The Price Is Right

I apologize in advance if the title now has the game-show theme song stuck in your head. (A dear friend’s 4-year-old son is addicted to it, and plays it on repeat on her iPad. But it keeps him from getting into other trouble. Bless her).

This month in my group Mastermind, I’m talking with coachees about Money Mindset.

One concept that keeps coming up?

Price is subjective.

I’ve had some people tell me that I don’t charge enough, and other people express outrage that I would charge so much.

I’ve scoffed at paying $3 for an avocado at Whole Foods, but I’ve spent $12 on avocado toast at my favorite restaurant.

I know people who brag about $2 finds at a thrift store, then spend $5 on a 1-oz. bag of kale chips at Starbucks while in line to buy their $5 coffee.

Money is subjective. Price is subjective.

And you know what? That’s okay.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be so judgy about it.

Yes, as people with privilege (some more than others, but we’re in the U.S.; we all have privilege) it is important to be mindful and intentional about how we use money.

And: “shoulding” tends to actually double-down our our negative habits, so let’s shift to curiosity and some acceptance.

What does that look like?

As Ramit Sethi says, “Choose the things you love enough to spend extravagantly on— then cut costs mercilessly on things you don’t love.”

Again, for the people in the (ahem) cheap seats: Price is Subjective.

The price is always right, if your customers and clients believe it to be so.

How might this concept affect what you charge for your services or products?

Share in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.