9.11 Sonja Henie: Know Your Worth

“The world never puts a price on you higher than the one you put on yourself.” - Sonja Henie

Do you know how much you're worth?

Everyone wants to feel valued. Sonja Henie was a Norwegian figure skater and film star who became one of the most famous athletes and entertainers of the 20th century. She once said, “The world never puts a price on you higher than the one you put on yourself.”

You have the opportunity to set your own value first. Henie is saying that people around you will treat you based on how you treat yourself. If you carry yourself with confidence, discipline, and pride, others are more likely to respect you and see your worth too.

If you undervalue yourself—whether in sports, career, or life—others won’t raise the bar for you. They’ll take the cue from the standard you’ve set. Instead of waiting for the world to recognize your talent or give you opportunities, you claim your value first, and then the world follows that lead.

Know what your strengths are, invest in yourself and in your growth, and be willing and brave enough to communicate your value. Don’t assume people will notice your effort or talent—speak up about your work, results, and ideas.

Then, act like you belong. Carry yourself with confidence, even before you “feel” ready. Small signals—eye contact, posture, preparation—make others believe in your value too.

When you believe, prepare, and act like your value is high, you train others to see it that way too. When you believe in yourself and back it with your actions or play, others will believe in you too.

Question of the Day: How can you better know and show your value?