elite athletes.

In business ownership and service provision, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly chasing clients, trying to prove your worth, and feeling like you're on an endless treadmill. Many entrepreneurs and service providers are in this cycle, desperately seeking client validation and worrying about where the next paycheck will come from. But what if I told you there's a more liberating way to approach your business that involves valuing yourself and allowing your true worth to shine?

The pursuit of self-worth and recognition in your industry can be exhausting. It often leads to burnout, stress, and never genuinely feeling good enough. However, a profound shift can occur when you shift your focus from chasing clients to valuing yourself first.

Embracing Your Value

Valuing yourself begins with a mindset shift. It's about recognizing your unique skills, talents, and expertise and acknowledging that these qualities hold tremendous value. As a business owner or service provider, you bring something special that no one else can replicate.

Start by listing your skills, experiences, and achievements. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge the challenges you've overcome and the knowledge you've gained. These are the building blocks of your self-worth.

The Freedom in Self-Value

When you truly value yourself and your capabilities, something remarkable happens—you stop chasing clients. Instead, you attract them. Here's why:

1. Confidence is Attractive:

Confidence is magnetic. When you value yourself, it shows how you present yourself and your business. Potential clients are naturally drawn to confident and capable individuals who exude self-assuredness.

2. Authenticity Resonates:

People are attracted to authenticity. When you embrace your self-worth, you become more authentic in your interactions. Clients appreciate honesty and transparency and are likelier to trust and choose a genuine service provider.

3. Boundaries Become Clear:

Valuing yourself means setting clear boundaries. You no longer accept every project or client that comes your way out of desperation. Instead, you prioritize projects that align with your values, expertise, and vision. This not only ensures better outcomes but also reduces stress and burnout.

4. Your Niche Finds You:

As you stop chasing clients and focus on valuing yourself, you naturally attract clients who resonate with your unique offering. Your niche audience recognizes your expertise and seeks you out because they believe in your value.

The Ripple Effect

Valuing yourself doesn't just benefit you; it has a ripple effect on your business and your life:

1. Increased Productivity:

With confidence and clarity, you become more productive. You spend less time second-guessing and more time delivering exceptional results.

2. Better Work-Life Balance:

You can achieve a healthier work-life balance when you're no longer in a constant state of client-chasing. You have the freedom to set your schedule and prioritize self-care.

3. Elevated Reputation:

Your reputation as a confident and capable service provider grows. Clients refer others to you, and your business gains momentum without relentless self-promotion.

4. True Freedom:

The ultimate freedom lies in knowing your value and allowing it to speak for itself. You no longer need external validation to feel successful. Your sense of self-worth is self-sustaining.

In conclusion, the journey from client-chasing to self-valuing is transformative. A shift in mindset and approach leads to greater freedom, both in your business and your life. When you value yourself, you attract the right clients, set clear boundaries, and experience the true essence of entrepreneurial freedom. So, please take a moment today to acknowledge your worth and watch as the world recognizes it.

Here are some follow-on resources to help you in your journey. Just remember, at the end of the day, we are changing lives on a massive level. That is valuable. Value yourself, and others will value you too. This is a reminder to myself. I hope you benefit from that reminder also.

1. "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown explores the importance of embracing vulnerability and imperfection, which can be powerful tools in building self-worth.

2. "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown - Another insightful book by Brené Brown that delves into how vulnerability can lead to greater self-worth and authenticity.

3. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries - This book offers practical advice on building a successful business by focusing on value creation and continuous improvement.

4. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz - This book guides personal growth and self-awareness, helping readers develop a strong sense of self-worth.

5. "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown - Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and align your business with your values, leading to a stronger sense of purpose and worth.

6. "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks - Explore the "upper limit" concept and how to overcome self-imposed limitations to achieve tremendous success and self-worth.

7. Online Courses and Workshops - Consider enrolling in personal development and business courses focusing on self-worth, confidence, and entrepreneurship. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer various courses in these areas.

8. Coaching and Mentorship Programs - Seek coaches or mentors specializing in personal development, entrepreneurship, or building self-worth. They can provide valuable guidance and support on your journey.

9. Networking Groups and Communities - Join online or local business and entrepreneurial communities to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and gain inspiration.

10. Professional Associations - Explore associations related to your industry or expertise. They often provide resources, events, and networking opportunities to help you grow in your career and recognize your value.

Remember that personal growth and recognizing your self-worth are ongoing journeys. These resources can serve as valuable guides and references as you develop as a business owner and service provider.

Want to discuss and be part of a supportive, engaging community?

Join me inside the Jodi Watkins’ Life, Health, and Unforced Leadership community today: https://jodi-watkins.convenecommunities.com/guest/905.