Knowing Your Value (Lessons from The TV Series: Suits).

Knowing Your Value (Lessons from The TV Series: Suits).

In the world of the acclaimed TV series "Suits," Harvey Specter is the man who commands a staggering $1,000 per hour for his legal expertise. He's the epitome of charm and sophistication, always impeccably dressed and in peak physical condition. His connections span the city of New York and beyond, giving him an uncanny ability to pull just the right strings at the right time. But what really sets Harvey apart, what truly cements his place at the top of the legal world, is his unshakable understanding of his own worth.

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Harvey Specter didn't stumble into his successful, high-powered life by accident. Every step of his journey has been marked by intentionality, a clear focus on his goals, and an unwavering belief in his own value. Over the course of the series, Harvey's actions and decisions provide valuable lessons about self-worth, confidence, and success. This article aims to delve into those lessons, revealing how everyone can tap into their own potential by truly understanding and embracing their value, just like Harvey Specter.

In real life, just like in "Suits," understanding our own worth is paramount. It's an essential element that influences not just our professional trajectory but our personal lives as well. Our self-worth dictates how we manage our time, the decisions we make, and how we allow others to treat us. When we undervalue ourselves, we often find that our time and skills are undervalued by others as well. Conversely, when we recognize and embrace our worth, we set a standard that communicates to others how we expect to be treated.

"I don't have dreams, I have goals." ~Harvey Specter

Consider this: if we don't respect our own time, why should anyone else? Just as Harvey charges $1,000 per hour, each of us should have a keen understanding of the value of our time, skills, and expertise. It may not translate to a literal hourly rate, but it certainly impacts the opportunities we pursue, the relationships we nurture, and the boundaries we set. Recognizing our worth is not about arrogance or self-absorption; it's about acknowledging our strengths, our achievements, and our potential, enabling us to navigate life with confidence and purpose.

In this week's Monday Tip, I want to draw on the life lessons that reinforce the importance of knowing one's worth and how that alone would impact the many aspects of our professional and personal lives. Below are some of the lessons learned from the series.

Confidence is Key

The character of Harvey Specter is synonymous with confidence. He walks into every room as if he owns it, carrying himself with an assuredness that is palpable. This confidence isn't baseless bravado; it's firmly rooted in his clear understanding of his own worth. Harvey knows his strengths, his skill set, and what he brings to the table, and he isn't afraid to show it. For instance, in the show's pilot episode, Harvey takes a chance on Mike Ross not because of his legal qualifications but because of Mike's potential. He's confident in his ability to mold Mike into a great lawyer and to cover up his secret because he knows his influence in the firm and the legal field.

"When you're backed against the wall, break the goddamn thing down." ~Harvey Specter

In real life, the same principle applies. Confidence often stems from a strong sense of self-worth. When you know your value, you're able to carry yourself with a certain level of assuredness that others find compelling. This doesn't mean adopting a cocky or superior attitude. Instead, it's about recognizing your abilities and strengths and not being afraid to put them to use.

The importance of confidence is particularly evident in the professional realm. A confident employee is more likely to share their ideas, contribute meaningfully to team projects, and stand up for their work when necessary. They understand the value they bring to their team or company and aren't afraid to make it known. And just like Harvey, when you're confident in your worth, you're more likely to take calculated risks and make bold moves that could lead to bigger successes. Confidence, thus, is not just a personal trait; it's a reflection of how well you understand and leverage your worth.

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Always Be Prepared

One of Harvey Specter's most admirable qualities is his level of preparation. Whether it's a complex legal battle or a negotiation, Harvey always comes equipped with an arsenal of knowledge and a well-thought-out strategy. He personifies his belief that "The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary." He knows his worth not just in terms of his natural talents but also in his capacity to work hard and prepare meticulously. This preparation is a key ingredient in his success recipe, adding weight to his self-worth. For instance, in the series, we frequently see Harvey burning the midnight oil, scrutinizing case files, and playing out various scenarios to stay ahead of his opponents.

"The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary." ~Harvey Specter

In our own lives, this lesson from Harvey Specter is equally relevant. Knowing our worth is not just about understanding our innate talents or abilities, but also recognizing the value of our efforts and preparation. When we are thoroughly prepared, whether for a work presentation, a job interview, or a complex task, we not only increase our chances of success but also reaffirm our self-worth. The time and effort we invest in our preparation are reflections of how much we value our objectives and, by extension, our own worth.

Preparation is more than just hard work; it's a commitment to ourselves and our goals. It's about giving ourselves the best possible chance to succeed. Just as Harvey prepares meticulously for every case, we should approach our goals with a similar level of dedication and preparation. In doing so, we not only enhance our confidence but also reinforce our self-worth, reminding ourselves and others of the value we bring to the table.

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Maintain Integrity

Despite his reputation for bending the rules, Harvey Specter places a great deal of importance on maintaining his integrity. He has an unwavering set of core principles that guide his actions, no matter the situation. One striking example from the series is when Harvey refuses to represent Logan Sanders, a wealthy businessman willing to pay a hefty amount, because he's embroiled in an unethical business deal. For Harvey, upholding his values is more critical than any financial gain. This uncompromising stance on integrity underscores his understanding of his worth, which to him, extends beyond monetary value and into moral territory.

"I could agree with you, but then we'd be both wrong" ~Harvey Speter

In our lives, maintaining integrity is a clear testament to knowing our worth. When we have a clear sense of what is right and wrong, and we're not willing to compromise our principles, we're demonstrating that our value lies not just in what we can do, but also in who we are as individuals. It's about being true to ourselves, our beliefs, and standing firm even when faced with difficult choices or tempting shortcuts.

Furthermore, integrity instills trust and respect in others, which can bolster our self-worth. When we act with integrity, we show others that we are reliable, honest, and principled, traits that are highly valued in personal and professional relationships. Just as Harvey Specter's integrity defines his character in "Suits," our commitment to doing what's right speaks volumes about our own self-worth and how we want to be perceived by the world.

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Take Calculated Risks

Harvey Specter is known for his strategic mind and his willingness to take calculated risks. He's not one to shy away from a tough case or a high-stakes negotiation. One of the most significant risks he takes in the series is hiring Mike Ross, a brilliant but unlicensed lawyer. Despite the potential consequences, Harvey is confident in his ability to manage the risk because he understands his value and trusts his judgment. This example underlines the relationship between self-worth and risk-taking. Harvey knows his worth so well that he's comfortable taking on risks that others might avoid.

"You Always Have a Choice." ~Harvey Specter

In our own lives, the willingness to take risks often correlates with our understanding of our self-worth. When we truly know our value, we're more likely to step out of our comfort zones, try new things, and take on challenges that can lead to growth and success. Of course, this doesn't mean engaging in reckless behavior. Instead, it's about calculated risks – risks that we've thought through and determined to be worth taking, despite the potential for failure.

Taking risks also demonstrates confidence in our abilities and resilience. It shows that we believe in our potential to succeed and, equally importantly, in our ability to recover and learn should we fail. Just like Harvey, when we understand our worth, we're better equipped to handle the risks that come with chasing success. In doing so, we don't just advance in our careers or personal lives; we also reinforce our self-worth and empower ourselves to aim higher.

Embrace Change, Growth, and Cherish Relationships

Even with his hardened exterior, Harvey Specter is a character who undergoes significant personal growth and change throughout the series. A key aspect of this development is how he learns to cherish relationships. At the beginning of "Suits," Harvey appears to value independence above all, keeping a clear emotional distance from his colleagues. However, over time, he starts to appreciate the importance of relationships, both personal and professional. His relationships with Mike Ross, his protege, and Donna Paulsen, his secretary and later romantic partner, are testaments to his ability to embrace change and grow.

In a poignant instance, Harvey steps out of his comfort zone to protect Mike's secret, risking his career in the process. It's a moment of personal growth that also showcases his respect for their relationship. Another example is when he allows himself to pursue a romantic relationship with Donna, challenging his initial belief in keeping his personal and professional life separate.

"People evolve and it's important to not stop evolving just because you’ve reached 'adulthood.'" ~Harvey Specter

Similarly, in our lives, understanding our worth often goes hand-in-hand with embracing change, personal growth, and cherishing relationships. Knowing our worth isn't a static process but a dynamic one that evolves as we grow and change. As we learn, make mistakes, and gain experience, we refine our understanding of our value.

Moreover, the relationships we cherish can be a reflection of our self-worth. When we understand our value, we tend to foster relationships that reflect and respect that value. Just like Harvey, we may have to challenge our preconceived notions and comfort zones as we grow and learn to value relationships. By doing so, we not only enhance our personal and professional lives but also affirm our self-worth.

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In conclusion, Harvey Specter's character in the TV series "Suits" is an embodiment of self-worth, a testament to the power of understanding one's value. His unwavering confidence, diligent preparation, steadfast integrity, calculated risk-taking, and journey towards personal growth and cherishing relationships all reflect his deep-seated understanding of his worth. Yet, underlying all these facets is Harvey's remarkable commitment and hard work, crucial elements that make his success possible.

But the lessons from Harvey's life aren't confined to the world of "Suits." They hold equal weight in our reality. Each of us can ignite our own Harvey Specter-like potential by understanding our worth and backing it with unwavering commitment and hard work. Our self-worth helps us navigate life confidently, take on challenges, maintain our integrity, and foster meaningful relationships, while our dedication and hard work cement our path to achieving our goals.

The journey toward knowing our worth and realizing our aspirations isn't a leisurely stroll; it's a committed climb. It's about the constant hard work we put into improving ourselves, the time we spend learning and growing, the risks we take, and the values we uphold.

"It's not bragging if it's true." ~Harvey Specter

Finally, knowing our worth is more than just acknowledging our abilities and strengths. It's about understanding our value holistically in every aspect of our lives. With commitment, hard work, and a strong sense of self-worth, we can truly fulfill our potential and lead a successful life. Because when we recognize our worth and back it up with dedication and effort, we don't just meet our aspirations; we often surpass them, just like Harvey Specter.

Enjoy your week,

SC

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