EP187: Pixie Dust Pep Talk - You Don’t Need to Prove Your Worth
WHAT IF VALUE JUST IS?
Nothing to prove here!
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
We’re continuing the Pixie Dust Pep Talk series—short episodes with quick reminders about the human side of leadership. This time of year, in the heart of summer, things often feel overwhelming. These little sprinkles of leadership magic are here to offer you a pause, a breath, and a reflection.
This week’s reminder: You don’t need to prove your worth.
The Belief That Value Equals Output
Many of us were taught—explicitly or not—that our value is tied to what we do. That if we're not constantly producing or achieving something, we’re falling short.
As a Gen Xer, I absolutely grew up in a culture that praised productivity. “Do, do, do.” Multitasking was seen as admirable—even listed as a requirement in job postings! But now, I see multitasking as more of a cause for overwhelm than a badge of honor.
Our world still pushes the message that worth = output. And while I do see younger generations challenging that belief, the pressure remains.
A Personal Reckoning with Productivity and Identity
At this stage in my life, I’ve been taking a hard look at how much of my identity has been wrapped up in productivity and success. It’s a belief system I’m actively working to dismantle.
And if you’re in a leadership role, this pressure only intensifies. You feel responsible for people, results, and proving that your role matters—that you matter.
But here's what I want to offer you: You already matter.
Worth Isn’t Tied to Output
Your worth is not found in your calendar, inbox, revenue, performance reviews, or how many hours you work.
You are worthy because you exist. Because you show up in this complex, uncertain world, doing your best to lead and be a good human. That’s enough.
FaceTime and Over-Functioning
I remember starting my career in hospitality in the mid-90s. A 50-hour workweek was the minimum—and there was this unspoken concept called FaceTime. You had to be seen at work. Even if your workload was light, you still stayed long hours to be visible, to prove your commitment, your loyalty, your promotability.
Later in my career, I worked so hard to prove that my introverted preference—my “green energy” in the Insights Discovery world—wasn’t a weakness. That my reflective, feeling-focused nature didn’t make me less of a leader.
All of that energy went into proving I was valuable instead of believing in the value I brought.
What did that look like? Overscheduling. Overpreparing. Overfunctioning. People-pleasing. Never settling for less than A+ work. And honestly—it was exhausting.
There was fear behind it. Fear that being quiet meant I looked lazy. That delegating looked like weakness. That saying “I don’t know” meant I was unqualified.
From Proving to Presence
But here’s the truth: When we show up with presence instead of proof, something shifts.
You spend less energy worrying about what others think—and more energy actually contributing, authentically and confidently.
This creates space for others to rise. It helps your team flourish. It deepens your influence. And it brings you peace.
You Are the Place
I now understand my worth isn’t tied to how much I produce. And I want you to know that, too.
You don’t have to earn your place. You are the place.
That is the kind of leadership we need more of.
What Do You Think?
Where are you trying to prove something right now? What would change if you stopped? What if you trusted that who you are - and how you show up - is already enough?
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