You earn social status by displaying a trait or talent that others consider worthy of respect, so social status is more about what others see than what you actually have. Power can come from social status, but it can also come from within you, despite whether anyone considers it worthy of respect.

If you don’t discover and explore your power, your unique talents and assets, you unconsciously choose to associate with people who undermine you. You’ll find yourself in positions that don’t align with your strengths and needs.

Others can sense that misalignment, they can feel that something is not right, and that can make them feel small. When they feel small, they may want you to feel small too, and the situation gets worse.