Summary: The term “net worth” was invented by economists to assess financial value. Fine. Let them keep it in their spreadsheets. But somewhere along the way, society hijacked the term and started using it as a proxy for who matters and who doesn’t. Here is another way to think about “net worth.”
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
During our recent team conference call, the topic of the social media explosion sparked by Coldplay and its fans worldwide was discussed.
There is a lot of noise about what the ex-CEO, the head of Human Resources, or others in the family have as their “net worth.”
You made some interesting observations about how limited our thinking is when “net worth” is only about the money side of things.
I would love you to explore that in more detail.
Signed,
CPA
What’s your net worth?
Dear CPA,
Net worth has become the standard for success.
It’s a question that makes accountants perk up while therapists and coaches cringe.
The world hears that phrase and thinks: money, assets, portfolios, digits dancing in a digital bank vault.
But Here’s the Real Question: Why Do We Let a Spreadsheet Define a Soul?
For decades, we’ve linked our self-worth to our net worth, and spoiler alert, it’s been a terrible trade.
Which brings me to the elephant in the boardroom:
Quick History Check: If your net worth doesn’t measure your courage, creativity, kindness, or the lives you’ve touched, is it worth anything?
Let’s Talk Human Net Worth
Here’s a radical idea I propose we all try on for size (tailored, not off-the-rack):
Net worth Equals The Legacy You’re Living.
Think of it this way. It’s about:
The conversations you spark
The glimmers you act on
The stress you transform (not transmit)
The patterns you complete (not repeat)
The people you elevate just by showing up
Want to know your real net worth? Ask yourself:
“If the bank froze my assets today, would I still be proud of how I live, lead, and love?”
If the answer is “yes,” you’re richer than any billionaire hoarding yachts and stock options.
There’s real power in presence. Learn how intentional presence transforms culture.
A New Way to Keep Score (Hint: It’s Not on Wall Street)
Here’s a short checklist for calculating your Human Net Worth™
| Human Net Worth Factors | Scale 1–10 |
| Do I tell the truth, even when it’s hard? | |
| Do I listen to my gut and act from intuition? | |
| Do I contribute to others without expecting anything in return? | |
| Do I grow when I fail instead of shrinking? | |
| Do I make peace with my past so it doesn’t run my future? | |
| Do I pass on wisdom, not just wealth? |
Fill it in honestly. That’s your real worth. And it’s priceless.
From Metrics to Meaning
Let’s stop judging people by numbers they can lose in a market crash.
Let’s start seeing worth as how much love, insight, and integrity you circulate in the world.
You don’t have to burn your bank statements. However, please just remember: The most valuable things in life don’t come with a dollar sign.
The story of King Midas is a perfect fit here.
He had all the gold (today it might be bitcoin), real estate, and material goods imaginable.
Except!
He was told anything or anyone he touched would turn to gold.
Enter his little princess daughter, who runs into his arms.
And yup, she turns into a golden statue.
Decide What Kind of Life You Want to Live
Here is Your Call to Action:
Start a new conversation.
At dinner, at work, on LinkedIn, instead of “What do you do?” ask:
“What gives your life value right now?”
Let’s get people talking about net worth in a way that actually counts.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. I am starting a membership site in September. Want to be on the founders’ list? Send a personal email to sylvia@ceoptions.com.
