When someone asks “What do you do?” most of us reach for our resume. Job titles. Credentials. The work we’ve done. But that’s not your value – that’s just evidence of it.

Your value is who you are and what you bring to every interaction. It’s the expertise you’ve earned, the wisdom you’ve gathered, the unique way you show up in the world. And here’s the truth some people don’t want you to know or express: this value doesn’t diminish as you age. It increases. You’re vintage – getting better, more refined, more potent with time.

But if you can’t name your value clearly, you fumble in interviews. You undersell yourself in conversations. You let others define you. You walk into rooms uncertain of what you bring. The cost of not knowing your value is giving away your power.

Here’s how to discover exactly what your value is:

1. Sit down and write 300 words on your value. Write from your heart, off the top of your head. Don’t overthink it or edit it to death. Describe your value – not your accomplishments, but who you are and what you contribute.

2. Then edit those 300 words into two sentences. Distill the essence.

3. Refine those two sentences into one clear statement.

4. Finally, arrive at one factual and emotional word. Perhaps you’re resilient. Creative. Honest. Steadfast. Caring. Generous. Resourceful. Reliable. Grateful. Ethical.

Now watch out because here’s where resistance kicks in. That inner voice arrives, saying, “This feels arrogant. Who are you to claim this? You’re a fake.” Ignore it. Naming your value isn’t vanity – it’s truth. You’ve worked at it long enough. You’ve earned the right to claim it.

This single word is your superpower. You have a lifetime of facts and feelings to prove it. You have commitment backing it up. Your value is relevant and stable.

When you know your one word, everything changes. You introduce yourself with clarity. You negotiate from strength. You walk into rooms knowing exactly what you bring. You connect to others authentically because you’re not hiding or hedging – you’re shining.

This is why you’re valuable. This is who you are. This is what you offer the world.

The world needs your vintage value whether it knows it or not. You’re a vintage warrior. Honor what you’ve become. Tell your value story.

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

Please share this Daily.
This matters too – Vintage Isn’t Museum Time.

#2194